Following recent developments, fans of BTS member Suga and former RIIZE member Seunghan have drawn comparisons between the protests held for their respective scandals. This comparison has stirred strong emotions online, with some fans expressing frustration over perceived double standards in how entertainment agencies handle protests.

Seunghan’s Wreath Protest: A Precedent?

After it was confirmed that Seunghan would return to activities with RIIZE, a wave of disapproval came from a section of the group’s fanbase. Many opposed Seunghan’s return, especially after he was embroiled in a pre-debut controversy, which reportedly involved a leaked intimate photo. To express their dissatisfaction, fans sent “death” wreaths to SM Entertainment’s headquarters as a form of protest, a practice that has been used in the past for various grievances within K-pop fandoms.

Over the course of several days, the number of wreaths outside SM Entertainment reportedly grew into the hundreds, sending a loud message from those calling for his removal. Despite the overwhelming protest, the wreaths were not immediately removed, staying in place until the announcement was made that Seunghan was officially no longer part of RIIZE.

Blockquote:

“It felt like SM Entertainment wasn’t taking action fast enough, and this just encouraged fans to protest in bigger ways,” wrote one fan on X (formerly known as Twitter).

This method of protest gained widespread attention, and now, some feel it has inspired similar actions within other fandoms.

Suga’s DUI Scandal: Similar Protests Emerge

Following BTS’s Suga being involved in a DUI scandal earlier this month, certain factions within ARMY (BTS’s global fanbase) have been vocal in their criticism, even going so far as to demand his removal from the group. Although the majority of fans have expressed support for Suga, a segment began organizing protests mirroring the ones held against Seunghan.

On October 20, fans placed funeral wreaths outside HYBE Entertainment’s headquarters as a form of protest, reportedly aiming to call attention to the severity of Suga’s offense. Similar to the Seunghan situation, monitors were stationed near the wreaths to ensure they were not tampered with or removed.

However, within several hours, HYBE took swift action and removed the wreaths. Despite this, reports suggest that protest permits have been obtained for further action, and the wreaths are expected to be returned over the next few days.

Fans Call Out Double Standards

One major point of contention for many is the difference in how these protests have been handled by the respective entertainment agencies. While SM Entertainment left Seunghan’s protest wreaths outside for an extended period, HYBE swiftly removed those aimed at Suga. This has led some fans to believe that SM Entertainment’s inaction in Seunghan’s case may have set a precedent for such protests.

“SM allowed this to happen with Seunghan, and now other fans think it’s okay to do the same thing,” wrote a user on a popular K-pop community forum.

Others, however, argue that the situations are inherently different and that comparing them may not be entirely fair. For instance, Suga’s DUI scandal involves a member of one of the most globally recognized and influential groups in K-pop, while Seunghan was a newly debuted member of RIIZE.

Regardless, the comparison between these two protests has ignited discussions about accountability, agency actions, and the ethics of fan-led protests in the K-pop industry.

To let you know the latest developments about BTS Suga, Keep an eye on VvipTimes, and allow notifications from us to get instant updates on your device.