Riize’s Seunghan Departs the Group Just Days After Return Announcement
In a surprising turn of events, Seunghan, a member of the K-pop group Riize, has announced his departure from the group just two days after it was revealed that he would be rejoining. This decision comes on the heels of a tumultuous year for the 21-year-old star, who initially left the group in November 2023 amid controversy surrounding leaked images that depicted him in compromising situations, including kissing a woman in bed and smoking.
The Initial Return Announcement
On October 11, 2023, Wizard Production, the SM Entertainment subsidiary managing Riize, shocked fans by announcing Seunghan’s return to the group after a year-long hiatus. This news was met with mixed reactions from fans, known as Briize, who had been vocal about their feelings regarding Seunghan’s past actions. While some welcomed his return, others expressed concerns about the implications of his rejoining the group, given the controversies that had led to his initial departure.
Backlash and U-Turn
Following the announcement, a significant backlash ensued, prompting Wizard Production to reassess their decision. In a lengthy statement, the company acknowledged the distress and confusion caused by their initial announcement. They expressed regret for prioritizing the production’s stance over the well-being of the group and its fans. The statement emphasized the importance of the bond between Riize and Briize, stating, "We deeply regret that we prioritized the production’s stance over the growth that the six members of Riize have worked so hard to achieve."
The company also revealed that Seunghan had expressed his desire to leave the group for the sake of his fellow members and the fans. This sentiment was echoed in their statement, which confirmed that he would not be rejoining Riize but would instead be departing permanently.
Seunghan’s Handwritten Apology
In light of the situation, Seunghan took to pen and paper to express his feelings in a heartfelt handwritten letter. He addressed the confusion surrounding his return and conveyed his sincere apologies to his former bandmates—Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton. In his letter, he reflected on the seriousness of the situation and acknowledged the potential harm his actions could have caused to the group and its reputation.
Seunghan wrote, "I believe the best decision for everyone is for me to leave the group. I no longer want the fans to experience confusion or pain, nor do I want any more harm to come to the members and the company because of me." His words resonated with many fans, showcasing his deep sense of responsibility and care for his fellow members and the Briize community.
Acknowledging Past Mistakes
In his earlier apologies, Seunghan had expressed regret over the leaked images and the impact they had on both the group and its fans. He stated, "When the photos from before my debut were released, although they were photos of me, I was deeply disappointed and regretful about myself." This acknowledgment of his past mistakes highlighted his understanding of the gravity of the situation and the disappointment felt by fans and members alike.
Wizard Production’s Commitment to Fans
In their statement, Wizard Production also reassured fans of their commitment to supporting the remaining members of Riize. They promised to act with greater caution in the future, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive environment for both the artists and their fans. The company expressed their dedication to ensuring that the bond between Riize and Briize remains strong and that the time shared together is filled with happiness.
As the situation unfolds, fans are left to grapple with the emotional rollercoaster of Seunghan’s brief return and subsequent departure. The K-pop community continues to rally around the remaining members of Riize, hoping for their continued growth and success in the industry.
