RIIZE Faces Backlash from Korean Fans Over RIIZE New Year Greetings Exclusively Directed at Japanese Fans
K-pop group RIIZE is facing criticism from Korean fans after failing to share New Year greetings with their domestic audience while exclusively addressing Japanese fans. The controversy comes in the wake of South Korea’s national mourning period following the tragic Muan Jeju Air crash, which lasted until January 4.
Lack of Communication with Korean RIIZE Fans?
During the mourning period, it was widely understood that artists and public figures would refrain from celebratory messages out of respect for the victims. However, as January 5 arrived, fans expected RIIZE to resume regular updates, including New Year greetings. Instead, the group posted a message directed solely at their Japanese fanbase, leaving Korean fans feeling overlooked and upset.
KFan Reactions to RIIZE New Year Greetings
Many Korean fans expressed their frustration on X (former Twitter), pointing out that they had patiently waited during the mourning period without complaint.
Translated Comments:
@Mysungchan_913
“Seriously, how many times are they going to prioritize Japan first? A Korean idol group doing a Japan hall tour without a domestic tour? We let that slide. Styling that’s weird in Korea but pretty in Japan? We let that slide too. Unless there’s a pro-Japanese person in 5Center, I can’t understand why they’re like this. What’s going on?”
@luvuesk
“At this point, it feels like 5Center is doing this on purpose. From the fandom name to the lightstick and even the Japan debut schedule, nothing is done properly. It’s so sad when I see friends who liked RIIZE but left the fandom because of 5Center. And with no signs of improvement, I honestly don’t know anymore.”
@sm_riize_
“What’s wrong with 5Center?
- The unique vibe and aesthetics RIIZE had after debut are gone.
- They opened a Japan-only account.
- They only style them well in Japan.
- Fan sign rules changed from banning items to allowing them.
- New Year greetings were posted in Japanese through the Japan account.
- Obsessed with pop-ups (brand, comeback, Japan pop-ups—over nine in total).
- They keep getting criticized but never change.”
@binthebin_0302
“Even for Weverse memberships, the Japanese one is more expensive but comes with a ton of photocards. The styling difference between Korea and Japan is huge (though I get that it’s different stylists). For Christmas, all Korean fans got was a photo dump, while Japanese fans got heartfelt handwritten letters from RIIZE members. And now even the RIIZE New Year greetings go to Japan first?”
@binnxn_0302
“As usual, they’ll probably try to appease us tonight (or early morning). First at 9 PM with some self-produced content as the first attempt, then at midnight: ‘Sorry for the late New Year greetings 🧡 Hope you had a great start to 2025! Let’s make good memories together this year!’ Finally, a random RIIZE member will go live for an hour as the third attempt to calm things down… I can already see it coming.”
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