RIIZE Announce Their Fanclub Name, But There Is Concern Over A Possible Controversial Meaning

One of the hottest topics online for the past few weeks was the much-anticipated debut of SM Entertainment‘s newest boy group, RIIZE. The group have been collecting fans since their “Siren” performance video was released, even performing at KCON LA 2023.

RIIZE | @RIIZE_official/Twitter

RIIZE performing their prologue single “Memories” at KCON’s pre-show! pic.twitter.com/rcGkQcjMHX

— riize files (@riizefiles) August 21, 2023

Before their debut, fans were given a unique opportunity — to give RIIZE’s fan club its official name. After the submission period closed, the choices were narrowed to three with special meanings: SUNZ, WIISH, and BRIIZE.

| @RIIZE_official/Twitter

On September 4, RIIZE held their debut showcase, where they introduced their track “Get A Guitar.” During the showcase, the fan club name was also revealed for the first time, with SUNZ winning the vote.

SUNZ IS THE OFFICIAL FANCLUB NAME FOR RIIZE pic.twitter.com/Nw7kqbmTIc

— 요정 (@junguwu) September 4, 2023

RIIZE와 함께할 공식 팬클럽 명을 공개합니다.
 
RIIZE OFFICIAL FANCLUB “SUNZ (썬즈)”
 
항상 같은 자리에서 RIIZE를 밝게 비추고, RIIZE와 함께 성장해 나갈 SUNZ 여러분!
앞으로도 RIIZE를 향한 많은 성원 부탁드립니다.
 #RIIZE #SUNZ

— RIIZE (@RIIZE_official) September 4, 2023

While the association between the group’s name and SUNZ is apparent, fans almost immediately pointed out how the name could be turned into something controversial.

When using RIIZE and SUNZ together, many felt there was too much of a similarity to “rising sun,” the name of the flag used by Japan during multiple wars. Koreans — and other Asian countries impacted by Japan’s militarism and imperialism — have long been comparing the Japanese rising sun flag/design to the Nazi swastika, as the Japanese imperial navy used the flag in the early 20th century when Japan colonized South Korea.

The Rising Sun Flag | Hannu Mononen/Alamy

This possible interpretation has led many to wonder why SM Entertainment presented the name as an option, especially since Shotaro, who many believe is RIIZE’s leader, is Japanese.

Put them both together, and what do you get?

K-pop fans and companies never think 2 steps ahead, and we end up with things like fandom names related to fascism. https://t.co/jD3IFfntka pic.twitter.com/GKxEIcvkn7

— Carolyn Hinds #WGAStrike #SAGAFTRAStrike (@CarrieCnh12) September 4, 2023

Somebody gon say “RIIZE and SUNZ” a lil too quickly and all hell gon break loose. https://t.co/qwm0GUFX3c

— SPEAKS (@Speakeasily_) September 4, 2023

Hmm, I wonder what's the official Korean and most importantly Japanese translation for both names… If a particular audience realizes that this can end badly https://t.co/mbD543x7vJ

— Megan (@megan_atz) September 5, 2023

DESPERATELY need SM to fucking think oh my God https://t.co/5j2StI2vwy

— blumoon (@Blu_Empire425) September 5, 2023

On the other hand, many fans liked the name and preferred it over the given alternatives.

oh thank god sunz won instead of briize https://t.co/PVffbb4uyQ

— ۟ (@lsrfromis) September 5, 2023

wait this is actually a really cute fan name https://t.co/ciTohVMYs9

— ☆ ݁.⋆ (@jonggilover) September 4, 2023

that’s so cute https://t.co/ZNx36UfBDq

— L (@lovedaehyeonie) September 5, 2023

What do you think?