Girl Group Fandom Faces Backlash For Supporting International RIIZE “OT7” Fan Project

Netizens don’t understand why they are interfering.

An online community post garnering over 10,000 views received a huge response from netizens due to a fandom encouraging fans to help an international fan project supporting RIIZE as OT7.

| @MnetMAMA/X

It was revealed that the girl group KATSEYE’s fandom EYEKON posted online about the event and emphasized that they are against bullying and label mistreatment.

Although we are not a RIIZE fanbase, we are still fans of standing up against bullying and not letting these labels mistreat their artists. Now, we know this isn’t directly related to KATSEYE, but OT7 BRIIZE (fans of RIIZE) will be hosting a fan project as it may be one of the last attempts international fans have to make their voice heard. Fans will pass out Orange Ribbons, Banners, and QR codes outside of the venue.

— @NewsKatseye

They also stated that supporting was optional, but they hoped that fans would show support for the cause.

On the QR code, there will be a guide on what and when to chant out a message to SM to show them international fans do not support SM’s decision in removing Seunghan from the group. This is totally optional but we encourage those attending the event to show their support and stand up against bullying and unjust management as this will not take much time out of your day.

— @NewsKatseye

However, Korean netizens couldn’t understand why the fandom was supporting something that wasn’t even about their own group.

| theqoo

• “It’s not even their idol group; why are they interfering? They should just worry about their own group.”
• “Is this some reverse viral post? Leave RIIZE alone, you crazy people.”
• “Strangely enough, those for OT7 are all HYBE idol accounts.”
• “What’s with so many people interfering with other people’s business these days.”
• “Why is KATSEYE’s fandom interfering?”
• “This has to be a reverse viral post. Same company, same fans.”
• “Another HYBE fandom…”

| theqoo

• “Why are they so obsessed with seven? Is it because they’re scared they are going to touch the drunk-driving member from BTS? This obsession is so strange.”
• “Why are they butting in? WHy don’t they just change their fandom name.”
• “Why is another fandom interfering? Just support your group.”
• “What’s with all this butting in.”
• “So ridiculous.”
• “Are they crazy? Tell them to change their fandom name instead of butting in another group’s business.”
• “Tell them they need to change their fandom name instead of doing useless things like this.”
• “Why is another idol’s fandom interfering? HYBE again…”