Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE hit with backlash from fans

Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE hit by fans

/ 12:12 PM October 14, 2024

Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE marred with backlash. Images: X/@RIIZE_official

Seunghan, former member of RIIZE. Images: X/@RIIZE_official

The sudden departure of Seunghan from K-pop boy group RIIZE was hit by fans on social media, with many calling out their label SM Entertainment for not managing his 10-month hiatus properly.

Two days after Seunghan’s supposed return was confirmed, SM announced that he would officially leave the group on October 13. The label also noted that the decision was made “carefully,” saying that the K-pop idol “consistently expressed his desire to leave the group for the sake of the members and the fans.”

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The announcement sent fans into an uproar, with many noting that Seunghan’s departure sets a “dangerous precedent” for K-pop groups and Korean agencies. Some also pointed out that his leaving the group was painful for his bandmates.

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Some fans also called for a boycott of RIIZE’s activities, stressing that it would “send a message” that Seunghan’s presence is needed. One @haniebani said the latter’s departure can happen to other K-pop idols.

While there aren’t any updates on Seunghan’s future activities, other fans hoped he would “live the life he deserves” whether he chooses to stay in the entertainment industry or leave for good.

Since Seunghan’s departure, pop culture account Pop Base reported that RIIZE’s X (formerly Twitter) page lost over 14,000 followers. He, along with RIIZE and the hashtag “#SMSupportsBullying,” has also been trending on X, as of press time.

Image: Screengrab from X

Image: Screengrab from X

Image: Screengrab from X

Image: Screengrab from X

Who is Seunghan?

Born Hong Seunghan, he debuted as the dancer and vocalist of RIIZE in September 2023. He was a trainee for two and a half years known for his “outstanding skills,” and was a member of SM’s trainee team, SM Rookies.

Weeks after Seunghan’s debut, photos of him kissing an alleged girlfriend and smoking during his trainee days made rounds on forums, with Korean fans calling for his departure from RIIZE. This led to the K-pop idol taking a 10-month hiatus.

News of his supposed return was welcomed with mixed reactions from fans. A report from The Korea Herald said that Korean fans sent funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment’s office in Seoul with the messages, “Hong Seunghan Out,” “Remove Hong Seunghan,” and “RIIZE is Forever Six” in protest.

Despite this, RIIZE’s Wonbin appeared to stand up for him in a now-deleted post on Weverse.

“I think BRIIZE (RIIZE’s fandom) must have thought a lot over the past time, whether Seunghan is coming back or not, and why he doesn’t give a definite answer quickly. We also talked a lot with Seunghan and the company for a long time. I want you to know that the members thought, and thought deeply about it together,” he said.

RIIZE is currently composed of Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton. The six-member group is best known for their songs “Boom Boom Bass,” “Get A Guitar,” and “Love 119,” to name a few.

TAGS: K-Pop, Riize

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