Seoul Residents Disturbed By The Amount Of Funeral Wreaths Outside K-Pop Agency Buildings 

In Seoul’s bustling Seongsu-dong, home to SM Entertainment’s headquarters, residents are noticing an unusual trend. Rows of funeral-style wreaths are frequently lining the sidewalks, turning what used to be a lively neighborhood into what some describe as a “funeral” whenever tensions arise in the K-Pop industry.

According to a report by Herald Economy, several residents have complained, especially after the recent controversy following former RIIZE member Seunghan‘s departure from the group.

| SM Entertainment

Longtime resident Kim Seung Jin, who has lived in the area for over 20 years, shared that although SM’s arrival initially brought a nice atmosphere, the area has now become a hotspot for public protests, with fans using wreaths and trucks to express grievances about their favorite idols.

The atmosphere in the neighborhood was nice at first when the SM building came in, but now it feels like it turns into a protest site every time there’s an issue. Lately, there are ‘truck protests’ everywhere — some trucks with messages like ‘Get out’ aimed at a certain idol, while others say ‘Come back.’

— Kim Seung Jin

| @daaaay000/X (formerly known as Twitter)

Not all are supportive of these displays. Nearby resident Lee Jung Eun shared her unease, describing how walking past these wreaths late at night feels eerie.

I understand the K-Pop fandom’s grievances, but passing by [the wreaths] at night sometimes gives me an eerie feeling. As these protests diversify, it feels like they’re also impacting the street view.

— Lee Jung Eun

Fans Bombard SM Entertainment With Wreaths Protesting RIIZE Seunghan’s Return

The trend of using funeral wreaths as a form of protest began during the pandemic and has since become popular among K-Pop fans voicing their frustrations with management companies.

BRIIZE, pls don’t tell me you will still support the group after this. PLEASE OPEN YOUR EYES, PLEASE. This is 1,000 wreaths

SM let Seunghan PASSED by and WALKED ALONE seeing these wreaths. #JUSTICE_FOR_SEUNGHAN #SMSupportsBullying #SEUNGHAN #홍승한pic.twitter.com/RtL99Cyro6

— 𝙟𝙪𝙣𝙤 (@theboyfromilsan) October 13, 2024

Herald Economy reports that earlier today, wreaths and message-laden trucks surrounded SM’s building, and one truck urged Seunghan’s return to RIIZE. Curious visitors snapped photos, while locals simply walked by, accustomed to the recurring sight.

| Herald Economy

Meanwhile, over in Yongsan where HYBE’s headquarters are located, similar protests have been taking place. BTS fans recently sent wreaths to HYBE, criticizing the company’s response to malicious rumors spread about the group.

| Herald Economy

While some K-Pop fans believe the protests hold agencies accountable, others argue the wreaths are excessive and disruptive. Experts suggest that fans view their public displays as justified — considering their investment in supporting K-Pop stars — yet for Seoul’s residents, these displays are increasingly unsettling.