K-pop Stores Globally Participate in Boycott of RIIZE Album Sales in Seunghan Withdrawal Aftermath

byCiera Reeves -
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K-pop Stores Globally Participate in Boycott of RIIZE Album Sales

Following the unexpected withdrawal of Seunghan, a former member of the rookie boy group RIIZE, when it was previously announced that he would be returning to the group after a 10-month hiatus --  fans and several K-pop stores have initiated a boycott of the group’s album sales. This decision comes as a response to SM Entertainment’s handling of Seunghan’s departure and the growing frustrations of fans about the situation.

The Controversy Surrounding Seunghan's Exit


Seunghan, made headlines when he went on hiatus from the group shortly after their debut due to rumors that were circulating online including dating pre-debut and so on. Seunghan’s departure has not only affected the group’s fanbase but also raised questions about the company’s management and treatment of its idols. On October 11, 2024, it was announced that Seunghan would return to group activities beginning in November however less than 2 days on October 13, the decision was revoked and Seunghan made the decision to protect the group by leaving.


As news of Seunghan's departure spread, fans voiced their dissatisfaction online, with hashtags trending across social media. Many believe Seunghan was unfairly removed or pressured into leaving due to backlash from certain fans. In extreme acts of protest, some sent over 250 funeral wreaths to SM's building, bearing messages like "RIIZE is 6" and urging Seunghan to leave, with even death threats emerging. Supporters of Seunghan viewed these actions as bullying and psychological warfare aimed at the 21-year-old. Fans against Seunghan's withdrawal believe that removing him from the group shows that bullying tactics such as these in fact, work and show the agency's lack of support and protection for their artists.




The Boycott Movement


Online fan communities have been organizing petitions and sharing guides on how to participate in the boycott. The movement encourages fans to refrain from purchasing physical albums, streaming the group’s music, or engaging in promotional activities that would benefit the group's sales. The boycott also extends to merchandise and collaborations associated with RIIZE.


In response, K-pop stores internationally have taken notice. Some local shops, which are often the first point of contact for fans looking to purchase albums and merchandise, have announced that they will be pulling RIIZE’s albums from their shelves and online storefronts. Several stores released statements saying they stand in solidarity with the fans, acknowledging the impact of Seunghan’s departure on the group’s dynamics and on loyal fans who supported RIIZE from the beginning.


One talking point of those opposed to Seunghan being in the group is that they spend money on the group so their opinion matters. However international fans point out that they also spend a lot of money on their idols and if the group is going to be promoted globally, global fans' opinions should matter equally.



Boycotting parameters Include but Not Limited to:


  • Unfollowing social media accounts such as X, Instagram, TikTok, unsubscribing on YouTube
  • Not streaming music on apps such as Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube Music
  • Not streaming music videos
  • No purchasing of official albums and merch

The Case of the Loona vs BlockBerry Boycott


One can not say that boycotting has no significant impact on achieving goals or making statements. In January 2023 pre-order sales for the Loona album "O" had dropped by 98% which in turn made BlockBerry Creative push back the release of the album.


International stores posted notices on social media and put signs up saying they would not be stocking up on official Loona albums and merch. The official Loona accounts dramatically dropped in followers. Eventually, the members engaged in legal battles with the company and were able to move to other companies and re-debut.


The collective action of fans and retailers could set a precedent for how future controversies are handled, both by entertainment companies and by the fans who support their idols.


What’s Next for RIIZE and Seunghan?


The decision to boycott album sales comes at a pivotal time for RIIZE, a group that was expected to be one of SM Entertainment’s leading new acts. Their debut was highly anticipated, and had comebacks with their fresh concepts drawing considerable attention in the months since. However, Seunghan’s abrupt withdrawal had cast a shadow over the group’s success and stirred uncertainty about their trajectory globally.

The boycott is also indicative of a growing trend in the K-pop industry, where international fans are increasingly vocal about their concerns and more willing to take action when they feel mistreated or unheard. K-pop fans have always had a unique relationship with their idols, often feeling protective over them, which is why controversies like Seunghan’s withdrawal can trigger strong responses.

While Seunghan’s future in the entertainment industry remains uncertain, fans continue to speculate what's next after his ultimate exit from the group. Some hope that Seunghan might return to the group, while others believe that he could pursue solo activities or join another agency altogether.


A few Stores Pulling RIIZE products: 

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Ciera Reeves

Ciera is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of KpopWise. She has been a fan of Korean pop culture since 2005 and writing about it since 2009. Her bias groups are VIXX and OnlyOneOf. She is a 2nd-3rd generation K-pop fan, but she is actively keeping up with the current artists. twitter instagram

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