K-pop fans clash over Seunghan’s resignation from Riize: cancel culture or accountability?

Korean fans say the 21-year-old tarnished the group’s reputation with his actions, while international supporters argue he is being bullied

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Hong Seung-han resigned from K-pop boy band Riize on Sunday. Photo: Instagram / @riize_official

Published: 7:41pm, 15 Oct 2024

The recent resignation of K-pop idol Hong Seunghan from Riize, a rising boy band under SM Entertainment, has sparked a fierce battle within the fandom, with many South Korean fans viewing his past behaviour as unacceptable while international supporters argue he is being unfairly punished and bullied.

The 21-year-old officially announced his departure from the group on Sunday, just two days after his return from an 11-month hiatus, due to intense backlash both online and in the real world, with some fans even sending white funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment’s offices to symbolise their demand that Seunghan permanently leave the group.

“After pondering deeply whether I’ve been thinking only of myself too much, whether I’m causing too much harm to the members and the company, and whether it’s really okay for me to be part of Riize, who should be loved, I only felt worried and apologetic,” Seunghan wrote in a letter explaining his decision that was posted to social media.

“So I think that my leaving the group is the right path for everyone.”

Riize performing “Get A Guitar” at its debut press conference in Seoul in September 2023. Photo: SM Entertainment

The six remaining members of Riize, who were performing in Madrid at the time his resignation was announced, reportedly appeared upset about the news upon their return to South Korea.