In a popular online community, RIIZE Sohee was criticized for growing up in a "poor" household. As a response, the idol's fandom BRIIZE jumped to his defense.
RIIZE Sohee Continues to Become Center of Malicious Posts About Looks, Background
In the popular online Korean community Pann, RIIZE Sohee once again became the center of humiliation after haters continued to post malicious articles about the rookie idol.
Prior to Sohee's debut, he was embroiled in a controversy concerning his private life. This was after a netizen leaked his photos from a "hunting pub," a place where men usually hang out to ask women or strangers to hook up or date.
ALSO READ: RIIZE Sohee's Visuals in Pre-Debut Photo Garner Negative Reactions + BRIIZEs Defend Idol
At the time, K-pop fans stated how huge of a turn-off it was and complained that he should be excluded from the debuting lineup. Despite protests, Sohee was introduced as a RIIZE member and officially debuted on September 4.
Eventually, the media outlets stopped mentioning the issue, but it was still a huge discourse on fandom communities.
As Sohee's pre-debut photos continued to spread online, a "hate train" started. The idol was particularly criticized for his "ugly" and "ordinary" appearance, with some even accusing him of undergoing various plastic surgeries before his debut.
- "He had plastic surgery, but he's still ugly."
- "No, why on earth would you cast this guy? I'm embarrassed."
- "He looks like a kid that was told he's ugly since he was young. How could he even think of becoming an idol with a face like that?"
BRIIZE Defend RIIZE Sohee After Being Criticized for Growing Up in 'Poor' Family
Amid these comments, Sohee and BRIIZE (fandom) remain unbothered. In fact, not everyone thinks he's "ugly," as netizens outside the fandom expressed their delight seeing his bright-eyed smile and refreshing visuals.
However, BRIIZE eventually lost their chill after Sohee received criticism for being "poor."
In the same online forum, a netizen commented:
- "Do you even have a lot of money at home? How did you debut?"
- "How can he even afford plastic surgery with his household?"
In light of this, another internet user posted an article titled, "RIIZE Sohee who came from the dirt," highlighting the idol's family background.
In one of Sohee's pre-debut photos, his house was slightly revealed and the keen-eyed OP immediately pointed out the idol's house curtains which only cost $3.70 each.
The OP also wrote:
"This house is a 15-pyeong rental house and he lived in this small space with his family of 5. They say he came from a dirt-spoon so he didn't get to clean his teeth when he was young and he attended a vocal academy as a part-time job.
If you look at his house, there is no foundation."
After posting, the article immediately garnered over 96k views and 400 comments. However, rather than agreeing with the OP's sentiments, fans, especially 950 BRIIZEs disliked the article.
Fans were utterly disappointed with the OP, for crossing the line and criticizing someone by mentioning his family and background.
- "No matter how ugly and controversial you think Sohee is, criticizing him for this is crossing the line."
- "Because of kids (op) like you, humanity is falling. Is this something that will be ridiculed if that dirt spoon is a hit? Kids these days are scary, really."
- "Whether he has a gold spoon or dirt spoon, all he has to do is sing and do his job well. This is the first time I've seen someone being criticized for being poor in a while."
- "Then isn't he greater? Sohee worked really hard with a clear goal at a young age and he even debuted in a large company. Isn't that a fxcking talent? He is 100x better than you."
- "Because of idol's sales and boasting of being a golden spoon, it's becoming a shame to have a dirt spoon."
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
