ELLE Korea's New RIIZE Magazine Covers Trigger Reactions

Yesterday, ELLE Korea teased the cover stars who would celebrate the magazine’s 32nd anniversary.

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A post shared by ELLE KOREA 엘르 코리아 (@ellekorea)

Today, ELLE Korea revealed that RIIZE is the “special star” featured on the cover of the magazine’s November issue. ELLE Korea released three covers featuring RIIZE. Other versions also include Stray Kids‘ Felix, actress Jun Ji Hyun, and actor Gong Yoo.

Let me Introduce the special cover star of ELLE Korea November issue, RIIZE. Stay tuned for more photoshoots, interviews and YouTube videos of them.

— ELLE Korea

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This magazine cover reveal is coming shortly after Seunghan‘s departure from RIIZE was announced. This decision was made within 48 hours after it was announced he would return after a 10-month hiatus. Many international fans have been left confused and heartbroken as a result. Seunghan’s departure from the group appeared to be a result of SM Entertainment giving in to bullying from some Korean fans who protested his return, sending funeral wreaths to the company, as they were angry about his pre-debut lifestyle, as it had been revealed he had a girlfriend and smoked.

DUE TO THE INJUSTICE OF RIIZE. #JUSTICE_FOR_SEUNGHAN #AlwaysWithSeunghan #SMSupportsBullying #SEUNGHAN #홍승한 @RIIZE_official #BOYCOTTSM @SMTOWNGLOBAL pic.twitter.com/Soq5upQqhB

— hana! 𝝑𝝔 | sungholover 🍀 (@heepurinz) October 13, 2024

International fans are now protesting and boycotting RIIZE and SM Entertainment unless Seunghan returns. So, when fans saw ELLE Korea‘s posts featuring RIIZE, they were divided. Most international fans commented, “RIIZE is 7,” as the group appeared with only six members. Some Korean fans praised their appearance and even commented, “RIIZE is 6.”

International fans were especially outraged by the magazine releasing the multiple covers of RIIZE, while many are boycotting. Many K-Pop stores have even released statements, joining the boycott and promising not to stock RIIZE products.

Some fans also pointed out that one magazine cover featured a large polar bear alongside the members, and they couldn’t help but feel it was in Seunghan’s place.