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A viral segment from Arirang TV on October 23, 2024, discussed the controversy around RIIZE member Seunghan's departure. It praised international fans for supporting him while criticizing a vocal minority of OT6 supporters who have protested against Seunghan. Although OT6 protestors are a small group, their influence has significantly affected his career.
“They’re not the most, they’re not the majority they’re just the loudest and very vocal, loud minority. The fact that they can wield this much power and influence on an artists career trajectory is shocking," the broadcast stated.
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The broadcast condemned the pressure placed on idols to maintain perfection, stressing that unrealistic expectations set by some fans leave no room for mistakes or personal growth.
Arirang TV talks about pressures face by idols following RIIZE's former member Seunghan's departure from the group
In one of the viral clips from the broadcast, hosts noted that fans often demand an idealized version of their favorite artists rather than allowing them to be human and make errors. They said,
“fans DON’T WANT the BEST VERSION of their favorite artists they WANT the PERFECT VERSION and we know that’s not possible because EVERYONE IS HUMAN but the fact that is that on good day or bad day, they’re gonna make mistakes THEY’RE HUMANS.”
The anchors further warned that holding artists to impossible standards could prevent them from learning and evolving, stifling their long-term success. They continued,
“right now if you become an hashtag and cancelled there’s zero road to redemption, if we continue to apply THIS IMPOSSIBLE STANDARD on kpop artists, MANY ARTISTS WILL NEVER BECAME STARs because THEY ARE NOT GIVEN ROOM TO MAKE MISTAKES, GROW AND LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES.”
For those who are unaware, the controversy surrounding Seunghan began in August 2023, when images surfaced showing him smoking and kissing a woman while underage. This sparked outrage among a few fans, leading to calls for his removal from RIIZE.
In response to the backlash, the artist took an indefinite hiatus. Despite initial plans for his return, protests from OT6 supporters intensified, ultimately leading to his voluntary departure from the group. The protestors sent funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment as a symbolic gesture, which sparked further outrage among Seunghan’s supporters.
These wreaths, typically used for mourning, were seen as offensive, given that the idol is very much alive and in his 20s. International fans have since voiced their disappointment over Seunghan's exit, accusing SM Entertainment of giving in to a vocal minority.
Many fans have taken to boycotting RIIZE merchandise, demanding the artist's return. K-pop stores around the world have even joined the movement, announcing that they would not stock RIIZE products until the issue is resolved.
The supporters continue to call out the unfair treatment he received, while Arirang TV's feature sheds light on the powerful influence of a small but vocal segment of fans.
