International RIIZE Fans Mocked After Protest Against Seunghan’s Departure Goes Wrong
RIIZE‘s international fanbases — who are mostly OT7 and in favor of Seunghan returning to the group — have recently made several attempts to protest the former member’s removal. However, something went very wrong with their most recent protest.
A fanbase created by the group’s American fans recently attempted to send trucks to one of RIIZE’s brand deals with National Geographic Apparel, asking for the return of member Seunghan. However, some of the trucks were mistakenly taken to the wrong address, in front of a building associated with the Discovery brand instead.
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The trucks reportedly contained messages thanking RIIZE’s brand partners for their support, but requesting they disassociate from the group’s agency, SM Entertainment, due to alleged failures in protecting artists from bullying. The fans hoped to “amplify their noise” and demand Seunghan’s return to the group.
We would like to request you not affiliate yourselves with SM as they go against the brand’s policy regarding bullying. The company’s failure to protect their artists proves their negligence. As a trusted brand please help us amplify our noise and demand the return of Seunghan to RIIZE. Sales are expected to rise next quarter with the return of Seunghan.
— RIIZEUSACENTRE via X (formerly known as Twitter)
We sent our truck to two brands today,
( *discovery 서울특별시 강남구 언주로 541 에프앤에프빌딩서울특별시 동대문구 천호대로 64 동아제약)
The words displayed on the truck were:
"As your consumers we thank you for supporting Riize,however we would like to request you to not… pic.twitter.com/t9MR06xr4e— RIIZEUSA (@RIIZEUSACENTRE) October 30, 2024
While the intended message was conveyed via a second truck sent to the correct location (according to the organisers), the initial mix-up has gone viral online, drawing mockery from Korean netizens — who are opposed to Seunghan’s return.
- “Looks like a solo debut isn’t even happening.”
- “Wait, do they even know where they’re going? This is so funny.”
- “Discovery: What’s this? Who are you?”
- “Saw the title and thought, ‘What’s going on?’ so I clicked in.”
- “Did the truck driver enter the wrong address? “
- “Wait, in my head, Byun Woo Seok is for Discovery ads… isn’t RISE for National Geographic? I came in thinking that, but… no way.”
- “What a waste of money “
- “What are they even doing? Are they trying to be funny or something?”
The organizers have since addressed the mistake, clarifying that the initial address was provided by their Korean fanbase and that “mistakes can happen.” They promised they would be sending more trucks the following day after double-checking the addresses.
However, the organizers also defiantly dismissed the criticism, saying they “do not care about OT6 [fans’] opinions” and that “the whole world is literally mocking them, and they’re an embarrassment to the K-Pop community!”
Hey guys i just took a break from working and came back to our notifications blowing up,we would like to clarify that the address was sent by our korean fanbase however we don't blame anyone since mistakes can happen,the 2nd truck was sent to the right location so our message was…
— RIIZEUSA (@RIIZEUSACENTRE) October 30, 2024
Even though weeks have passed since Seunghan’s departure, the tension between RIIZE fans and SM Entertainment continues to grow. It remains to be seen how this will impact the group’s career moving forward.
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