The fallout from RIIZE member Seunghan’s recent departure, following a “private life controversy,” is spreading internationally. Some overseas K-pop merchandise distributors are boycotting RIIZE products, framing Seunghan’s exit as “collective bullying” of the artist.
On the 16th, Eve Pink, a Houston-based K-pop merchandise distributor, issued a statement on social media, explaining, “Due to the concerns and current situation regarding RIIZE and Seunghan, we have decided to cease restocking RIIZE albums and merchandise.”
The decision stems from Seunghan’s voluntary departure from RIIZE. Eve Pink further stated, “We stand with the artist and believe in a respectful and supportive environment; we do not support or tolerate any bullying and toxic behavior, which is unacceptable.”
Reports indicate that other K-pop merchandise distributors are following suit. Seoul Stop, a major K-pop goods importer in the Philippines, also announced that they would stop restocking RIIZE merchandise. If this trend continues, it could have a significant impact on the group’s secondary intellectual property (IP) revenue.
Seunghan, a former member of RIIZE, announced his decision to leave the group on the 13th. He debuted with RIIZE in September 2022; however, controversy erupted when private photos and videos taken were leaked online. This led to his decision in November to suspend all group activities indefinitely and take time to reflect.
Although Seunghan’s agency, Wizard Production, announced last week that he was preparing to return, the backlash from fans was intense. Protesters sent large quantities of funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment’s headquarters as a form of protest. Just two days after announcing his return, Seunghan made the decision to leave the group.
To some overseas K-pop fans, the situation appears to be a case of “collective bullying” against the artist. Bullying within the K-pop industry has been frequently spotlighted by international media, and some fans worry that this incident could further damage the industry’s reputation. “This is an international embarrassment for K-pop,” some fans commented, with others expressing concern that “the fallout could grow even larger.”
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