Seunghan/image credit-(SM Entertainment)
The world of K-pop was recently rocked by the sudden and permanent departure of Seunghan from the boy group RIIZE, managed by SM Entertainment’s subsidiary, Wizard Production. The news came just days after the agency had announced that the 21-year-old idol would be returning to the group following a lengthy hiatus. His exit has left fans both baffled and divided, with some rallying behind Seunghan and others supporting the decision for him to leave. The entire saga raises questions about K-pop’s idol culture, the treatment of young artists, and the weight of controversies on their careers.
The Sudden Exit: Seunghan Leaves RIIZE
On Sunday, October 13, 2024, Wizard Production, the division of SM Entertainment responsible for managing RIIZE, made an official announcement that Seunghan would be permanently leaving the group. The announcement came as a shock to many, particularly because it followed just two days after SM Entertainment revealed that Seunghan was set to resume his activities with the group after a 10-month hiatus.
In the official statement, the agency explained that Seunghan made the decision to leave RIIZE to protect the group and their fans from further distress. He expressed concern that his past controversies could negatively impact his fellow members and their future as a group. Seunghan later shared a handwritten letter on the fan platform Weverse, apologizing to fans and explaining his decision from a personal perspective.
Controversies Surrounding Seunghan
Seunghan’s career with RIIZE has been marred by controversy almost from the beginning. RIIZE debuted as a seven-member group consisting of Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Seunghan, Sohee, and Anton, but Seunghan quickly found himself in hot water when pre-debut photos and videos were leaked online. The images depicted him smoking, socializing with girls, and allegedly speaking poorly about another K-pop idol. These incidents sparked outrage among certain segments of the fanbase and led to his extended hiatus.
In response to the controversy, SM Entertainment placed Seunghan on a 10-month break from his activities, leaving the remaining six members to continue promoting RIIZE’s music without him. Though the agency had announced his return to the group in October 2024, not all fans welcomed the news. Some groups, particularly those supporting the group as six members (referred to as ‘OT6’ fans), began protesting his comeback, urging the agency to permanently remove him from the group.
Fan Reactions: A Divided Fandom
Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE has sparked a wide range of reactions from the group’s fanbase, known as BRIIZE. While some fans were relieved by the decision, others were angry at the way the situation was handled. Many felt that Seunghan was unfairly forced out of the group due to relentless online harassment and bullying from certain fan factions.
On social media, some fans accused SM Entertainment and Wizard Production of mishandling the situation and failing to protect Seunghan from cyberbullying. A frustrated fan commented, “Accepting bullying, normalizing delusional and sasaeng behavior, and failing to protect a 21-year-old artist while putting another member in an uncomfortable position 30 minutes before a performance. Completely useless.” Another fan, heartbroken by Seunghan’s exit, wrote, “I REALLY HATE YOU. ALL OF YOU OT6.” Others voiced their disappointment using the hashtag #SMSupportsBullying, calling out the company for allegedly bowing to fan pressure and failing to stand by Seunghan.
Despite the backlash, there were also those who supported Seunghan’s decision to leave, believing that his presence in the group could have continued to cause unnecessary drama and tension among the members and their fans. These fans argue that it was best for both Seunghan and RIIZE to move forward separately.
The Future of RIIZE
With Seunghan’s departure, RIIZE will now continue as a six-member group. While the group has garnered a strong following since their debut, this controversy has undoubtedly shaken their image. It remains to be seen how the group and their agency will address the ongoing fan divide and whether Seunghan’s exit will have long-term effects on the group’s popularity.
For Seunghan, his departure from RIIZE doesn’t necessarily mean the end of his career. Many K-pop idols who have faced similar controversies have been able to reinvent themselves in new ways, whether through solo projects or by shifting their focus to other aspects of the entertainment industry. However, given the highly competitive and image-conscious nature of the K-pop industry, Seunghan will likely face challenges in rebuilding his reputation.
FAQs About Seunghan
Q: Why did Seunghan leave RIIZE?
A: Seunghan left RIIZE to protect the group and their fans from the negative effects of his past controversies. He expressed a desire to safeguard the feelings of his fellow members and supporters.
Q: What were the controversies surrounding Seunghan?
A: Seunghan faced backlash after pre-debut photos and videos surfaced online, showing him smoking, spending time with girls, and allegedly criticizing another K-pop idol. These incidents led to his 10-month hiatus from group activities.
Q: How did fans react to Seunghan’s exit from RIIZE?
A: Reactions were mixed. Some fans were relieved by his departure, while others accused SM Entertainment of mishandling the situation and failing to protect Seunghan from online harassment. Many voiced their displeasure using the hashtag #SMSupportsBullying.
Q: What will happen to RIIZE after Seunghan’s departure?
A: RIIZE will continue as a six-member group. While the group has faced challenges due to the controversy, their future success will depend on how they navigate the ongoing fan divide and maintain their popularity.