(ANN/KOREA HERALD) – Just two days after announcing his return to K-pop group Riize, Seunghan has officially left the group. His departure follows intense reactions from the group’s fan community, Briize, who voiced their discontent over his comeback.
Wizard Production, SM Entertainment’s production team managing Riize, released a statement signed by directors Kim Hyeong-guk and Lee Sang-min, apologising for the confusion surrounding Seunghan’s brief return.
“We deeply regret not prioritising the progress made by the six current members of Riize and the invaluable support from Briize, which has been the core of our strength throughout this journey,” the directors said.
Riize, originally a seven-member group, has been performing as a six-member unit since Seunghan paused his activities last November after personal photos were leaked online.
The directors had initially hoped Seunghan’s return would foster growth for the group and bring more joy to both the artists and fans. However, they acknowledged that the announcement caused more confusion and distress, leading Seunghan to request to leave the group for the benefit of both Riize and their fans.
SM Entertainment accepted Seunghan’s decision, with the directors pledging to support him as he pursues his personal endeavors outside the group.
The controversy began when SM officially announced Seunghan’s return after a 10-month hiatus. The news sparked significant backlash, including fan protests and the delivery of funeral wreaths with the message “Riize is Forever Six” to SM’s headquarters in Seoul.
