“SAY IT LOUDER”- Fans react as RIIZE’s Anton holds up a 7-finger pose amid ongoing Seunghan exit controversy at the group’s recent fansign event

On Friday, October 18, RIIZE held its latest fansign event in Guangzhou, China. This was also the members' first public and official appearance as a group following the departure of their former member, Seunghan. During the event, when the members were asked to showcase a confident pose, Anton raised seven fingers on his hands.

Fans immediately began to discuss the meaning behind the same. Since many fans have been advocating for RIIZE's recently departed member Seunghan's return to the former seven-piece group, they believe that Anton was symbolically speaking in support of the same.

Though the members have not shared their thoughts on the idol's departure, Anton's recent pose at the group's fansign had fans speculating that the members weren't happy with the current situation. Therefore, fans were happy to see the members stand up and showcase support for their former member.

Here are a few fan reactions to Anton's pose at the fansign event:

"RIIZE IS 7 !!!! SAY IT LOUDER ANTON!!!!!!"

"KEEP FIGHTING FOR SEUNGHAN… ITS WHAT ANTON AND THE REST WANT!! Time and time again they have proved they want seunghan back" said a fan on X

"this entire group is so brave for standing up for their teammate. i love them" added another fan

"HES TELLING US TO KEEP FIGHTING YALL!!!!" commented a netizen on X

More netizens talked about how they were happy to see the idol freely express himself and also found the moment quite hilarious.

"ANTON WE SEE THEM CLEAR 20/20 VISION. WE’RE FINALLY RISE AND REALIZING TOGETHER RIIZE IS WHAT ??????" stated an X user

"It's actually sending me like this is genuinely a slap in the face for ot6 I love Anton" commented another X user

"everyone being like "thats not what it means!" that mischievous smile tells me everything i need to know" said a fan

"the way he’s looking at the members like “i just did the funniest thing” anton how i love u" added another fan on X

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SM Entertainment announced Seunghan's departure from RIIZE two days after his return from hiatus

On October 11, SM Entertainment revealed that Seunghan will be resuming his activities with RIIZE following the end of the hiatus that began in November 2023. While many fans celebrated the idol's return, the news also angered many netizens. People expressed their displeasure with the idol's return to the group and demanded his departure.

Soon, on October 13, SM Entertainment released another statement announcing that Seunghan would be permanently leaving RIIZE. The decision was reportedly taken following the backslash they received over the announcement of Seunghan's return. Additionally, the statement also revealed that the idol, himself, suggested his departure for the betterment of the group.

Here's what a part of their statement read:

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.

The statement continued:

At the same time, Seunghan has consistently expressed his desire to leave the group for the sake of the members and the fans. Out of respect for the artist’s decision, we are announcing Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE, instead of his joining the group.

Regardless, many fans have been against the continuation of RIIZE as a six-member group and have been actively demanding Seunghan's return. Many fans stated that they'll be boycotting the group and people also kickstarted online campaigns advocating for SM Entertainment to bring the idol back.

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Most recently, a physical protest was also executed by fans outside SM Entertainment's headquarters. Therefore, fans have been actively showcasing their demands for Seunghan's return through various efforts. On the other hand, a few other fans are happy to have the group continue with six members.