Fans Rally for 152 Days in "RIIZE IS SEVEN" Movement Amid Ongoing Battle with SM Entertainment (Updated April 2025)

For over five months, the K-pop fandom has witnessed an unprecedented display of loyalty and defiance as fans of the boy group RIIZE continue their "RIIZE IS SEVEN" movement, now in its 152nd day, demanding the reinstatement of former member Seunghan. The campaign, marked by social media trends, physical protests, and boycotts, underscores the growing tension between fans and SM Entertainment over the agency’s handling of the group’s lineup and creative direction.

The Catalyst: Seunghan’s Turbulent Exit

Seunghan, 21, was initially suspended in November 2023 after pre-debut photos and videos of him smoking and kissing a woman leaked online, sparking backlash in South Korea’s rigid idol culture. After nearly a year of reflection, SM Entertainment’s production team, Wizard Production, announced his return on October 11, 2024, stating the group’s "next chapter would be more meaningful" as seven members. However, within 48 hours, the decision was reversed following organized fan protests, including funeral wreaths sent to SM’s headquarters and truck-mounted billboards declaring, "RIIZE is Forever Six".

In a contentious statement on October 13, SM cited fan "confusion" and Seunghan’s own desire to leave for the "sake of the members and fans" as reasons for his permanent departure. The abrupt reversal left the fandom fractured, with a vocal faction launching the "RIIZE IS SEVEN" movement to contest the decision.

The Movement Gains Momentum

Fans, self-dubbed "BRIIZE," have mobilized globally, flooding social media with hashtags like #RIIZE_IS_SEVEN and #BringSeunghanBack. Daily mass-post campaigns, offline rallies, and coordinated boycotts of RIIZE’s music and merchandise have pressured SM to address their demands. On April 10, 2025, supporters marked the movement’s 150th day with trending topics accusing SM of "genuinely and actively neglecting" RIIZE and mishandling Seunghan’s case.

"The boycott isn’t about turning our backs on RIIZE—it’s about standing up for them," one fan tweeted. "We refuse to stay silent while their integrity is compromised". Others criticized SM’s silence on new music, as RIIZE has not released a track since Seunghan’s exit.

Internal Conflicts and Fan Power

The movement highlights the delicate balance K-pop agencies face between fan service and artistic control. While SM initially framed Seunghan’s return as a "meaningful" step for the group’s pre-debut vision, the backlash revealed the risks of underestimating fan dissent. Analysts note the incident reflects broader industry struggles, where "superfans" increasingly influence roster decisions through organized campaigns.

Members of RIIZE have cautiously addressed the turmoil. Leader Wonbin appealed for understanding days before Seunghan’s exit, stating, "There is no RIIZE without BRIIZE". Meanwhile, Seunghan’s handwritten apology letter emphasized remorse but also hinted at unresolved tensions: "I felt immense disappointment… I can’t imagine how much worse it was for the members".

What’s Next?

As the movement enters its sixth month, SM Entertainment remains silent on reinstatement talks. Fans continue to leverage social media’s viral power, with some vowing to "fight until SM listens". The standoff raises critical questions about accountability in K-pop: Can agencies reconcile fan demands with long-term group dynamics? And how much influence should fandoms wield over artistic decisions?

For now, the "RIIZE IS SEVEN" movement shows no signs of slowing, embodying a modern fandom’s resolve to hold the industry accountable—one hashtag at a time.

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This story synthesizes verified reports from SM Entertainment statements, fan campaigns, and industry analyses as of April 2025.