'JUSTICE FOR SEUNGHAN' trends on X as fans protest in front of SM headquarters demanding the return of the former RIIZE member

On Friday, October 18, several fans and netizens protested in front of the SM Entertainment headquarters, demanding RIIZE's former member Seunghan's return to the group. People brought standees, candles, placards, and many other things that showcased their support for the K-pop idol who recently departed RIIZE member.

Several fans gathered in front of the building and sat there for hours, displaying resistance. There were also hired protest trucks, which showcased the reason behind the protest, which was to bring Seunghan back to the K-pop boy group. Following this, many hashtags and phrases such as 'JUSTICE FOR SEUNGHAN,' 'SM SUPPORTS BULLYING,' among others began to trend on X.

Most of these hashtags not only displayed what the protest outside SM's headquarters looked like but also communicated the protestors' needs and demands. The protest is expected to continue for days, and the people engaged in the protest expressed that they won't stop until the idol is back in RIIZE. Here are a few fan reactions regarding the same:

"THESE ARE THE BRIIZE WHO LOVES RII7E," said a fan on X.

"We stand bright for Seunghan. He deserves apology from SM and from Bullies," added another fan.

"I’m crying, this is the best thing to wake up to! I’m so proud of everyone who were able to go," commented a netizen.

"Proud to see the Protest being held with respect and dignity. It’s our history!! stated an X user.

More fans talked about how they were happy to see fans standing up for the K-pop idol and supporting him despite his sudden departure from RIIZE.

"they even cleaned up so nicely after like, THESE are mature and loving briize who love riize. thank u for being the voices of us all," commented an X user.

"True hero’s wear no cape. Thank you for being our voice," added another X user.

"so clean and organized, the fact that no one was harmed during the protest I love it here," stated a fan on X.

"United we stand for justice, Seunghan's voice will be heard!" added another fan.

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All you need to know about the former RIIZE member, Seunghan's departure from the group

On October 11, SM Entertainment and its subsidiary, Wizard Production under which RIIZE is housed, announced that Seunghan will slowly be making his way back to the K-pop boy group. The idol went into an indefinite hiatus in November 2023 following the blow-up of a few controversies.

These controversies include leaked pictures of him and his alleged former girlfriend, screenshots of text conversations with his friends, and more. Therefore, when the idol was announced to be returning to his group, many fans celebrated the same. However, in less than 48 hours of the announcement, the agencies released another statement informing of the idol's departure from the group.

The agencies explained that this was due to the backlash they received on announcing Seunghan's return. Reportedly, many fans were against the idol's return to the group and expressed that they would be unwilling to support RIIZE if the idol returned to the group. Therefore, the agency explained that the idol, himself, suggested his departure from the group.

"The announcement of his return, we ruminated carefully on each and every one of the opinions and responses sent in by fans, and we realized that our decision had actually hurt fans more and caused them greater confusion instead. At the same time, Seunghan has consistently expressed his desire to leave the group for the sake of the members and the fans."

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Regardless, many people have been resisting the agency's decision concerning the idol's departure. From online campaigns to physical protests, fans have been engaging in several efforts to bring RIIZE back to its original lineup. However, SM Entertainment has yet to respond to the protest and campaigns.