RIIZE Sohee became a sizzling topic on social media after his photo kissing a guy circulated. People raised their brows, but K-pop fandoms joined forces to defend the idol.
On March 11, an X user (notorious for posting controversial photos and videos of K-pop artists) once again sent the K-pop community into a frenzy after publicizing this photo of Sohee.
In the image, the idol is kissing a guy, allegedly his schoolmate, on the cheeks. No context was provided in the post, but upon its upload, it widely spread on the internet, raising mixed reactions from both fans and netizens.
BRIIZEs, More K-pop Fandoms' Hilarious Reactions to RIIZE Sohee Kissing A Guy
Following the upload, some people raised their brows at the photo and even left homophobic remarks against Sohee.
But BRIIZEs and other K-pop fandoms reacted differently!
Immediately, they defended the young idol from comments that assume his sexual identity just because of a simple, harmless peck. They highlighted that tons of people show their affection to their friends through physical gestures.
As the image spread to other K-pop fandoms, they also hilariously showed their support for Sohee, leaving comments to say that it is not a big deal, referencing their favorites who are even kissing each other on their lips.
People are trying to cancel RIIZE‘s Sohee for a leaked pic of him kissing a boy as if kissing the homies isn’t literally part of an idol’s job description https://t.co/cTxvfO995X
— The Evil Braindead (@neonfire_chris) March 11, 2024
i’ve seen straight men platonically kiss each other so this doesn’t really prove anything, but idgaf what sohee is sooo https://t.co/ytAdqC1VkY pic.twitter.com/NZ1PPs2taU
— 🎲 (@wonoton) March 10, 2024
This is something that I see every 3 days as an NCT fan. I'm not moved https://t.co/yBZqjItNAU pic.twitter.com/yGEFmOm1tM
— I'm.The.106.&.Mark.Is.94 (@SashalikesMK) March 10, 2024
oh y'all must not know exo, cause y'all wouldn't be able to handle them 😂pic.twitter.com/xXMgAoqHD7 https://t.co/qHrHxwoBfz
— 𝘬𝘢𝘳𝘢༊·˚ | ☆BLACK OUT & HELLO WORLD☆ (@peachgomm) March 10, 2024
this is nothing compared to green room seventeen https://t.co/rB71lSfzNs
— misa (@maesvto) March 11, 2024
BRIIZEs Demand SM To Protect RIIZE Ahead of Comeback
Fandoms called out SM Entertainment's attention to punish the X Twitter who leaked the photo and posted it for malicious intent. BRIIZEs also asked the label to protect RIIZE's other members, especially Eunseok, Anton, and Seunghan.
Aside from Sohee, Anton and Eunseok's privacy was breached as well. Anton was speculated to be dating someone after his photo with a girl circulated on various SNS platforms. Eunseok was also mentioned as the ex-boyfriend of a so-called Dion Lee, who is said to be a friend of the infamous Han Seo Hee.
In the past, Seunghan was forced to go into a hiatus after his pre-debut photos where he was drinking and meeting his girlfriend were also leaked.
With the alarming incidents of RIIZE members' private information being exposed, BRIIZEs demand SM Entertainment to do its job and protect the group from sasaengs and haters tarnishing their image.
This is all SM’s fault.
— star ⭐️ (@starboywonbin) March 10, 2024
They didn’t protect Seunghan at all, they let those disgusting criminals that leaked all of his personal photos win.
And now other members are being targeted. This is a direct result of SM’s negligence in failing to protect their artists.
not just as a fan but as a human being i feel so sorry for riize why is this all happening to them all these boys r doing is fulfilling their dreams they haven't even done anything wrong to deserve the hate and invasion of their privacy my heart hurts i just want to protect them
— 별☆ (@riizev) March 11, 2024
Okie dokie @SMTOWNGLOBAL when are we fixing this? Protect your damn artists? It's like the wild west out here! Our poor boys are left to the wolves!! What are you gonna do? It's time to step up #RIIZE
— not anton lee (@morningsunriize) March 11, 2024
This is particularly a crucial time for the group to be involved in rumors as they are heralding a new music release in April, after the success of their hit, "Love 119."
Meanwhile, RIIZE aims to expand their popularity through its 2024 fan-con tour, "RIIZING DAY," which will kick off on May 4 and 5 in Seoul at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium.
RIIZE will then continue its tour in Tokyo, Japan, Los Angeles, Hongkong, Taipei, Manila, Singapore, Bangkok, and Jakarta.
READ MORE: Ex-Trainee Han Seo Hee's Secret Idol Connections Exposed in Shocking Texts
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Eunice Dawson.
