RIIZE made an impression at this year’s MAMA Awards, stunning the audience with their energetic performance and ultimately taking home the Favorite Global Performer Award (Male). However, the controversy over former member Seunghan’s removal from the group still had a strong impact on RIIZE’s MAMA experience.

Prior to the awards ceremony, a group of fans online began organizing a protest to be enacted at the awards event. The group gave out instructions for fans to chant “RIIZE is 7” at key moments, encouraged fans to wear orange clothes and items with the number 7 on them, and even instructed fans on how to redesign their RIIZE lightsticks to display the number 7. As a result, workers at the event reportedly did not allow fans who wore orange clothing or held items with the number 7 on them to enter the venue, sparking outrage.

However, some fans still carried out their protest during RIIZE’s award acceptance speech. Throughout member Anton’s heartfelt speech, individual audience members were shouting “RIIZE is 7,” which then had to be partially edited out of the speech recording. At one point in the speech, Anton thanks his company for their support, and the audience begins laughing at him.

Despite these challenges, Anton was praised for his ability to deliver the speech calmly and politely.

Netizens are now discussing the attempted protest during Anton’s speech, and showing their support for Anton:

“Even people who aren't fans of RIIZE are doing such rude protests like this? It’s amazing that Anton was able to express his feelings so clearly in that situation”

“The protestors just sound like animals ㅠㅠ Why is it like that? The more this happens, the more I side with RIIZE”

“He spoke so calmly that it didn’t seem like he was showing off at all. He must have worked hard”

“I love him for being able to state his feelings calmly and proudly🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡 I am so thankful and love all six of our RIIZE members who bravely do whatever they have to do without faltering”

“I hope RIIZE will do better in the future. Fighting ㅠ I'm shaking while just watching the fancam of the acceptance speech”

“These people who keep saying they will boycott RIIZE but instead they just keep making a fuss…”

“It’s clear that RIIZE is being bullied. Fighting RIIZE!”

“Everything about Anton, from his attitude, to his sincerity, to his abilities to express what he feels, are all impressive”

“It seems like the members are suffering the most in this situation”

“Anton handled the situation so well despite him being so young, it’s amazing”

“Aren't these protestors ashamed that they only do this to innocent young artists? It’s just unintelligent people, harassing others without feeling shame”

“Anton's acceptance speech was good ㅠㅠ Anton, who calmly continued his speech while others were trying to ruin it somehow, and RIIZE, who finished the stage well, looked even cooler! These protestors thought they were enacting some great justice, but in reality, they're just loners who want to cause trouble ㅋㅋ”

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