RIIZE's Rocky Start: Members Face Backlash Over Pre-Debut Controversies
SM Entertainment's newly formed boy group, RIIZE, is already under fire from the K-Pop community over allegations of bullying and controversial pre-debut activities. The group, set to debut in September, has been met with criticism and disappointment, particularly targeting members Sohee and Wonbin.
Sohee has been accused of frequenting "hunting" bars in South Korea, a term used to describe venues where men attempt to pick up women. The allegations surfaced on social media, with users sharing old photos allegedly taken from the social media accounts of Sohee's friend. The images purportedly show Sohee at these establishments, leading to a wave of negative feedback from the K-Pop community.
While some fans defended Sohee, arguing that adults are free to visit such venues, others expressed their disappointment. Critics argue that such behavior is unbecoming of an idol, with one user stating, "Of course, it's a turn-off... Any male idol with pre-debut pictures acting like that would be a turn-off."
Wonbin, another member of RIIZE, is also facing backlash over allegations of bullying. A Twitter user, who claimed to have attended school with Wonbin in Ulsan, South Korea, described him as a "bully." The tweet, which has since been made private, was screenshot and shared, garnering attention from millions of viewers.
The K-Pop community has expressed shock and disbelief over the allegations, with some hoping they will prove to be false. One user commented, "Well, it's not an SM group without [bullying] allegations." Others have called for more substantial evidence before passing judgment.
SM Entertainment, the agency behind RIIZE, has yet to release an official statement regarding the accusations. As the group prepares for their debut, these controversies have cast a shadow over their launch, raising questions about the impact on their future success.
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