▲ This fYonhap file photo shows Seunghan of K-pop boy group RIIZE. (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) --Seunghan of K-pop boy group RIIZE made the sudden decision to leave the group on October 13, just two days after announcing his return to activities.

 

Wizard Production, a subsidiary of SM Entertainment overseeing RIIZE, stated, "Seunghan expressed his desire to leave the group for the sake of the members and fans. We respect his decision and are announcing that Seunghan will not be rejoining RIIZE but will instead depart from the group."

 

Seunghan debuted with RIIZE in September last year, but in November 2023, he decided to pause his activities indefinitely after a personal video and photo taken during his trainee days were leaked online, causing a controversy. On October 11, Wizard Production announced Seunghan's intention to resume team activities starting in November. However, some fans reacted strongly, sending protest wreaths to SM Entertainment’s headquarters to express their dissatisfaction with the decision.

 

Wizard Production explained, "We had hoped that Seunghan’s return and RIIZE's growth as a team would bring greater happiness to both the artist and the fans. This decision came after much deliberation and reflection on his past mistakes. However, after seeing the reactions from fans following the announcement, we realized that our decision had caused more confusion and hurt rather than healing."

 

In a handwritten letter posted on the fan community platform Weverse, Seunghan shared, "I believe that leaving the team is the best path for everyone. I don’t want to cause any more confusion or pain to the fans, and I don't want to burden the members or the company anymore."

 

He expressed gratitude toward the company and his fellow members for their efforts to give him another chance, saying, "I want to thank the company and my members who tried to give me another opportunity, and I am deeply sorry and grateful to those who supported me despite my shortcomings. It breaks my heart to see fans, who love RIIZE wholeheartedly, divided because of me. I sincerely hope that RIIZE will continue to receive love and support in the future, and I will be cheering them on with all my heart."

 

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]