Recent leaks from HYBE’s internal documents have brought to light derogatory remarks directed at the rising group RIIZE, specifically focusing on members Wonbin and Anton. The revelations, which emerged on October 28, further detail the harsh assessments made by the company’s team during RIIZE’s pre-debut promotional phase.

Unflattering Observations on Wonbin’s Appearance

One of the primary criticisms centers around Wonbin‘s physical features. The leaked documents describe observations made during KCON, where discrepancies between his front and profile shots caught attention. The following excerpt from the documents highlights these concerns:

“The team kept him in a beanie constantly, possibly because while some parts of his face are attractive, they don’t harmonize completely, so styling plays a huge role for him. Without the beanie’s added height, his proportions were also surprisingly lacking, which might make it hard for him to fully take on the center role.”

Such comments raise concerns about the pressures placed on idols regarding their appearance, particularly in the highly competitive K-pop industry.

Critiques of Anton’s Talent and Dance Skills

The focus then shifts to Anton, who is acknowledged for his height yet criticized for his dancing abilities. The document notes:

“Anton is actually taller than expected but has trouble with dancing. The team seemingly went through an intense preparation for the ‘Siren’ choreography video, yet during Inkigayo, Anton’s weaknesses came out.”

The critique continues, suggesting uncertainty about his future development as a performer:

“There’s even talk about whether he’ll be the next EXO’s ‘Chanyeol’ type; it’s not just that he’s clumsy — he doesn’t seem to understand the movements well and kept glancing at other members for cues. It’s uncertain whether training can help him improve, which is somewhat concerning.”

This portrayal highlights the rigorous expectations placed on idols and the potential long-term impacts of such criticism.

General Dismissal of RIIZE Members

Additionally, the internal documents reportedly refer to other RIIZE members as “backup members,” indicating a perceived hierarchy within the group. The following remarks reflect this viewpoint:

“Wonbin and Anton have the most-viewed fancams, drawing all the attention and core reactions, while the rest of the members feel more like ‘backup’ types or appeal to fans with specific tastes.”

Such characterizations can significantly affect the group dynamic and the self-esteem of the members who are not in the spotlight.

The leaked documents have sparked conversations about the treatment of K-pop idols within their management companies. The harsh criticisms directed at Wonbin and Anton, along with the overall dismissive tone towards the other RIIZE members, raise serious questions about the industry’s standards for beauty and talent.

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