Super Junior’s Leeteuk has seemingly shown support for former RIIZE member Seunghan through his recent social media activity. The K-pop veteran’s actions have sparked discussions about the ongoing controversy surrounding Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE.
Leeteuk’s Viral Retweet
On October 15, netizens noticed Leeteuk had retweeted a post comparing Seunghan’s situation to past controversies involving Super Junior members. The tweet, which garnered over 1.4 million views, highlighted the similarities between Seunghan’s departure and the protests against Henry Lau joining Super Junior in 2007.
Although Leeteuk quickly un-retweeted the post, many fans saw it as a sign of support for Seunghan. The brief social media activity resonated with those who believe Seunghan’s removal from RIIZE was unjust.
Seunghan’s Controversial Departure
Seunghan’s withdrawal from RIIZE was announced on October 13, following a period of hiatus due to pre-debut controversies.
The decision sparked outrage among fans, leading to protests and a boycott of RIIZE’s activities.
Supporters have taken drastic measures, including sending protest trucks to SM Entertainment’s building and unfollowing RIIZE’s social media accounts en masse. The group has reportedly lost over 168,000 followers across various platforms since Seunghan’s departure.
Echoes of Past Controversies
Leeteuk’s apparent support for Seunghan has drawn parallels to Super Junior’s own history with fan protests.
In 2007, some fans vehemently opposed the addition of new members like Henry Lau to the group, going as far as buying company stocks to influence decisions.
Henry has since spoken about the emotional toll of facing chants of “Henry Out” during his early performances with Super Junior. The resurfacing of these past events has added another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding Seunghan and RIIZE.
Final Thoughts: Leeteuk Supports Former RIIZE Member Amidst Controversy
As the K-pop industry grapples with yet another controversy, Leeteuk’s subtle show of support highlights the complex dynamics between idols, companies, and fans.
What are your thoughts on Leeteuk’s actions and the situation surrounding Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE?