SM Entertainment’s rookie boy group RIIZE is gearing up to launch its official light stick, offering a preview ahead of the official release in April. On March 5, a teaser was shared, featuring a shadow of a hand pointing upwards with the words “RIIZE Official Fanlight Coming Soon.”
Despite the anticipation, as soon as the light stick design was revealed, fans swiftly voiced their opinions, urging the group to reconsider the design. Some fans noted striking similarities between RIIZE’s design and another group’s light stick.
Epik High’s ‘Park Kyu Bong’ light stick, unveiled in November 2023, shares a hand-shaped design with the middle finger raised.
Critics also pointed out that the hand gesture used in RIIZE’s light stick design could be interpreted as an insult in certain cultures. In Japan, the gesture with the index and thumb pointed outward signifies “cursing” and is considered offensive.
Following the unveiling of the light stick design, RIIZE fans have taken to SM Entertainment’s ‘KWANGYA 119,’ a platform for fans to report issues directly to the label, expressing their concerns.
Social media and online communities are buzzing with dissatisfaction, with comments ranging from calling the design “plagiarism” to urging an immediate change due to potential controversies.
Fans emphasized considerations for the group’s Japanese members and stressed the need for a more thoughtful design.
