"You all think they will be proud"— Fans react as RIIZE takes VIP exit after ot6 fans arrive at airport with posters supporting Seunghan's departure

On October 18, 2024, RIIZE returned to South Korea following their overseas schedule. However, unlike previous arrivals where they typically greeted fans, the group opted for the VIP exit. This unusual move was reportedly in response to a group of OT6 supporters—fans advocating for a six-member group without Seunghan.

This ot6 supporters showed up at the airport with banners reading "RIIZE IS 6." It is believed the other members took the alternative exit to avoid confronting the display of these supporters. Fans loyal to the original lineup quickly took to social media, expressing their frustration and anger at the OT6 fans.

Many felt the act of bringing posters calling for Seunghan’s departure was disrespectful and divisive. A user on X, @SEUNGHANTL wrote,

"Welcoming Riize at the airport like this you all think they will be proud of you? Are you dumb?"

"after everything y’all did, this is honestly so fuc*ing disgusting. i’m so sorry for riize, i hope they won’t even lift their heads. shame on you," an X user wrote.

"Cover your faces cos you guys are a disgrace to the whole kpop community," another fan mentioned.

"i am so mad, when will ot6ers get a brain and realize theyre the only ones hurting the group," a user wrote on X.

Many fans also expressed relief on social media, stating they were glad the RIIZE members chose to take the VIP exit rather than engage with the OT6 supporters. Some felt that by ignoring the divisive supporters, the group sent a clear message about where they stood on the issue.

"riize taking the vip route through the airport so them bozos with the ot6 banners won’t even be seen…. DESERVED," a fan commented.

"They hate ot6 stans as much as we do," another person wrote.

This group of OT6 supporters had previously made headlines by sending funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment as a symbolic protest against Seunghan’s involvement in the group.

The display of funeral wreaths, accompanied by TikTok dance videos filmed in front of them, sparked outrage among Seunghan's supporters. The wreaths, typically used for mourning, were seen as highly inappropriate, especially since the idol, who is in his twenties, is alive.

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The complete timeline of events leading to RIIZE’s Seunghan officially leaving the group

The controversy surrounding Seunghan dates back to August 2023, when photos and videos allegedly showed him kissing a woman and smoking while underage. These images led to a public outcry, with some fans demanding his removal, arguing that his actions tarnished the group's image.

Although Seunghan took an indefinite hiatus to reflect, SM Entertainment initially hinted at his return, causing a divide among fans. OT6 supporters strongly opposed his comeback, and tensions escalated when Seunghan eventually chose to voluntarily leave the group.

In a heartfelt letter, he explained that he did not want to cause further division within the fanbase or damage the group’s reputation. Despite his departure, international fans criticized the move as unfair and accused domestic supporters of lacking empathy.

As RIIZE continues as a six-member group, the incident has ignited broader conversations about fan culture, accountability, and the immense pressures faced by idols in the spotlight.