Funeral flowers have become a symbol of protests among Korean fans, used to express strong disapproval. Recent incidents involved protests against Seunghan’s return to RIIZE and Suga’s DUI case, with fans sending funeral wreaths to demand their removal. The protests also extended to HYBE amid a conflict with Min Heejin, showing how this controversial tactic is being used across the industry.
Funeral Flowers Symbolism and Protestsand Korean Fans’ Protests
The entrance of SM Entertainment was filled with white chrysanthemums, reflecting the anger of Korean fans. In Korea, these flowers are known as funeral flowers, traditionally sent to express condolences at funerals. Now, fans are using them as a method of protest. Over the weekend, about 1,000 funeral wreaths were delivered to SM Entertainment’s office in Seongsu-dong, Seoul.
Funeral Flowers Protest Against Seunghan’s Return to RIIZE
The area around SM Entertainment’s office resembled a flower field. This was due to a protest against Seunghan’s planned return to the group RIIZE. Wizard Production, the company managing RIIZE, had announced Seunghan’s return, triggering the backlash. Consequently, Seunghan decided to leave RIIZE after the protests. Earlier, private photos of Seunghan were leaked online, causing a scandal. Although he apologized on RIIZE’s official social media, criticism resurfaced. Many fans pointed out his inappropriate remarks during a past live broadcast with TXT member Soobin, leading to louder demands for his exit.
Widening Impact: HYBE and Min Heejin Conflict
The protest involving funeral flowers was not limited to SM Entertainment. Similar protests occurred at HYBE, marking a significant “funeral flowers battle.” The situation began with a dispute between HYBE and ADOR. On April 22, HYBE announced that Min Heejin, former ADOR CEO, attempted to take control of the company. Min refuted the claim and even held a press conference, with the legal battle still ongoing. Initially, fans sent funeral wreaths calling for Min’s resignation. Later, when Min mentioned HYBE’s artists like BTS, fans of various groups, including NewJeans, joined the protest. They sent more funeral flowers directed at HYBE and its chairman, Bang Sihyuk.
Suga’s Incident and Fan Reactions
The protests also targeted BTS member Suga. On August 6, Suga was charged with riding an electric scooter while intoxicated near his home in Hannam-dong, Seoul. His blood alcohol level was 0.227%, three times the legal limit for license suspension. A fine of 15 million KRW was imposed on him on September 27. Despite the incident not involving a car or causing harm to others, fans sent funeral flowers demanding his removal from BTS. When HYBE did not respond, fans resumed their protests on October 20. Some overseas fans criticized the protests, viewing them as excessive. They expressed strong disapproval of using funeral flowers to target Suga, making it unlikely he will leave BTS.
Criticism of Funeral Flowers Protests and Their Impact
Critics argue that sending funeral flowers as a protest is akin to wishing death on the targeted individual, which they consider malicious. Former DAY6 member eaJ condemned such actions as attempted murder, even though Korean law does not define it that way. He emphasized that such protests should be punished. Despite this severe criticism, Korean fans show no signs of reconsidering their stance. On October 20, Korean online communities, such as theqoo, still featured posts encouraging fans to participate in funeral flower protests against Suga. Although some comments criticized the protests as bizarre, many supported the movement. However, considering the size of BTS’s fanbase, known as ARMY, the protests remain relatively small. Only a few female-dominated communities support them, while most general audiences and international fans oppose this tactic. As a result, it seems unlikely that Suga will face expulsion from BTS, despite some Korean fans’ persistent calls.
Here’s a link to theqoo.
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So much hate in this world today. Why is this still news? It’s done. The fine was paid. All the horrible things the news and haters said were proven to be lies. It’s over. Leave Suga and BTS alone already.