RIIZE’s Sungchan Hit With Criticism For Leaving Out One Member

Recently, a message from RIIZE’s Sungchan to fans through the fan platform Bubble app garnered a huge response online.

An online community board received over 55,000 views as the OP claimed that Sungchan was trying to show that he wasn’t on good terms with Wonbin.

I played basketball with Chanyeol, Mark, Chenle, and Shotaro today until I was sweating. We played three on three, including our manager. I also rode bikes with Anton and Sohee. I did a lot today because I was in good condition. I also played ‘five in a row’ with Eunseok. I won hehe.

— Sungchan

The OP felt that fans would understand that this has been an ongoing problem.

“If you are a RIIZE fan, you probably know the two weren’t close and just let it slide, but today’s Bubble message was surprising. How am I supposed to react to him mentioning each member individually, except one member? He probably received many comments asking what he did with Wonbin, but I think he intentionally ignored those comments until the end.

Of course, it’s possible not to hang out together for a day, but if you’ve been watching RIIZE for a long time, you know this has not been a problem of one or two days. The problem is that they have been like this all along.”

— OP

The OP then goes on to say that although they are not forcing them to be close to someone they aren’t close with, they felt that as idols, they shouldn’t show it on the outside.

“Obviously, they aren’t on good terms, but if they are putting in effort, I’m sorry. I’m not saying you should force yourself to become close to someone you’re not close to, but as idols, shouldn’t they be able to hide it? Even in behind-the-scenes or Bubble messages, it looks like they are blatantly saying, ‘I don’t like this person. ’

Although fans have been understanding, I think this is too much. I think people believe the relationship between members is because of these two.

It’s not like they have distinctive personalities, but why are they so awkward and distant? Some groups don’t get along, but this is the first time I’ve seen a group show they aren’t on good terms, so obviously.”

— OP

Korean netizens defended Sungchan and felt people weren’t just trying to cause a fight within the fandom.

• “These online trolls are just causing discord between Sungchan and Wonbin fans…just report and ignore.”
• “RIIZE is just unlucky with fans compared to its members. All the members are kind and decent, but their fans are just psychos.”
• “Fact: Although there were several broadcasts where they mentioned everyone except one member, they never talked badly about him. Stop harassing Sungchan and trying to frame him in a bad way.”
• “If hr mentions Wonbin, they say he’s just using him, and if he doesn’t, they criticize him for not being on good terms. What do you want Sungchan to do? It’s not like they left Wonbin out while hanging out with RIIZE. He mentioned other groups while doing different things. Does he have to mention members every time? Stop bothering him.”
• “It’s obvious they’re trying to cause discord before their comeback. I’m looking forward to their new album.”