Former DAY6 Member Jae Strongly Condemns Funeral Wreath Protests Against RIIZE’s Seunghan

Former DAY6 Member Jae Strongly Condemns Funeral Wreath Protests Against RIIZE’s Seunghan

Former DAY6 Member Jae Strongly Condemns Funeral Wreath Protests Against RIIZE’s Seunghan

On October 17, former DAY6 member Jae (eaJ) took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to voice his outrage over the recent funeral wreath protests organized by some members of the RIIZE fandom. The protests were aimed at SM Entertainment and Seunghan, a member of RIIZE who had recently returned to the group following a hiatus due to a private life controversy.

The Controversy Surrounding Seunghan’s Return

Seunghan took a break from his activities with RIIZE after details about his private life surfaced, leading to public scrutiny. However, after a period of reflection and addressing the situation, it was announced that Seunghan would return to the group. This decision sparked outrage among a faction of the RIIZE fanbase, who opposed his comeback. In an extreme act of protest, some fans sent funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment’s headquarters, demanding Seunghan’s permanent departure from the group.

Funeral wreaths are typically used in South Korea to symbolize mourning at funerals, so their use in this protest was seen by many as a harsh and symbolic gesture, implying that Seunghan’s career or reputation should be “dead.” The incident quickly became a hot topic on social media, drawing strong reactions from both fans and celebrities.

Jae's Sharp Criticism of the Protest

Jae did not hold back in his condemnation of these protests. In a now widely-shared post, he expressed his disbelief and anger at the extreme measures some fans had taken. He stated, “The funeral flowers were disgusting,” criticizing the action for its insensitivity.




Jae went on to deliver a powerful warning, saying, “The same people who sent them will be the first ones online mourning the tragic outcome they fought for. God forbid tragedy occurs, but I’ve been on that side before, and it was close. I can’t imagine the trauma it would cause someone that young.”




The former DAY6 member’s remarks referred to the immense pressure and mental toll that such actions could have on young idols like Seunghan. He alluded to his own past experiences, suggesting that fans pushing for extreme outcomes could be the very ones regretting their actions if a tragedy were to occur.




Jae did not stop there. He added a highly charged statement, saying, “Anyone involved in the flowers should be tried for attempted murder because that is what that was.” His strong words were meant to emphasize the seriousness of the situation and the potential consequences of such extreme protests on the mental health of the idols involved.

Seunghan’s Departure from RIIZE

As the protests grew in intensity, SM Entertainment and Seunghan took swift action. Just two days after the announcement of his return to the group, Seunghan ultimately made the decision to leave RIIZE permanently. In a handwritten letter to fans, Seunghan shared his side of the story and expressed his thoughts, acknowledging the controversy and thanking those who had supported him throughout the difficult period.




SM Entertainment confirmed Seunghan’s departure in an official statement, marking the end of his short-lived return to the group. The situation left many fans divided, with some expressing sympathy for Seunghan and others supporting the drastic actions taken by certain factions of the fandom.

The Toxicity of Parasocial Relationships in K-pop

Jae’s outspoken remarks have reignited a broader conversation about the toxic nature of parasocial relationships within the K-pop industry. The term “parasocial relationship” refers to the one-sided emotional bond fans often develop with celebrities or public figures. In the context of K-pop, where idols are often expected to maintain a flawless image, the pressure to meet fan expectations can become overwhelming.




Jae’s statement reflects the concerns many have about how far some fans will go to control the lives and careers of their idols. His reference to the potential for tragedy highlights the mental health risks that K-pop idols face due to the high expectations and intense scrutiny from their fanbases.

Netizens’ Reactions

Following Jae’s comments, netizens took to social media to share their thoughts on the matter. The responses ranged from support for Jae’s bold stance to criticism of the fans who organized the protests. Here’s a look at some of the reactions:

- Support for Jae’s Remarks:

- “Jae is right. Fans don’t realize the damage they can cause with actions like this. Idol or not, they are still human.”

- “I hope more celebrities speak out like Jae did. It’s time we stop allowing toxic fandom behavior to go unchecked.”

- “What those fans did was out of line. Sending funeral wreaths is crossing a line that should never have been crossed.”

- Criticism of the Protesters:

- “It’s one thing to be disappointed with an idol’s choices, but it’s another to wish for their career to be over. Funeral wreaths? That’s just cruel.”

- “This fandom has gone too far. Sending death symbolism is not something that can be justified, no matter how upset you are.”

- “If a fan’s love for their idol turns into something like this, it’s not love anymore. It’s dangerous.”

- Calls for Better Mental Health Support:

- “The K-pop industry needs to take mental health more seriously. These idols go through so much pressure, and one mistake can lead to so much hate.”

- “I hope Seunghan finds peace after this. The mental toll must be unbearable.”

- “Companies should protect their artists more. It’s heartbreaking to see what Seunghan went through.”

Jae’s Career and Continued Advocacy

Jae, who was born in 1992, first gained fame after participating in SBS’s K-pop Star Season 1 in 2011. He later debuted with DAY6, where he enjoyed success as a guitarist and vocalist. In 2022, Jae left the group to pursue a solo career under the name eaJ. Throughout his career, Jae has been known for being outspoken about the pressures of the K-pop industry, as well as mental health issues—both of which he has experienced personally.




By speaking out against the protests, Jae continues to use his platform to raise awareness of the harmful effects that toxic fan behavior can have on idols’ well-being. His comments have once again highlighted the need for the industry and its fans to prioritize the mental health of young idols.









Jae’s strong condemnation of the funeral wreath protests has sparked important discussions about the boundaries of fan behavior and the responsibility fans have in ensuring the well-being of their idols. As the K-pop industry continues to grow, it is vital to address these issues and prevent future incidents that could cause harm to both the artists and the fans themselves.