THIS 4th-gen idol defeated Cha Eun Woo in terms of visuals? A debate sparked among fans about whether this rookie is worthy to become the "face genius'" successor.

(Photo : Eun Woo, Wonbin (Kpopping))

On December 21, RIIZE Wonbin became a hot topic among K-pop fans after numerous claims about him being Cha Eun Woo's rival and successor have been surfacing in the past months beginning September.

Amid praises, some started to question whether the posts were organic, speculating that SM Entertainment was only pushing these posts as a sort of viral tactic.

RIIZE Wonbin Claimed To Be 4th-Gen Successor of ASTRO Cha Eun Woo

(Photo : Wonbin (Kpopping))

(Photo : Cha Eun Woo (Kpopping))

In the past three months, articles featuring RIIZE Wonbin have been continuously shared on male-dominant websites. Some of the topics that caught the eye of netizens were:

• "SM's boy group RIIZE Wonbin is the final boss of the 4th generation who succeeded Cha Eun Qoo who was the final boss of the 3rd generation"
• "Cha Eun Woo's opponent RIIZE Wonbin."
• "Idol who is more popular than Cha Eun Woo nowadays."

On Korean YouTube, numerous commenters also argue that the RIIZE singer is even more handsome than Cha Eun Woo.

ALSO READ: THIS 5th-Gen Idol Is Gaining Attention for Visuals Like He Came Straight Out of Manga 

(Photo : Wonbin (Kpopping))

(Photo : Cha Eun Woo (Kpopping))

• "He's on the same level as Cha Eun Woo, but in terms of aura, Wonbin wins."
• "No, but I feel like he can do anything."
• "I've never considered Cha Eun Woo as a 'face genius,' but Wonbin is the real deal."
• "I'm not even joking, but this can enter the top 5 visuals in Korea."
• "They're not on the same family tree, Wonbinnie is truly the one top."

K-Netz, SM Entertainment Doing Viral Tactics to Push RIIZE Wonbin's Visuals

(Photo : Wonbin (Kpopping))

(Photo : Cha Eun Woo (Kpopping))

While people agreed that Wonbin got the looks, some denied that he was on the same level as the ASTRO member and actor to the point he could finally succeed him.

• "He's lacking way too much to be compared to be compared to Cha Eun Woo's level."
• "Cha Eun Woo is in a different league may it come to idols and actors. This kid can't be compared to him."
• "I agree he's handsome, but he's not succeeding Cha Eun Woo."
• "Sorry, but no."

Regardless of the positive comments about Wonbin, some K-netizens speculated that SM was behind the posts and comments raising the RIIZE member's image as a "face genius."

(Photo : Wonbin (Kpopping))

(Photo : Cha Eun Woo (Kpopping))

• "At this rate, SM Entertainment most likely spent their whole money for promotions and viral marketing."
• "His media play has been amazing these past days. He was even posted in male dominant websites."
• "Was this posted by SM part-timer?"
• "This is so forced to be honest."
• "The viral marketing has decreased lately because he's been getting a lot of hate. But soon, Pann will be filled with posts about Wonbin again."
• "They probably have a 15cm height difference so what 'rival.' (a reference to Wonbin's height issue)."

What are your thoughts on this?

READ MORE: RIIZE Wonbin's Controversial Height - Why Is Idol Earning Hate for Being 'Short'? 

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Written by Eunice Dawson.