Seunghan, formerly a member of SM Entertainment's K-pop boy band RIIZE / Courtesy of SM Entertainment
By Pyo Kyung-min
Seunghan, formerly of boy band RIIZE, left the group following fan backlash to his announced return after a yearlong hiatus due to personal controversy, SM Entertainment said.
Wizard Production, an SM label that manages RIIZE, issued a statement Sunday apologizing to fans for the confusion caused by Seunghan's planned comeback.
"We sincerely apologize for the distress and confusion caused to BRIIZE (RIIZE's official fandom) by the announcement of Seunghan's return," it said, adding Seunghan's departure as final.
The 21-year-old singer had been on an indefinite break from activities since November 2023 after a number of scandals led him to step back from public appearances.
SM had announced Friday that Seunghan would return to RIIZE this November, marking his return nearly a year after his tentative withdrawal.
However, the announcement sparked an intense backlash from RIIZE's fanbase, with organized boycotts and protests calling for Seunghan's permanent removal from the group.
In light of the public outcry, the label reversed its decision to bring Seunghan back to the group.
K-pop boy band RIIZE has been operating as a six-piece act since November 2023, when Seunghan temporarily withdrew from group activities following a series of controversies. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
"We had hoped that Seunghan's return would allow him to reflect on his past mistakes and help the group grow," the production said. "However, after carefully considering the reactions and concerns expressed by fans, we realized that this decision only caused greater confusion and distress."
Seunghan voluntarily offered to leave the group, it added.
"We respect Seunghan's decision to leave RIIZE. Moving forward, we will support his journey as he pursues his talents and dreams outside the group."
Seunghan addressed fans in a handwritten letter posted on his social media the same day, in which he apologized for the controversy surrounding his planned return.
"I fully understand the seriousness of the situation," Seunghan wrote. "I've spent a lot of time reflecting on whether I was being selfish or causing harm to my fellow members and the company. After much consideration, I came to the conclusion that it's best for me to step away from the group."
In the letter, Seunghan expressed his desire to avoid further division among the group's fans.
"It pains me to see fans who love RIIZE fighting because of me," he said. "I don't want to cause any more confusion or hurt. I want RIIZE to continue receiving love, and I will wholeheartedly support them from the sidelines."
