Do idols really have to apologize for dating? Following RIIZE Seunghan's apology letter, international fans were bewildered and called it "ridiculous" that he had to bow his head for doing a "completely normal" thing.
Overseas K-pop Fans Express Disbelief As RIIZE Seunghan Was 'Forced' To Apologize for Dating
Even before their official debut in September, SM Entertainment's pre-debut boy group RIIZE is already facing multiple controversies as their private lives were unearthed.
Among the members, Seunghan became a victim of unauthorized distribution of his past photos revealing his private life with his ex-girlfriend.
In the photos, the idol was seen kissing a woman presumed to be his girlfriend and it immediately spread like wildfire on the internet.
ALSO READ: RIIZE Seunghan Begs for Forgiveness in Emotional Apology — Must-See Revelations Inside
Regardless of being the victim of the unauthorized leakage, Seunghan's image was severely damaged, and Korean netizens demanded his departure from the group even before its debut.
The tremendous hate he's getting resulted in his poor health and prevented him from attending the recording for the K-pop chart show, "NPOP."
Due to the continuously increasing negative comments about him and the group, Seunghan was "forced" to apologize for damaging the RIIZE's image before their debut. He also bowed his head to Korean fans for dating in the past.
As soon as his apology was posted on RIIZE's social media platforms, international fans ridiculed K-netz for forcing Seunghan to apologize for seeing someone in the past and criticized their fondness for "parasocial relationships" and "pseudo-relationship."
Here are some of the comments from foreign fans, who were left scratching their heads after reading Seunghan's apology.
- "Making him apologize for something so normal. We have lost the plot."
- "Why would anyone have to apologize for dating anyone? Let them live."
- "Imagine getting your privacy invaded and you are the one who has to apologize."
- "The way parasocial relationships are rooted so deep in K-pop culture so he has to apologize for dating in the past? Insane."
- "Caught dating? You all act as if he robbed a bank or something, let him breathe."
- "This is completely absurd. He hasn't debuted yet but is already apologizing."
- "Imagine you’re an idol and you have to apologize for having a relationship like every normal person because kpop stans can’t keep idolizing you and fantasize about dating you."
Meanwhile, in Knetz's' defense, they aren't furious at the fact that Seunghan had a past relationship but due to the rumors that he dated a minor. However, this wasn't proven yet and was never addressed to be true.
What are your thoughts on this?
SM Entertainment To Sue People Who Leaked, Spread Seunghan's Private Photos
The privacy issue that erupted even before the debut is a fatal part of the member's image, which also affects the group. As a result, RIIZE's agency protected Seunghan and took legal action.
SM Entertainment said:
"Such unauthorized leakage and distribution are clear violations, so we are collecting evidence through the KWANGYA 119 and separate monitoring to those who posted photos online. We are also collecting additional data on secondary illegal acts such as posting, distribution, expansion and reproduction."
SM continued:
"We will submit criminal complaints for all confirmed crimes, and we ask for everyone’s caution to not get unfortunately involved in this case."
The unauthorized leakage and distribution of photos related to privacy is a serious offense and a crime, so it is intended to protect the artist by responding firmly.
READ MORE: RIIZE Seunghan's Alleged Couple Photos Garner Mixed Reactions + Idol Defended by Foreign Stans
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