Seunghan leaves RIIZE two days after announcing return, citing public backlash as reason

Seunghan, a member of the K-pop boy group RIIZE, has officially left the group just two days after his planned return to group activities was announced. On October 13, 2024, Wizard Production, the SM Entertainment subsidiary managing RIIZE, confirmed the news in a statement. This decision comes after widespread public backlash following Seunghan’s planned return to the group in November. Seunghan has chosen to leave for the sake of the remaining members and the fans.

The statement, issued by General Directors Kim Hyung Gook and Lee Sang Min, included an apology to RIIZE's fandom, BRIIZE, for the confusion and hurt caused by their initial announcement on October 11 about Seunghan’s return. They explained that the decision to reintegrate Seunghan into the group came after careful consideration of his reflection on past wrongdoings. However, fan reactions led the company to reassess the situation, ultimately respecting Seunghan’s wishes to exit.

The production team expressed their gratitude to the six remaining members of RIIZE, acknowledging the hardships they have faced. They also committed to being more considerate of the group and fans in the future. RIIZE will now continue as a six-member group, with support promised for Seunghan’s future endeavors.