The RIIZE Seunghan protest fails in an unexpected turn of events that has caught the attention of K-pop fans worldwide. International fans attempting to protest former member Seunghan’s departure faced embarrassment when their demonstration went awry. The incident has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, highlighting the growing divide between international and Korean fans.
Protest Gone Wrong
A group of American RIIZE fans organized a truck protest to support Seunghan’s return to the group. They planned to send protest trucks to National Geographic Apparel, one of RIIZE’s brand partners. However, the first truck arrived at the wrong location, stopping at a Discovery brand building instead. This mix-up led to confusion among Discovery employees and created an awkward situation for the protest organizers. The protest trucks were meant to make a strong statement, but instead became a source of entertainment for onlookers and social media users.
Fan Message and Response
The protest trucks displayed messages requesting brand partners to reconsider their association with SM Entertainment. The fans cited concerns about the company’s handling of artist protection and alleged failures in addressing bullying issues. Despite the location mishap, organizers confirmed that a second truck successfully reached its intended destination. The messages emphasized the fans’ dedication to seeing Seunghan return to RIIZE, with organizers suggesting that sales would improve with his comeback. The American fanbase, RIIZEUSACENTRE, took a particularly strong stance against SM Entertainment’s decisions.
Online Reaction and Aftermath
Korean netizens quickly picked up on the error, leading to widespread mockery online. Comments ranged from amused disbelief to outright criticism of the protest effort. The protest organizers defended their actions, stating that the incorrect address came from their Korean fanbase. They remained determined to continue their protest efforts, promising more truck demonstrations after double-checking locations. The organizers’ defiant response to criticism, particularly their dismissal of OT6 fans’ opinions, further intensified the debate within the fandom.
Final Thoughts on RIIZE Seunghan Protest
The failed protest highlights the ongoing tension between international fans and SM Entertainment regarding Seunghan’s departure.
This incident demonstrates the challenges faced by international fan communities in organizing effective protests and the cultural differences that can impact such efforts. The controversy has created additional discussion about the effectiveness of truck protests and the methods fans use to voice their concerns. What are your thoughts on this protest attempt? Do you think international fans should approach these situations differently? Share your opinion in the comments below!
