In a significant show of organized fan activism, the global fandom of RIIZE has officially concluded a relentless three-week truck protest directed at SM Entertainment.
The demonstration, which ended on December 22, 2025 (KST), was a response to what fans describe as systematic mismanagement and a failure to capitalize on the group’s immense potential.
As the protest wraps up, the fandom has made it clear that while the trucks may be gone for now, their demand for fundamental structural change—specifically within Center 5 (C5), the internal management division responsible for RIIZE—remains as urgent as ever.
The Scope of the Protest
The three-week campaign was a massive collaborative effort involving both domestic (South Korean) and international fanbases.
- Global Participation: Chinese fanbases played a major role in fundraising for the trucks, while fans worldwide contributed through slogan submissions and synchronized hashtag campaigns on social media.
- The Message: The trucks displayed messages criticizing the current management’s direction, calling out specific failures in styling, content production, and comeback frequency.
- Targeted Criticism: The protest specifically aimed at the decision-makers within C5, accusing them of wasting the group’s “youthful potential” and the company’s capital on outdated and ineffective strategies.
Core Grievances: A “Broken Clock”
The fandom’s official statement released at the end of the protest was scathing in its assessment of SM’s Center 5.
They argued that the occasional positive decisions made by the center are merely a matter of chance, comparing C5 to “a broken clock that is right twice a day.” Key complaints listed by the fans include:
Ineffective Creative Direction: Fans allege that the planning direction imposed by C5 reflects “outdated sensibilities” that are out of touch with modern K-pop audiences.
Missed Opportunities: Despite reasonable demands for more frequent domestic comebacks, a higher volume of original music, and high-quality performances, fans claim they have been consistently ignored for the past two years.
Styling and Content Issues: The statement highlighted styling that sometimes hinders stage performances and a lack of trend-aligned short-form content (such as TikToks and Reels) that is crucial for maintaining global visibility.
Inefficient Management: Fans expressed frustration that talented individual staff members’ efforts are often neutralized by the poor choices of final decision-makers within the executive layer of C5.
Demanding a “Center Transfer”
The protest has brought a radical demand to the forefront: the transfer of RIIZE to a different management center or a complete replacement of the Center 5 head.
Fans questioned how they and potential investors could continue to trust a company that manages a high-profile boy group—the first to be introduced under a new name after seven years—in such a “careless manner.”
The fandom warned that if SM Entertainment fails to acknowledge the underlying causes of this discontent, the long-term health of the group’s intellectual property (IP) and the company’s 30-year legacy could be permanently damaged.
Not the End, But a Pause
The statement concluded by clarifying that no fan participates in such expensive and time-consuming protests for enjoyment. It was a “last resort” to ensure their voices were heard.
While the second round of truck protests has ended, the fandom emphasized that “nothing is truly over” until SM implements concrete improvements and structural changes.
They have pledged to continue taking collective action through their organized social media accounts if their demands remain unmet.
As of early January 2026, SM Entertainment has yet to issue an official response to the specific grievances raised during the three-week campaign.
However, the pressure on Center 5 is at an all-time high, especially as RIIZE prepares for the grand finale of their debut world tour in Seoul.
Industry observers are watching closely to see if SM will pivot its management strategy to appease one of its most vocal and economically significant fanbases.
On December 30, 2025, the agency released a comprehensive update regarding their ongoing legal battles, emphasizing a “zero-tolerance” policy as they transition into 2026.
This announcement follows a year where Zico was frequently targeted by groundless allegations and online harassment, much of which stemmed from misinterpreted past events and speculative social media posts.
Successful Prosecution and Fines
According to the official statement, KOZ Entertainment has been working closely with law enforcement agencies to track down the most persistent offenders. The agency revealed that:
- Convictions: Multiple defendants have been found guilty of defamation and insult under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection.
- Penalties: The court has imposed monetary fines on these individuals. While the exact amounts were not disclosed to the public, the agency stressed that these legal records will follow the offenders, serving as a significant deterrent.
- Civil Suits: In addition to the criminal charges, the agency is reportedly pursuing civil damages in cases where the malicious rumors caused tangible harm to Zico’s professional reputation and brand partnerships.
Zico (Credit: YouTube)
A Year of Intense Scrutiny
The legal crackdown comes after a particularly challenging 2025 for Zico. Throughout the year, the artist faced a resurgence of old rumors and new, unfounded allegations that gained traction on various community portals and YouTube “cyber-wrecker” channels.
- False Narratives: Many of the malicious posts involved malicious editing of old video clips and the fabrication of “insider” information regarding his personal life and industry relationships.
- The Agency’s Response: KOZ Entertainment noted that they have been systematically collecting evidence for months, utilizing both fan-submitted reports and an internal monitoring system that uses AI to track the spread of misinformation across global platforms.
“No Settlements, No Leniency”
A key takeaway from the agency’s announcement is their refusal to settle. KOZ Entertainment explicitly stated,
“We will continue to respond with the principle of no leniency and no settlements.”
This firm stance is intended to send a clear message that online anonymity does not grant immunity from the law.
The agency also thanked fans for their “tireless efforts” in reporting malicious content, acknowledging that the volume of evidence provided by the fandom was instrumental in securing the recent convictions.
Professional Focus Amidst the Noise
Despite the legal distractions, Zico remained a dominant force in the music industry throughout late 2025.
He successfully wrapped up a series of production projects for junior artists and hinted at his own solo comeback in early 2026.
- Industry Leadership: As the head of KOZ Entertainment (a subsidiary of HYBE), Zico has been praised for his business acumen, particularly in the successful management of the boy group BOYNEXTDOOR.
- Artistic Integrity: Supporters of the artist have pointed out that the legal action is necessary to ensure he can continue his creative work without the constant shadow of manufactured scandals.
Industry-Wide Trend
Zico’s case is part of a broader trend in K-pop as we enter 2026, where agencies are becoming increasingly aggressive in their legal defense strategies.
Following the lead of companies like Big Hit Music and Starship Entertainment, KOZ is utilizing “Regular Legal Update” reports to keep the public informed of the consequences of online defamation.
This transparency is credited with shifting the public sentiment toward more responsible social media usage.
Looking Ahead
As 2026 begins, KOZ Entertainment has vowed to remain vigilant. They have updated their reporting email and encouraged fans to continue documenting any instances of:
- Slander and personal attacks.
- Spread of unconfirmed and false rumors.
- Sexual harassment and malicious “deepfake” content.
The agency concluded their statement by saying,
“We will do our best to protect our artist’s honor and ensure he can focus solely on his music and fans.”
With the legal system now delivering actual punishments, the environment surrounding Zico appears to be stabilizing, allowing the “digital trendsetter” to ring in the new year on a much more positive note.
Fans are now eagerly awaiting his next musical project, hopeful that 2026 will be defined by his artistry rather than his legal battles.
