Boycott Riize: US-based K-pop stores stand in solidarity with fans amid SM controversy and Seunghan’s shocking exit

With fans claiming that the problem is no longer limited to the future of RIIZE but to the K-pop industry as a whole, Hallyu Wave loyalists around the world have started a boycott campaign to hold the group’s agency responsible for “supporting” the harassment and immediately bowing down to the mistreatment of artists, who at the end of the day are nothing more than human beings.

US-based K-pop retailers and other global stores stop restocking RIIZE albums and merchandise

world k-pop retailers have joined forces with fans to counter Seunghan’s unexpected departure from the group. In solidarity with ‘OT7’ enthusiasts, numerous US-based K-pop merchandise sellers have temporarily stopped importing and restocking albums and other items from RIIZE. SubKShop, a major retail player in the K-pop sales business in the US that also ships worldwide, issued a statement on Wednesday, October 16.

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In an attempt to pressure for fans’ urgent requests to be heard by SM Entertainmentwrote the store: “In light of recent events, we have decided to temporarily stop the import of RIIZE products out of respect for our customers, fans and the artist. Existing orders will continue to be fulfilled, pre-purchased inventory will be maintained and future sales will be re-evaluated as the situation evolves. Thank you for your understanding and support.”

Another American store, LightUpKShop, wrote on X: “After careful consideration, LIGHTUPK has made the decision to stop RIIZE restocks for the time being. “This decision does NOT affect the current stock we have, nor does it affect current pre-orders.” EvePink, a popular Texas-based retailer, responded to a fan’s concerns about the matter and revealed that they too “have decided to stop restocking RIIZE albums and merchandise.”

Likewise, Hey!Hallyua Dutch K-pop store, announced on social media: “Due to targeted harassment from some Korean fans towards Seunghan, he is no longer a member of RIIZE. “We regret that SM Entertainment, once again, was unable to protect its artist.”

Additionally, Nolae, a European store, followed suit: “We strongly oppose any form of bullying and harmful behavior, including toxic fan culture. “We believe in fostering a safe and supportive environment for all artists and fans alike.”

‘RIZE boycott’ intentions draw attention to trending hashtags like ‘#SMStandsforBullying’

Through this attempt to “hit their pockets,” K-pop fans have united under one banner, urging the reestablishment of the OT7 RIIZE brand. With this move, RIIZE’s sales under SM Entertainment are expected to take a big hit. However, K-pop lovers emphasize that this dramatic change should not be misinterpreted as them cutting ties with the group’s six current members: Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee and Anton.

They firmly believe that this boycott is the not-so-hidden card in the deck that will ultimately make their voices heard in the South Korean label that has otherwise been pandering to international fans by marketing its groups as “global” brands while hypocritically ignoring the sincere requests of consumers in the same market. The initial steps of the boycott caused fans to unfollow RIIZE’s official SNS platforms, including instagramX/Twitter and more, while stopping the streaming of your music and video content on Spotify, YouTube and other similar platforms.

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Seunghan, a 21-year-old singer, originally debuted as part of the seven-member group RIIZE under the name Wizard Production, the division of SM Entertainment that manages the act. Within months of his debut, he withdrew from the group’s activities after a 10-month hiatus was imposed in light of the outbreak of a scandal.

What was the controversy related to Seunghan?

The frenzy, attributed to the country’s conservative origins, gripped Korean netizens who were unhappy to see the singer’s leaked private images, revealing a glimpse of his pre-debut days. Countless posts and images circulated online, focusing on an unidentified woman, his alleged girlfriend at the time, in bed with him. Footage revealed later also captured him smoking cigarettes.

However, while international fans were hopeful and awaiting his return, SM Entertainment announced his long-awaited return to the group on October 11. Shortly after, a group of local Korean fans protested the move and unreasonably sent 1,000 funeral wreaths, calling for his permanent departure from the group. Two days after the announcement, previously applauded by international BRIZEs, the agency reversed its sigh of relief and Seunghan’s fate in the band, announcing that he would no longer be reuniting with the others.

Won Bin’s letter

Shortly after the initial announcement of Seunghan’s comeback, his bandmate Wonbin addressed the issue via a Weverse letter. He emphasized that the decision collectively reflected RIIZE’s intentions to meet with Seunghan: “I’m worried that you guys will fight more and get confused if the members don’t say a word or react to anything, so I’m writing this after arranging the meeting. conversations we have had with members,” the 22-year-old wrote. “I’m sure many of you have wondered whether or not Seunghan would return much, or why there wasn’t a clear answer before… we, Seunghan and the company, really talked about this for a long period of time. “

He continued, “I hope you realize that the members have thought about this together again and again, considering it deeply. I always wanted to make all our BRIIZE happy, but I’m sorry I can’t do it… I know this post won’t be able to erase all your worries, but I hope it can comfort you in your confusion. , even if it’s just a little bit,” according to Billboard’s translation.

Unfortunately, his post was also removed from the RIIZE fan community platform after SM Entertainment went back on their word.