SM Entertainment Criticized as RIIZE’s Seunghan Comeback Leads to Fan Outrage

SM Entertainment recently faced strong criticism from fans after announcing the return of Seunghan to the group RIIZE, following a 10-month hiatus. Seunghan had stepped away from the spotlight due to a controversy involving his personal life, and while international fans were supportive of his comeback, many Korean fans reacted with anger.

Seunghan’s Return Sparks Fan Outrage

Just four days after the announcement, SM Entertainment found itself in the middle of a growing backlash. Some Korean fans were so furious that they sent funeral wreaths to the company, demanding Seunghan’s permanent removal from the group. In response to the outrage, many fans also started boycotting RIIZE and canceling merchandise orders. The situation quickly spiraled out of control.

Amid the increasing fan protests and criticism, SM Entertainment made the difficult decision to announce Seunghan's permanent departure from RIIZE, just two days after his return was confirmed. This sudden reversal left both fans and industry insiders questioning the company’s approach to managing the controversy.

Fans Voice Their Frustration

Fans of RIIZE were not shy about expressing their disappointment in SM Entertainment’s handling of the situation. Many turned to online forums to voice their frustrations, describing the company's actions as unprofessional and poorly managed. One fan commented, “This whole thing was handled so poorly. They erased Seunghan’s presence from the group, took months to bring him back, and then sent mixed signals about whether he would stay. It hurt both the fans and the former member.”

Other fans agreed, criticizing SM Entertainment for dragging the situation out over several months. One person wrote, “If they were going to let him go, they should have done it sooner. The way they handled this caused unnecessary pain for everyone involved.”

The Emotional Toll on Fans and Seunghan

The controversy has taken an emotional toll on both fans and Seunghan himself. Many fans expressed sympathy for the young idol, who was born in 2003 and had to endure public backlash, including receiving funeral wreaths with his name on them. One fan remarked, “It’s cruel to do this to someone so young. He received so much hate, and it just feels wrong.”

Another fan added, “Fans are the ones suffering the most from this. We didn’t deserve to be hurt like this by the company’s poor decision-making.”

SM Entertainment’s Reputation at Risk

SM Entertainment, a company with over 30 years in the entertainment industry, has built a reputation as a powerhouse in managing idols. However, this latest controversy has raised serious concerns about their decision-making and professionalism. Fans and netizens alike criticized the company for failing to handle the situation properly, with one saying, “SM should have quietly managed Seunghan’s departure without dragging this out. Now, they’ve hurt both the idol and the fans.”

Despite the challenges, some fans suggested that SM could turn the situation around by launching Seunghan as a solo artist. However, the future remains uncertain for both Seunghan and RIIZE as SM Entertainment faces the consequences of its handling of the scandal.

A Painful Lesson for the Industry

This controversy serves as a painful reminder of the impact poor management can have on both idols and fans. As the dust settles, many are left wondering how this situation could have been avoided, and whether the company will take steps to prevent such issues in the future.

The fallout from Seunghan’s return has left a lasting mark on the K-pop industry, with fans hoping that lessons will be learned from this unfortunate situation.