RIIZE fans are beginning to cancel merchandise orders following the latest announcement from SM Entertainment.
On October 11, SM Entertainment announced that Seunghan would rejoin RIIZE to resume activities, marking his return in more than 10 months since his hiatus. The agency explained, "Because we felt that RIIZE's next chapter, which has been planned with the utmost care since before the team's debut, would be more meaningful if carried out as 7 members, it has been decided through multiple discussions with the staff and the members that Seunghan will resume his activities as a member of the team."
Unfortunately, this announcement was met with fans' contempt and opposition. This latest announcement revealing that Seunghan would rejoin the team prompted fans to boycott the group altogether.
Fans are beginning to post screenshots of order cancelations of RIIZE merchandise. These fans have declared they will be leaving the fandom as they are strongly against Seunghan's return.
Fans were seen canceling RIIZE's photobook and other merchandise from various online shops and stating "Hong Seunghan's return" and "I don't want to use my money for Hong Seunghan. If I knew he would be returning, I would not have purchased anything," as the reasons for their cancelation.
Korean netizens and fans commented:
"I support all fans who are boycotting."
"I'm from another fandom and this is the only way to get the company to realize the severity. Cut off the money."
"Wow, this is amazing. Everyone canceling their orders, fighting."
"These fans are amazing. I support all these fans. BRIIZE fighting."
"We support 6 members, not 7."
"These fans putting the boycott into action is really awesome."
"My friend is a RIIZE fan and she also declared a boycott. She immediately canceled her order."
"RIIZE needs to protect that innocent clean image."
"The fans are starting to say they will no longer spend the money. Hope the label gets their act together."
"I'm canceling all my orders too."
"Everyone cancel your orders on their merchandise quickly."
"I canceled all my orders on their photobook, merchandise, and albums."
"RIIZE had a favorable image in Korea, why are they trying to ruin that?"
"I'm leaving the fandom too. RIIZE is done for."
"I feel bad for the other members but this can't be helped."