Seunghan’s recent departure from the K-pop group RIIZE has sparked a powerful response among fans, both in South Korea and globally. As news of his exit spread, the fandom found themselves grappling with a mix of emotions, leading to a division among fans regarding their support for Seunghan’s future with the group. Some fans staunchly advocate for his return, while others believe it would be best for him to leave RIIZE altogether.
In Korea, the reactions have been notably polarized, with fans actively voicing their opinions and taking concrete actions to demonstrate their support. Alice, an international fan, expressed her perspective on the sentiments surrounding the situation: “There are two kinds of reactions: those supporting his return and those wanting his definitive departure from the group. Both sides are highly motivated to be heard and are taking real actions beyond mere words.” This dichotomy highlights the passionate nature of K-pop fandom, where every opinion can feel amplified and deeply personal.
Amidst the chaos, many international fanbases have stepped up to support Seunghan directly. Lex, a dedicated Filipino fan and organizer of a support project, shared the efforts her community is making to stand in solidarity with Seunghan. “Initially, we just wanted to contribute to the Korean fanbase’s truck support because we didn’t think we could raise enough money for one truck, which costs ₱26,000. I posted on X (formerly Twitter) to ask for volunteers to help raise funds, and fortunately, I was able to form a volunteer group that has been incredibly helpful and enthusiastic.”
Lex’s project has since secured two trucks to provide support for Seunghan, with plans for a third, showcasing the collective effort of the OT7 Filipino BRIIZE community. “Fans who want to contribute can send any amount via GCash, Maya, PayPal, or bank transfer. We created a Google Form where fans can submit their donations and receipts, ensuring transparency in our fundraising efforts.” This initiative illustrates the lengths to which fans will go to show their support, reinforcing the notion that the community is strong and united in its mission.
The issue surrounding Seunghan’s treatment has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom feel a personal connection to the idol. Lex expressed her frustration, stating, “This issue has been dragging on for over 10 months. We are furious about the bullying and mistreatment he’s receiving, and that kind of behavior should not be tolerated.” The emotional toll of the situation has prompted many fans to take a stand, leading to organized boycotts of RIIZE and a mass unfollowing of their social media accounts. This level of activism showcases the profound impact K-pop idols have on their fans and the lengths to which those fans will go to protect them.
Alice highlighted the disparity between reactions from Korean and international fans, noting that the Korean fanbase has been visibly active in their protests. “Some Korean fans put funeral flowers in front of SM’s building as a form of protest, but that doesn’t mean that all of them think the same way,” she remarked. She continued, “You can see a lot of support messages in Korean on his birthday ad in the subway, showing that there is a strong desire for him to return.” Meanwhile, international fans, the RIIZE fandom, and supporters from other fandoms are uniting to defend him, which has resulted in coordinated efforts to organize a boycott of RIIZE. This cross-fandom solidarity emphasizes how interconnected the global K-pop community has become, as fans rally around a shared cause.
Photo from: @_jaylice
Both Lex and Alice expressed their hopes for Seunghan’s future within the group, underscoring the importance of a supportive environment for artists. Lex passionately stated, “At this point, I just want to see Seunghan back in the group. I want him to live the life he wants and to perform on stage again. Seunghan is a very dedicated person, and he truly loves his craft.” She added, “I hope that SM listens to us because the echoes of mourning are louder than the screams of Korean fans. We, as international fans, deserve to be heard too.”
As the situation continues to unfold, fans are left waiting for a response from SM Entertainment regarding their next steps. Alice pointed out, “We are eagerly awaiting a reaction from them. The last update was their announcement of his definitive departure, but we are still waiting for any new releases.” This anticipation reflects the desire for resolution and acknowledgment from the company, highlighting the fans’ vested interest in the well-being of the artists they support.
The solidarity and activism exhibited by fans in response to Seunghan’s departure demonstrate a profound commitment to their idols. As they call for accountability and better treatment within the industry, it is clear that K-pop fandoms are evolving into more organized and empowered communities. The growing support for Seunghan signifies a shift in public opinion, with fans advocating for their idols’ rights and humanity.
In the face of adversity, the K-pop fandom has shown that their collective voice can be a powerful force for change. As they continue to rally for Seunghan and fight against the toxic culture surrounding idol treatment, fans hope that this momentum leads to a safer and more respectful environment for artists in the K-pop industry. The future remains uncertain, but the dedication and support of fans like Lex and Alice are a testament to the strength of the community and its unwavering commitment to advocating for their beloved idols.
onemediaaccess.global
Interview by: One Media Access
Interviewee: @wonbinseok & @_jaylice
onemediaaccess.global 
Leave a reply to Angel Cancel reply