Seunghan’s departure leaves RIIZE with six remaining members. Images: X/@RIIZE_official
Two days after Seunghan’s return to RIIZE was confirmed after a 10-month hiatus, SM Entertainment announced that he would officially leave the group.
SM and the group’s production division, Wizard Production, announced Seunghan’s departure from the septet in a statement on its social media platforms on Sunday night, October 13.
“We sincerely apologize for hurting BRIIZE (RIIZE’s fandom) and causing confusion through our announcement of Seunghan’s return on October 11,” its statement began, via a Soompi translation.
“Out of respect for the artist’s decision, we are announcing Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE, instead of his joining the group. We will support Seunghan in the future so that he can showcase his talents and follow his dreams,” it said.
안녕하세요, 위저드 프로덕션입니다. pic.twitter.com/cquJ5WyjDT
— RIIZE (@RIIZE_official) October 13, 2024
The music label apologized for “prioritizing” Wizard’s position, rather than focusing on the growth achieved by RIIZE’s six remaining members and “support” of their fans. It also pointed out that the initial decision of Seunghan’s supposed return was made to bring “greater joy” to the involved parties.
“However, the announcement of his return, we ruminated carefully on each and every one of the opinions and responses sent in by fans, and we realized that our decision had actually hurt fans more and caused them greater confusion instead,” SM added. “At the same time, Seunghan has consistently expressed his desire to leave the group for the sake of the members and the fans.”
This led to SM apologizing to RIIZE’s remaining members for “creating hardships and confusion” due to the recent events involving Seunghan.
“We will continue to do our utmost to support the RIIZE members so that they can grow even further in the future as well. Wizard Production will be careful and cautious in all matters in the future, and we will work hard so that RIIZE and BRIIZE can be happy together for a long time,” it added.
Shortly after SM’s announcement, Seunghan expressed his gratitude to the South Korean music label and RIIZE in a handwritten letter on the fan community platform Weverse.
He also admitted that he has been thinking about whether he had “caused too much harm” to RIIZE and the music label, saying he feels “worry and regret” for his actions.
“I’ve been thinking deeply about whether I’ve been thinking too much about myself so far, whether I’ve been causing too much harm to the members and the company, and whether it’s really okay for me to be a part of a team called RIIZE that should be loved,” he wrote, via a K-Pop Charts translation.
SEUNGHAN shares letter on his departure from RIIZE activities:
— “Hello. This is Seunghan.
I know that many people are seriously considering my return to activities, and I also recognize the seriousness of this situation.
I’ve been thinking deeply about whether I’ve been… pic.twitter.com/fa8QbVWHJ1
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) October 13, 2024
The K-pop idol said leaving RIIZE is the “best decision for everyone” as he didn’t want to “cause further difficulty” to the remaining members and the label.
“I believe stepping away from the team is the best decision for everyone. I don’t want to bring any more confusion or pain to the fans, nor do I wish to cause further difficulty for the other members. And I don’t want to cause any more damage to the company,” said Seunghan.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the company and the members who put in so much effort to give me another opportunity. I also sincerely apologize and thank everyone who has supported me up until now, even though I’m lacking,” he continued.
Seunghan debuted as a member of RIIZE in September 2023. Weeks later, pre-debut photos of him kissing an alleged girlfriend made rounds on Korean forums, which prompted him to take a hiatus from the group.
His departure leaves behind six members: Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton.