It’s final: Seunghan of K-pop boy band RIIZE is leaving the group permanently, despite management recently announcing his reunion after an extended hiatus. The idol did not wish to resume his place among the boys, remaining contrite over past, controversial “wrongdoings.”
Wizard Production, which manages RIIZE under the agency SM Entertainment, announced Seunghan’s departure on Sunday. They apologized for prioritizing their “position” over RIIZE, and the group’s fans, BRIIZE.
Plans for Seunghan’s return met with backlash, and Seunghan himself wasn’t keen on making a comeback.
“Out of respect for the artist’s decision, we are announcing Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE, instead of his joining the group,” the label said, promising to support his dreams.
Seunghan has also given the world a piece of his mind in a handwritten letter.
The star confided he has only felt “worried and apologetic” after much contemplation on the matter, and decided leaving was “the right path for everyone.”
“I don’t want to cause any more hurt or confusion for the fans, and I don’t want to harm the members any further, and I also don’t want to hurt the company any further,” he explained.
He thanked the company and RIIZE members who had attempted to give him another chance and offered his apologies and gratitude for those who had cheered him on regardless of his “many” mistakes. He did not want to strain RIIZE and BRIIZE’s relationship.
“It also breaks my heart to see the fans, for whom it should be more than enough to just love RIIZE, fighting with each other because of me,” Seunghan said.
“I will sincerely cheer on RIIZE, whom I love, while hoping that they will receive more love in the future,” he concluded the letter.
In August 2023, photos and videos showing Seunghan kissing a woman in bed and smoking a cigarette prior to joining RIIZE were leaked. It sparked controversy in conservative South Korea, with fans blasting Seunghan’s conduct and calling for his removal prior to RIIZE’s debut.
