RIIZE fans turn protest funds to charity after Seunghan exit
In a surprising twist, RIIZE fans have decided to use protest funds for charity instead of demonstrations following Seunghan’s departure from the group. This unexpected move has garnered praise from the K-pop community.
From protest plans to charitable deeds
Fans had initially planned truck protests on October 14, 2024, to call for Seunghan’s exit. However, upon learning of his withdrawal the night before, they quickly changed course. After cleaning up protest materials outside SM Entertainment, they decided to put the remaining funds to good use.
Generous donation to women’s protection center
The fan organization had approximately ₩8.90 million KRW (about $6,500 USD) left after expenses. They chose to purchase 80 high-quality winter down jackets from National Geographic, a brand RIIZE models for, to donate to a women’s protection center. This thoughtful gesture combines charity with subtle promotion of the group.
About RIIZE and their journey
RIIZE is a relatively new K-pop group formed by SM Entertainment in 2023. Despite being newcomers, they’ve gained significant attention for their energetic performances and catchy songs. Their debut single “Get a Guitar” showcased their musical talents and hinted at a promising future in the competitive K-pop landscape.
Fan reactions and praise
Many fans and observers have commended this decision:
“It’s a great idea to donate down jackets to a women’s protection center from a brand RIIZE models for.” “They thought this one out well. Donating and promoting RIIZE at the same time.” “I’m a fan of another group, but they did good with this one. Isn’t it way better for their image to do this sort of donations?” “My impression of RIIZE shot up so much LOL.”
This positive reception marks a shift from previous criticism of the OT6 fandom’s extreme methods. The change in approach demonstrates maturity and a commitment to positive action within the K-pop fan community.
Impact on K-pop fandom culture
This incident highlights a growing trend in K-pop fandoms towards more constructive expressions of support and dissent. While passionate fan activities are a hallmark of K-pop culture, this shift towards charitable initiatives sets a positive precedent for future fan engagements.
Broader implications for K-pop industry
The K-pop industry, known for its highly engaged fan base, may benefit from this trend. As fans increasingly channel their energy into positive causes, it could lead to improved public perception of K-pop fandoms and potentially attract new fans who appreciate the philanthropic aspect of fan culture.
Final Thoughts: RIIZE fans turn protest funds to charity after Seunghan exit
As the K-pop world continues to grapple with controversies and fan behaviors, this story offers a refreshing example of turning potential negativity into something positive. It showcases the power of fan communities to drive meaningful change and promote their favorite artists simultaneously.
What do you think about this fan initiative? How do you see this impacting the future of K-pop fandom culture? Share your thoughts in the comments!
