SM Entertainment has officially announced the departure of Seunghan from RIIZE!
A couple of days after announcing his return, the agency announced the removal of the 21-year-old K-pop singer from RIIZE following intense backlash from OT6 fans.
SM Entertainment Announces Seunghan’s Withdrawal from RIIZE
On October 13, SM Entertainment announced the shocking decision, stating, “We sincerely apologize for the pain and confusion caused by our announcement on October 11 regarding Seunghan’s return. We regret not prioritizing the growth achieved by the six members of RIIZE and the support of BRIIZE fans, who have been the greatest strength throughout their journey, and instead prioritizing the production’s stance.
We thought that if Seunghan repented for his past wrongdoings and returned, it could bring greater happiness to the artist and fans. However, after considering the feedback and reactions from fans following the announcement, we realized our decision caused more confusion and pain.
Seunghan has expressed his intention to leave the team for the sake of the members and fans. We respect his decision and inform you that he will be leaving RIIZE.
We will support Seunghan’s future endeavors and talents. We also apologize to the six members of RIIZE, who have worked tirelessly since debut, considering the fans’ sentiments. We regret causing difficulties and confusion.
Going forward, we will wholeheartedly support RIIZE members’ growth in every aspect. Wizard Production will exercise caution in all future endeavors and strive to create a harmonious relationship between RIIZE and BRIIZE.”
Seunghan Announces His Departure From Group in Handwritten Letter
Shortly after the official announcement made by SM Entertainment, Seunghan announced his exit in an emotional letter, “I know that a lot of people are taking my return seriously, and I, too, am aware of the seriousness of this situation.
As I deeply reflected, I began to worry and feel sorry, wondering if I had only been too focused on my thoughts until now, if I was causing too much trouble for the members and the company, and whether it was truly okay for me to be part of a team like RIIZE, which deserves to be loved by people.
That is why, I feel that leaving the group might be the best decision for everyone. I do not want to cause any more confusion or pain to the fans, nor do I want to cause any more trouble for the members and the label.
I’d like to express my gratitude to the label, and the members who made efforts to give me another chance. Even though I am lacking in so many ways, I want to apologize and thank those who have supported me until now.
I truly do not want the relationship between RIIZE and BRIIZE, who have been supporting each other and growing together to worsen because of me. It really breaks my heart to see fans, who are more than enough just by loving RIIZE, fighting with each other because of me.
I sincerely hope that the RIIZE that I love will continue to receive even more love in the future, and I will support them sincerely.”
Earlier today, Wonbin shared his thoughts about Seunghan’s return to the group. Even since the announcement of his return, Korean fans have been trending many hateful hashtags on X and protesting his return in different ways.