Two days have passed, and here are five pressing questions for SM and its top executives:
1: Why did you suddenly announce Seunghan's return without any lead-up or supporting activities, especially right before the year’s end? You knew this timing would only further fuel false accusations of him “taking advantage without effort” and stir up conflicts. Who made this decision? What was your intention?
2: During his first hiatus, he endured slander and defamation, and even now, the burden of clearing his name falls on fan efforts. For nearly 300 days, who was handling this? Who was following up? Without addressing this and simply announcing his return, what kind of backlash do you think would occur? Are you oblivious, incompetent, or is this your first day running a company? What’s your strategy?
3: Under such irresponsible decision-making, who let members perform oversea but not in Korea with him? It only intensified conflicts and further fueled attacks on Seunghan. What was your agenda?
4: Even normal support activities require reporting to the company and the police. So why did it take complaints from bystanders for you to remove the violent and threatening wreaths outside your building? After tolerating such extremist, terroristic acts from day one, the situation escalated until the wreaths were finally cleared, conveniently right after Seunghan announced his departure, as if they had never existed. Does this not show that these extreme acts could have been stopped, but instead were ignored and condoned by you?
5: Which of these irresponsible, insincere actions were decisions Seunghan could make on his own? If none of these were his decisions, why was he forced to endure the wreaths, the false accusations, and all the social pressure? While you sit comfortably in your luxury building, manipulating the futures and emotions of young people, did you ever once consider Seunghan’s mental and emotional health before making these decisions or throwing him out there on his own?
6: Your complacency in enabling this bullying behavior should be addressed in Parliament. A company that will soon celebrate its 30th anniversary has no strategy for dealing with group bullying incidents. Do you really think this is just about Seunghan? After this, everyone will know they can spend a little money to send wreaths and force someone they dislike into quitting or worse. If this isn’t extremist behavior or group bullying, then what is? And as a large corporation, did you use your influence for good? Did you do anything to guide the situation in a positive direction? Did you try to mediate or stop this?
Seunghan may leave, but not through such manipulation, exploitation, and sacrifice. The love and support of young fans may come to you for free, but you cannot weaponize them to hurt others for profit.
Someone once said: "When it comes to fate, do not speak of fairness."
So, where is the path to redemption from such an unfair fate?
I believe the answer lies within you, me, and every kind-hearted and righteous person. It lies in every moment when love drives our actions. In speaking out today, I realize it’s not just for Seunghan—it’s for every one of us who has ever been treated unjustly.
Cr: 旺旺西卡呀 (A C-Hongjjanggus)