On October 12, a significant statement was released by BRIIZE, the official fan club of RIIZE, addressing their concerns over the return of group member Hong Seunghan. Fans expressed their discontent with SM Entertainment’s decision to bring Seunghan back, issuing a collective call for a boycott.
Fan Opposition to Seunghan’s Return
In the joint statement, BRIIZE emphasized that Seunghan’s return to RIIZE could not be justified morally or logically. The fan club pointed out that Seunghan had been inactive for the majority of RIIZE’s journey, and his reintroduction was viewed as unfair to the six current members, Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton, who have been working hard and gaining recognition in his absence.
Fans outlined that Seunghan’s absence made him an unfamiliar figure to many, with BRIIZE supporting the group as a six-member act. The statement expressed deep frustration, noting that Seunghan’s return felt like a betrayal of consumer trust.
“The return of Hong Seunghan to RIIZE is a losing hand that cannot be logically or morally justified,” read the fan statement.
“The sudden decision made by the company to bring back a ‘7-member RIIZE’ is a clear betrayal of consumer trust,” they added.
BRIIZE raised concerns that SM Entertainment’s decision could disrupt the success that the six members had built together. Many fans believed that Seunghan’s return might cause division within the fanbase, complicating the distribution of parts for future songs and performances.
Concerns About the Impact on RIIZE’s Youth Image
RIIZE, known for their youthful image and positive messaging, debuted with songs like “Get A Guitar” and “Boom Boom Bass,” centered around themes of growth and dreams. Fans feared that Seunghan’s return would disrupt the pure and wholesome image of the group, particularly given the controversies he was involved in before and after his debut.
Seunghan had previously faced criticism and took an extended break, which, according to BRIIZE, proved that his controversies were no small matter in the industry. Fans also expressed concerns that his return would taint the group’s symbolic youth concept.
“This pure story of passion and growth will become tainted by the return of a member who lacks gender sensitivity,” the statement claimed.
BRIIZE believes that allowing Seunghan to rejoin RIIZE will diminish the group’s value, risking their hard-earned reputation.
Boycott Plans and Demands
The fan club concluded their statement by urging SM Entertainment to reconsider their decision for the sake of both the group and its members. BRIIZE made it clear that until RIIZE returns to being a six-member group, they plan to boycott all merchandise and products associated with Seunghan.
They stressed that the six current members deserve to continue promoting in a healthy and positive environment, free from disruption.
“Until RIIZE becomes 6-members again, BRIIZE plans to boycott all merchandise and advertised products.”
BRIIZE ended their statement with a call for SM Entertainment and Wizard Production to make a decision that is in the best interest of RIIZE and their future.
Read the fan club’s full statement, below.
“The return of Hong Seunghan to RIIZE is a losing hand that cannot be logically or morally justified.
In response to the announcement of Seunghan’s return made on Friday, October 11, BRIIZE, fans of RIIZE who love the 6-members (Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, Anton) expresses the following and denounces the decision of SM Entertainment.
First, SM Entertainment must clearly recognize that RIIZE’s current status is the result of the efforts of the six members and the support of their fans, BRIIZE. Seunghan, who has been inactive during this time, has contributed nothing to RIIZE’s current position and may even be considered a burden. It has been nearly 400 days since RIIZE’s debut, and during that time, Seunghan, who was with the group for less than 100 days, is an unfamiliar face to most fans. Many BRIIZE today are supportive of the 6-members of RIIZE, listening to their songs, enjoying their performances, and consuming their content. Given that fans have been supporting the group under the premise of ‘6-members’, the sudden decision made by the company to bring back a ‘7-member RIIZE’ is a clear betrayal of consumer trust.
Moreover, releasing an article about his return just before the end of the year prevents the 6-members from fully enjoying the success they worked hard for and is a disrespectful act towards both the members and the fans. It’s unreasonable to share the achievements made by the 6-members with someone who didn’t contribute, just like free-riding.
The current status, achievements, and the blossoming career that the 6-members of RIIZE have built up to now are at risk of being shattered by SM Entertainment’s decision to bring Seunghan back. By devaluing RIIZE and BRIIZE’s efforts merely for the ‘necessity of future plans’, SM is setting the group on a thorny path. It’s deeply frustrating that the very company that should be supporting RIIZE the most is the one undermining their success.
If Seunghan returns, BRIIZE will undoubtedly face division. There’s a high chance of conflict within the fandom over the redistribution of parts for songs released in 2024. To be clear: a group with a divided fandom will never reach the goals they aspire to. As the saying goes, you should aim for the sun to catch the moon, but in this case, the bow has been taken away before any attempt is made.
Second, for RIIZE, whose concept revolves around ‘youth’, Seunghan’s return will significantly damage their image.
The brand RIIZE is complete with 6-members. However, there is great concern that Seunghan’s return will destroy the symbolism of youth that RIIZE has pursued.
From the moment of their debut, RIIZE has shown the public and BRIIZE their journey to achieve their dreams, centered around the themes of ‘youth’ and ‘growth’. From ‘Get A Guitar’ to ‘Boom Boom Bass’, the group captured the attention of the public and fans by singing about youth across diverse genres. This pure story of passion and growth will become tainted by the return of a member who lacks gender sensitivity.
Seunghan caused numerous controversies both before and after his debut, which led to his extended break. This period essentially proved that his controversies were no small matters in the idol industry, and that his image had suffered significantly to the point that he could not continue his activities. Therefore, his return would not only disrupt RIIZE’s ‘youth’ concept but also diminish the brand’s value; his return will certainly turn out to be a losing hand.
BRIIZE refuses to look forward to the stained next chapter made by a 7-member RIIZE.
Third, please treat the members of RIIZE with dignity.
The greatest concern of the fans is whether the 6-members can continue their activities in a healthy environment upon Seunghan’s return.
BRIIZE wishes for the 6-members to continue promoting happily in a positive environment. Entertainment is an industry where people are at the forefront. The members are not tools or objects. It is the RIIZE members who stand in front of the camera and expose themselves to the public. Don’t use the members as a shield.
Until RIIZE becomes 6-members again, BRIIZE plans to boycott all merchandise and advertised products.
BRIIZE will await a wise and reasonable decision from SM Entertainment and Wizard Production that is truly ‘for RIIZE’.”
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