Fans of RIIZE Voice Opposition to Seunghan’s Return: A Divisive Move by SM Entertainment?
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| Fans of RIIZE Voice Opposition to Seunghan’s Return: A Divisive Move by SM Entertainment? |
On October 12, KST, the official fan club of the boy group RIIZE, known as BRIIZE, released a joint statement opposing the return of member Hong Seunghan. The statement, made in response to SM Entertainment’s announcement of Seunghan’s comeback, expressed a deep frustration within the fandom, citing the decision as both illogical and damaging to the group’s current success.
A Betrayal of Trust
BRIIZE’s main concern revolves around Seunghan’s long period of absence from the group. Since RIIZE’s debut, Seunghan has been inactive for a significant portion of their career. The statement highlighted that RIIZE’s current achievements have been solely the result of the efforts of its six active members—Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton—and the unwavering support of their fans. As a result, many fans now view Seunghan as an outsider, with some BRIIZE members seeing him as a burden rather than an asset.
"Seunghan has contributed nothing to RIIZE’s current position," the statement declared, pointing out that the fandom has grown accustomed to a 6-member RIIZE, and the sudden shift to a 7-member lineup was seen as a betrayal of consumer trust. The fan club voiced concerns over how Seunghan’s reintroduction might hinder the well-earned success of the six remaining members, framing his return as an act of free-riding on their achievements.
BRIIZE’s frustration was compounded by the timing of the announcement, just before the year’s end, which they saw as a disruptive move that disrespected the hard work and dedication of the six active members. This sense of betrayal has led to a boycott by the fan club, who announced plans to avoid purchasing any RIIZE-related merchandise until Seunghan is no longer part of the group.
A Threat to RIIZE’s Concept of Youth
The fan club also expressed grave concerns over how Seunghan’s return might tarnish the group’s youthful image. Since their debut, RIIZE has been celebrated for embodying themes of growth, passion, and youthful dreams, which were central to their brand and music, showcased in songs like "Get A Guitar" and "Boom Boom Bass."
However, BRIIZE believes that Seunghan’s return would disrupt this image, citing controversies surrounding the member that occurred before and after his debut. These controversies, which the fan club emphasized were no small matters, led to Seunghan’s prolonged break and have left a lasting stain on his reputation. His reappearance in the group is viewed as a potential risk to the purity and passion that RIIZE has come to represent.
"The return of Seunghan will destroy the symbolism of youth that RIIZE has pursued," the fan club stated, warning that his comeback could weaken the value of RIIZE’s brand and alter the public’s perception of the group. For many, Seunghan’s return threatens to undermine everything the group has worked for and could cast a shadow over their bright future.
Concerns for the Well-Being of the Six Members
Beyond the professional risks, BRIIZE also raised concerns about the emotional and psychological well-being of the six active members upon Seunghan’s return. They argued that the members deserve to continue promoting in a positive and healthy environment, and the reintroduction of a controversial figure like Seunghan could lead to unnecessary stress and division within the group.
"Entertainment is an industry where people are at the forefront," the statement said, urging SM Entertainment and Wizard Production to treat the members with the dignity and respect they deserve. BRIIZE stressed that the members are not mere tools for the company’s ambitions and that their well-being should be a top priority.
The fan club ended their statement with a warning that the group’s fandom may become divided if Seunghan is allowed to return, particularly over the redistribution of parts in songs set to be released in 2024. Such division, they claimed, could hinder the group’s ability to achieve future success.
Netizens’ Reactions
As news of BRIIZE’s statement spread, netizens quickly took to online platforms to express their opinions. The overwhelming sentiment echoed the concerns raised by the fan club, with many expressing dismay over SM Entertainment’s decision.
1. "SM needs to listen to the fans for once. Why would they bring back someone who’s been absent for so long?"
2. "RIIZE has been doing great with six members, why fix something that isn’t broken?"
3. "It’s unfair to the other members who have been working hard for over a year to suddenly share the spotlight with someone who wasn’t there."
4. "Seunghan’s controversies were serious. I don’t want his return to ruin the group’s image."
5. "SM Entertainment is playing a dangerous game by ignoring the voices of the fans. This could lead to a bigger backlash."
6. "I feel sorry for the six members who have to deal with this drama just as they’re starting to achieve success."
7. "The fact that BRIIZE is boycotting merchandise says a lot about how upset the fandom is."
8. "Seunghan had his chance, but now it’s time for the six members to shine on their own."
9. "The group’s concept is all about youth and growth. Seunghan’s return would definitely taint that image."
10. "I don’t understand SM’s logic. They’re risking everything RIIZE has worked for by bringing him back."
11. "As a fan, it’s frustrating to see the company prioritize their plans over the group’s well-being."
12. "I hope the members are being consulted about this decision. It’s their careers that are on the line."
13. "The timing of this announcement is so disrespectful to the members who have worked hard all year."
14. "I’m scared that this will divide the fandom and hurt the group in the long run."
15. "It’s not just about Seunghan, it’s about protecting what RIIZE has built with their fans. SM needs to reconsider."
Full Statement from RIIZE’s Fan Club, BRIIZE, Regarding Seunghan’s Return:
"The decision to bring Hong Seunghan back to RIIZE is one that cannot be justified either logically or morally.
In response to the announcement on Friday, October 11, BRIIZE, the fans who fully support the six active members (Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, Anton), strongly oppose SM Entertainment's decision.
First, SM Entertainment must recognize that RIIZE’s current success is a direct result of the efforts of these six members and the unwavering support of their fans, BRIIZE. Seunghan, who has been inactive for the majority of RIIZE's journey, has not contributed to the group’s current achievements and can even be seen as a hindrance. RIIZE has been active for almost 400 days, and during this time, Seunghan was only with the group for less than 100 days. He is now an unfamiliar figure to most fans. Many of the current BRIIZE supporters have been following the six members, enjoying their music, performances, and content. Fans have invested in the group under the premise of supporting a six-member RIIZE, and the sudden move to reintroduce a '7-member RIIZE' feels like a betrayal of the trust placed in the company.
Furthermore, releasing the news of Seunghan’s return just before the end of the year undermines the hard-earned success of the six members and disrespects both them and their fans. Sharing the achievements of the group with someone who hasn’t contributed, as if allowing a free-rider, is unreasonable.
The career and progress that RIIZE’s six members have built up are now at risk because of SM Entertainment’s decision to bring Seunghan back. The company, which should be supporting RIIZE, is now threatening the group’s success for the sake of future plans, which is both frustrating and deeply disappointing.
If Seunghan returns, it will undoubtedly lead to division among fans. There is a strong likelihood of conflicts over song part distributions in future releases. A fandom divided is unlikely to help RIIZE achieve their goals. As the saying goes, "You need the bow to shoot for the stars," but in this case, the bow has been taken away before the journey even begins.
Second, RIIZE’s concept, which revolves around 'youth,' will be severely impacted by Seunghan’s return.
RIIZE’s identity as a six-member group is complete. Bringing Seunghan back threatens to tarnish the youthful image that RIIZE has worked hard to build. Since debut, the group’s story has focused on themes of youth and growth, as seen in songs like "Get A Guitar" and "Boom Boom Bass." Their journey of chasing dreams with passion has resonated with the public and their fans. However, bringing back a member who has faced numerous controversies, including those involving gender insensitivity, will damage this narrative.
Seunghan’s controversies before and after debut were serious enough to warrant an extended break. His image was damaged to the point where he could no longer continue activities, and his return will disrupt the 'youth' concept that RIIZE has embraced. His return risks devaluing the group’s brand and turning out to be a bad decision.
BRIIZE refuses to look forward to a future with a seven-member RIIZE that is tainted by controversy.
Third, we urge SM Entertainment to treat the six active members of RIIZE with the respect they deserve.
Our main concern as fans is whether the six members will be able to continue their activities in a healthy and supportive environment if Seunghan returns. BRIIZE wants to see the current members promote happily in a positive atmosphere. The entertainment industry revolves around people, not tools or objects. The members of RIIZE are the ones who stand in front of the public, and they should not be used as shields for the company’s decisions.
Until RIIZE returns to being a six-member group, BRIIZE will boycott all merchandise and products related to the group. We will await a wise and reasonable decision from SM Entertainment and Wizard Production that is genuinely in the best interest of RIIZE."
As tensions rise within the RIIZE fandom, all eyes are now on SM Entertainment and Wizard Production to see how they respond to the growing opposition. BRIIZE has made their stance clear: until RIIZE returns to a six-member lineup, they will not support the group’s activities. Whether SM will heed their concerns or press ahead with their decision remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this issue has struck a deep chord with RIIZE’s loyal fans.
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