K-pop Group RIIZE Faces Changes After Seunghan’s Voluntary Departure

SM Entertainment has confirmed that Seunghan, a member of the rising K-pop group RIIZE, will be leaving the group. This announcement came on October 13, 2024, just two days after the agency initially revealed plans for Seunghan’s return to the group. The sudden decision followed considerable fan reactions and internal discussions.

SM Entertainment’s Statement

In a formal announcement, SM Entertainment shared that Seunghan made the decision to withdraw from RIIZE voluntarily, prioritizing both the fans’ well-being and the harmony of the group. The company acknowledged the confusion caused by the earlier news of Seunghan’s return and expressed regret for the distress it caused.

Wizard Production, the management team behind RIIZE, released the following statement:

“Firstly, we wish to sincerely apologize for the huge confusion and hurt caused to BRIIZE due to the previous announcement on October 11, 2024, about Seunghan’s return.

Even though BRIIZE’s support was the largest source of strength as the 6 members of RIIZE did their best to achieve growth, we were unable to prioritize the precious time that BRIIZE and RIIZE spent together, and we put the production team’s opinions first. For that, we are especially sorry.

We made this decision after a long period of consideration, thinking that we would be able to bring more happiness to the artist and the fans if we could show you RIIZE growing one step more after becoming a team once again, having Seunghan return, and regretting his past mistakes.

But after the announcement, we considered each and every reaction and opinion sent to us by fans, and we realized that our decision only hurt and confused fans even more.

At the time, Seunghan made it known that he wanted to leave the group himself for the sake of the members and the fans. We respect our artist’s decision, and we wish to announce that Seunghan will no longer be joining the group but will withdraw from it instead.

Moving forward, we will support Seunghan so that he can spread his talents and realize his dreams.

More than anything else, we are always thinking of the fans and will do our best for them, as we have been since debut. Also, we wish to say a sincere sorry to the 6 members who have been working hard and deliberating every moment such that RIIZE can be what it is today. In the future, we will do our best to provide support so that the members can grow one step further.”

— Wizard Production’s Overall Director Kim Hyung Guk and Lee Sang Min

Seunghan’s Decision

Seunghan’s departure followed an extended period of reflection and consultation. His choice to leave was largely based on the desire to avoid further conflict within the fanbase and to protect the integrity of the group. The group’s fan community, BRIIZE, had expressed mixed reactions to his potential return, with some supporting him and others protesting his rejoining.

The tension around Seunghan’s return had led to demonstrations outside SM Entertainment’s offices in the days following the initial announcement. Despite some fans’ support, a large portion of BRIIZE felt that Seunghan’s return might cause more harm than good to the group’s image and dynamics. This likely played a crucial role in Seunghan’s final decision to withdraw.

Impact on RIIZE and Future Plans

RIIZE, which debuted under SM Entertainment earlier in 2024, has been praised for its unique sound and impressive performances. However, Seunghan’s departure raises questions about the group’s future direction and member lineup. The remaining six members have expressed their commitment to continuing their journey, with the full support of their management team.

Wizard Production emphasized that they would focus on ensuring the group’s growth and success despite the sudden changes, promising more opportunities for both the members and the fans.

Fan Reactions

Reactions from fans have been varied. While some expressed disappointment over Seunghan’s exit, many others shared relief that the group could now move forward without controversy.

As of now, the members of RIIZE are preparing for their upcoming schedules and performances, with fans eager to see how the group will evolve following this pivotal change.

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