When SM Entertainment first launched RIIZE, expectations were sky-high. The group quickly captured the attention of international audiences, earning recognition as one of the most promising leaders of K-pop’s fifth generation. With polished performances, global appeal, and a youthful image, they became a symbol of what was next for the industry.
 |
| Photo Credit - SM Entertainment |
But after the turbulence surrounding former member Seunghan, the group’s trajectory has been anything but smooth. Seunghan’s pre-debut photos — smoking and dating — sparked backlash from Korean fans, eventually leading to his departure in late 2023. For international fans, however, the punishment felt disproportionately harsh. Many accused domestic fandoms of enforcing a toxic cancel culture, and boycotts emerged in protest. For the first time, RIIZE’s global image seemed fractured, especially in the West.
Interestingly, while their Western fandom has shown hesitation, RIIZE’s support in South Korea and China has remained strong, even growing in some cases. Korean and Chinese fans have largely embraced the group as a six-member act, helping drive ticket sales for their ongoing “RIIZING LOUD” world tour across Asia. This contrast underscores a widening gap: in the East, RIIZE continues to rise; in the West, they face skepticism.
Now, as the group is set to take the stage at Lollapalooza South America 2026, alongside acts like Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Skrillex, a critical question emerges: Will Western fans forgive RIIZE — or will the wounds linger?
Veio aí: conheça o line-up do Lollapalooza Brasil 2026🔥
— Lollapalooza Brasil (@LollapaloozaBr) August 28, 2025
O que era desejo, agora é real! 🤩
Garanta já o seu lugar: https://t.co/B85YChQvao #LollaBR pic.twitter.com/yGUEz2W1xl
Lollapalooza is not just another music festival. Since its Chicago debut in 1991, it has grown into a cultural juggernaut with millions of attendees worldwide. Being included in the South American lineup puts RIIZE in front of one of the most passionate, diverse festival audiences — one that may judge them less for K-pop controversies and more for their ability to deliver on stage.
The group has already proven its live power. Their “RIIZING LOUD” tour, which has filled arenas from Seoul to Saitama and will soon touch down in North America, shows that RIIZE can draw large audiences and command global stages. But the Western market is notoriously unforgiving when it comes to controversies — even more so when authenticity is questioned.
Some argue that the real test will not be at Lollapalooza, but in North America later this year, where the group is scheduled for stops in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, and San Francisco. Western K-pop fans are known for blending their fandom culture with broader conversations about accountability and image, and many still feel conflicted over how Seunghan’s departure was handled.
At the same time, festivals like Lollapalooza offer RIIZE a chance to reset. Outside of K-pop’s insular fan wars, casual festivalgoers care less about scandals and more about performance quality. If RIIZE can shine alongside global pop powerhouses, they may carve out a reputation as artists beyond the K-pop bubble.
Still, the split remains clear: Korean and Chinese fans appear ready to push RIIZE forward into a new era, while many Western fans remain unconvinced. Whether this divide narrows or deepens will likely be determined on some of the biggest stages of their career.
Ultimately, Lollapalooza South America could mark a defining moment. It will either reaffirm RIIZE’s potential as true global stars — or expose lingering fractures in their international support. What is certain is that the stage has never been bigger, and the stakes have never been higher.