Just days after Seunghan’s return was announced, the situation took an unexpected turn.

Seunghan’s Departure After Controversial Return Announcement

On October 13, Seunghan of the popular K-pop group RIIZE officially withdrew from the group, ending a nearly year-long controversy. Initially, it had been revealed that Seunghan would resume activities after an extended hiatus, sparking mixed reactions from fans and the public.

Seunghan‘s return announcement was met with strong opposition from many Korean fans of the group. Several expressed their discontent through various means, including protests with message trucks and even the delivery of funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment, the agency representing RIIZE.

However, while many domestic fans opposed his return, international fans were largely in favor of his comeback, causing a rift between the two fanbases. This divide in opinions created a tense atmosphere online, with discussions heating up across social media platforms.

Official Announcement of Withdrawal

Despite the initial plan for his return, SM Entertainment made a sudden announcement on October 13 confirming Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE. According to the agency, the decision was made by the idol himself, who shared a personal letter with fans shortly after the announcement.

Seunghan’s letter conveyed his thoughts on the situation and his gratitude for the support he had received. While his departure marks a significant change for the group, the exact reasons behind his decision were not fully disclosed, leaving some fans wondering about the full context.

Korean Netizens React: Mixed but Congratulatory Responses

Shortly after the news of Seunghan’s withdrawal spread, Korean netizens flooded social media and online forums with their reactions. A viral post on the situation saw many fans expressing congratulations to the group’s fandom, BRIIZE, over the decision. Here are some of the reactions:

• Wow, we did it ㅠㅠㅠㅠ
• BRIIZE, congratulations! You worked so hard.
• Congrats congrats!
• BRIIZE, congratulations!!
• Wow, really, congratulations!! I can’t believe it, seriously. (Since there’s a problematic member, I was hoping this would happen.)
• Fans, huge congratulations!!!! This is amazing, seriously!!!!
• Wow, congrats to the fans. You must have gone through so much stressㅠㅠ
• Wow, the comments are funny haha
• Congrats congrats!
• Is this some huge noise marketing before the comeback?
• I can’t believe it, I’m so jealous. Huge congratulations! I wish our team’s problematic member would leave too.
• The fans won, congrats congrats!
• Congrats congrats!
• Everyone worked so hardㅠㅠ Congrats!
• Ah ㅋㅋㅋㅠㅠ These past three days have been mentally exhausting, but reading these warm comments makes me tear up. Thank you guys!
• Wow, BRIIZE haha, this turned out so well. I’m not even a fan, but I think BRIIZE is really cool. That statement was basically an apology.
• Oh my god, huge congrats.
• Wow, haha!
• The person who ruined the fandom’s atmosphere, please leave already.
• Haha, this company always flip-flops on things. As expected from SM.
• It’s done.
• Amazing ㅋㅋㅋㅋ Congrats congrats!!!!
• Wow, this really happened ㅋㅋㅋㅋ You all worked so hard.

Many of the comments congratulated RIIZE’s fandom, BRIIZE, for their efforts and perseverance during the difficult period. Some even speculated whether the situation could be part of a marketing strategy leading up to a group comeback. Regardless, the overwhelming sentiment from domestic fans was one of relief and celebration.

International Fans’ Reaction to the Departure

While Korean netizens mostly expressed satisfaction with the decision, many international fans took to social media to voice their disappointment over Seunghan’s exit. For them, the idol’s return was eagerly anticipated, and the sudden departure left them feeling confused and saddened. Several international supporters had hoped for his successful return to the group.

What’s Next for RIIZE?

With Seunghan’s departure, the future dynamics of RIIZE will shift, and fans are keen to see how the group will move forward without him. While details of their upcoming plans have yet to be revealed, it’s clear that RIIZE’s fanbase is undergoing a transformation as they adapt to this new chapter in the group’s journey.

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