RIIZE Fans Flood SM Entertainment with Protest Wreaths Over Seunghan's Return!

In a surprising turn of events on October 11, 2024, SM Entertainment announced that Seunghan, the member of the boy group RIIZE, would be rejoining group activities after nearly a year-long hiatus. His break began in November 2023, after which fans awaited his return with mixed emotions.

While a significant portion of the fanbase celebrated the news, a vocal group of supporters aired their dissent in an unconventional way: by sending a flurry of protest wreaths to the SM Entertainment headquarters. The message was clear, as many wreaths bore statements like, “RIIZE is 6. Hong Seunghan Out,” and “Freeloader Hong Seunghan OUT.” This unexpected strategy shocked observers and fans alike, highlighting the division within the fandom.

As the day progressed, the number of wreaths continued to multiply, with the delivery area near SM Entertainment becoming a bustling scene of floral protests. The sheer volume of deliveries caused a logistical chaos for the delivery company, which ultimately issued an emergency notice informing customers that no further orders could be fulfilled for the day. Their message read: “Due to a surge in orders, we will close orders for delivery to SM Entertainment... Sorry for the inconvenience.”

This wave of protest wreaths underscores a growing sentiment among some fans who feel strongly against Seunghan's return to RIIZE. Their activism highlights a broader trend in K-pop fandoms, where loyalty and team dynamics can provoke intense emotions and actions. As debates continue about the appropriateness of his return, it remains to be seen how this will impact RIIZE's future activities and their overall fan support.

The incident opens up a larger conversation about the relationships between artists, management, and fans in the K-pop industry, suggesting that the battle lines may not just be drawn between groups of fans, but also between the company’s decisions and the expectations of dedicated listeners.

Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story, as the situation develops and the fan reactions take new and unpredictable turns!