“Absolutely gut-wrenching”- RIIZE members' somber airport appearance sparks concerns amid Seunghan’s exit from group following fan backlash

Fans on RIIZE expressed their concern towards the six members following Seunghan's departure as their airport photos went viral on social media. On October 11, Wizard Production confirmed the end of Seunghan’s hiatus and return to the group, but following the negative reactions from Korean fans, on October 13, they informed fans that the singer had decided to leave the group.

On October 14, Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton were seen coming back after an overseas schedule at the Incheon International Airport wearing masks. The photos and clips went viral amongst fans as they expressed their concerns for them. Wonbin had also made a Weverse post to celebrate Seunghan’s comeback, however, it was taken down after the departure announcement.

They were concerned as they believed that they might have learned about his exit announcement after getting off their flight. Netizens blamed SM Entertainment and Wizard Production for allegedly not handling the situation properly. They took to social media to express their thoughts.

“Absolutely gut-wrenching”- a fan said

“Just watched riize arrive at the airport and they looked depressed as hell. @SMTOWNGLOBAL you have completely broken these boys and you will suffer for it. your karma is coming.”- a fan added

“This is the saddest airport vid ive ever seen of riize or maybe just video.”- another fan wrote

Netizens shared similar sentiments regarding the group members’ arrival at the airport.

“We could have gotten happy & smiling airport pictures but NO y’all love to see riize miserable (constantly mobbing them) by BULLYING their friend/brother out of the group.”- a user commented

“do u ot6 stans understand what damage u have done to the group? seunghan did not ruin their image YOU guys did. yall say u care about the group when in reality u dont. did u see how devasted riize was today at the airport? parasocial WEIRDOS”- a user wrote

“Riize arriving at the airport with their faces fully covered, eyes hidden by hats, sungchan looking so mad.”- a user commented

Netizens observed that Sohee seemingly appeared to be unhappy and believed that he also shed tears.

“Imagine many of those must be the crazy ones who sent those flowers, and they dare to go to the airport they have no shame.”- a fan reacted

“They were smiling so hard and now sohee is crying at the airport, yall are sick if you think that your actions “protected” them. I am leaving Riize fandom and everyone else should too.”- a fan stated

“Sohee didn't even wanna face the camera but they still shoved it all up in his f*ckin face no respect for him or any of riize boundaries at all.”- a user said

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Seunghan leaves RIIZE following backlash from fans

On October 11, Wizard Production announced the return of Seunghan after 10 months of hiatus due to personal issues before debut. As many fans showcased their support towards all seven members of the group, some fans showed their disappointment in his comeback to the group.

Some anti-fans of the K-pop idol sent funeral flower wreaths in huge numbers stating demand for his removal from the group and also that RIIZE was 6, implying that they only wished to see the six members in the group.

Videos and photos of the flower wreaths outside SM Entertainment’s building in Seoul started to circulate online. As a result, on October 13, Wizard Production announced that they observed the reactions of the fans and stated that Seunghan had decided to not continue his activities and part ways with RIIZE, for the members and the fans. This sparked a huge debate on social media because international fans at large were delighted about his return.

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Meanwhile, RIIZE concluded their fan sign tour in Seoul at KSPO Dome on September 15, 2024.