In the ever-evolving world of K-pop, idols often find themselves under the microscope for every word they utter and every action they take. RIIZE's Sungchan recently found himself in the midst of controversy following a seemingly innocuous comment about sushi.

During a pre-recording of their prologue song, "Memories," for MBC's music program, "Show! Music Core," Sungchan shared with fans that he couldn't eat pizza for dinner as it would be too heavy. When fans suggested sushi as an alternative, Sungchan's response was unexpected. He firmly declined, stating, "Oh, right. Nowadays, we shouldn't eat sushi." He even gestured an "X" with his hand, indicating a strong refusal.

While the interaction was light-hearted, with both fans and members laughing, Japanese fans took offense. The reason? Sungchan's comment was made in front of the group's Japanese member, Shotaro. Many felt that the remark "belittled" Japan, especially given the presence of a Japanese member in the group. Comments from upset fans included, "This is why South Korea and Japan cannot have a good relationship," and "Did you forget that Shotaro (a member of the same team) is Japanese?"

However, the context behind Sungchan's comment is rooted in a deeper issue. Japan has recently been discharging nuclear contaminated/treated radioactive water from Fukushima back into the Pacific Ocean. This has led to protests in Korea, with many Koreans boycotting Japanese products, including sushi. Sungchan, known to be a sushi enthusiast, was praised by Korean netizens for his awareness of the issue and his decision to not recommend sushi at the moment.

RIIZE, SM Entertainment's rookie boy group, is set to release their first single album, "Get A Guitar," on September 4. Ahead of their official debut, they introduced their unique genre, "Emotional Pop," with the prologue song "Memories." The seven-member multinational group includes members of Korean, Korean-American, and Japanese nationalities. The name RIIZE combines the English words "Rise" and "Realize," symbolizing a team that grows together and realizes their dreams.

While the sushi comment has stirred controversy, it also highlights the challenges faced by multinational groups in the K-pop industry. Balancing cultural sensitivities while staying true to one's beliefs is a tightrope that many idols walk daily. As RIIZE continues to rise in the music scene, fans hope that such incidents will foster understanding and unity among members and their diverse fanbase.

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