The recent wave of controversies surrounding boy group RIIZE has sparked a debate about if the idol group needs to appoint an official leader within their team.

On March 13, RIIZE held a Weverse Live broadcast, where members Anton and Eunseok both referred to their recent online controversies. First, Anton stated, "A lot happened these past few days, and there were so many stories going around that were different from how I felt, which really upset me. But I do feel apologetic when I think about how the fans may have felt all kinds of emotions, despite my intentions. So I wanted to relay my sincerity as soon as I could, since I knew that the fans were confused and upset."

Eunseok also commented, "I also wanted to say this first. I did not do anything that is or would worry or concern BRIIZE, so please trust me. I also wanted to say thank you and sorry to all of our fans who worried about us." 

Then, as the members wrapped up their broadcast, member Shotaro spoke up on behalf of the group, once again apologizing to the fans for concerning fans with the recent issues. 

But after the broadcast, some fans expressed their confusion over why Shotaro apologized on behalf of the group. Some even claimed that he may have been "forced" to apologize by the SM Entertainment staff. 

This issue has led to a discussion about the fact that RIIZE does not have a member with an official "leader" position, prompting some fans to ask if a leader is necessary in such situations.

Some commented, 

"They talked about how they don't have a leader position and everyone on the team is equal but when it comes to something like this, Shotaro has to be the responsible one and take a hit for the team? Just because he's the oldest? That's not fair or right."

"If Shotaro isn't the leader, then there's no need for him to feel responsible for this."

"He spoke so calmly and maturely, and his Korean was so perfect. But it's upsetting that he had to step up like that."

"Shotaro didn't do anything wrong. Why does he have to apologize?"

"Yeah when I was watching, I was like, 'Why is Shotaro apologizing?'"

"He's obviously their unofficial leader. Why don't they just make him the official leader? If there's no one to clean up in these situations, Shotaro is always going to have to put himself out just because of the fact that he's the oldest."

"If they're going to make him act as the leader during the bad times, they should also give him the privileges that come with being a leader during the good stuff too."

"This is why they need a leader. There's a big difference between someone who has been entrusted with responsibilities, and someone who shoulders responsibilities because they're under pressure."

"I just don't understand why they're pulling this whole 'there's no leader' thing. It just seems like a poor decision."