Controversy continues to surround RIIZE Anton as netizens critique his idol skills after dating rumors
Following the recent dating controversy, multiple tweets with high engagement from Korean netizens on X pointed out RIIZE Anton’s perceived lack of talent, subpar skills on stage, nepotism, and reliance on his father’s reputation.
Chinese fans have taken note of over 150 posts by Korean fans announcing to unstan Anton. Reasons cited include his lackluster fan interactions, preoccupation with dating resulting in poor engagement with fans on Weverse, underwhelming singing and dancing skills, affecting the group, and more.
Meanwhile, after swirling dating rumors sparked by a photo of Anton holding hands with a non-celebrity woman, the woman in question stepped forward to clarify.
While Anton’s face remained obscured in the photo, the bag he was carrying gave away his identity as fans noted it to be one he frequently uses.
On March 12th, the woman took to her Instagram story to provide a detailed explanation. She said, “I’m addressing the photo taken last month when Anton visited New Jersey for vacation. Many assumed Anton and I were dating due to this photo, but I have never dated him nor had romantic feelings for him.”
Further explaining their relationship, she revealed, “Anton and I have been friends since childhood. If you look at the other photos, you’ll see we met up with other close friends.”
Netizens responded with varied reactions, questioning the maturity of a newly debuted idol like Anton involved in dating rumors and pondering over cultural differences regarding physical contact.
Anton, the son of singer-songwriter Yoon Sang and actress Shim Hye-jin, debuted as a member of RIIZE under SM in September last year.
