Seunghan Returns to RIIZE After a 10-Month Hiatus

On October 11, SM Entertainment announced that Seunghan would officially rejoin RIIZE, following a 10-month break. The label emphasized that Seunghan’s return was a decision reached after thorough discussions with the group members, who strongly supported his comeback. According to the announcement, Seunghan is expected to resume activities starting in November.

However, while the group’s fans and the K-pop community reacted to the news, not all responses have been positive. Concerns were raised, especially given the severity of the controversy Seunghan was involved in before his hiatus. Some fans have voiced their opposition, with a portion of the fandom even threatening to leave due to the decision to reintegrate Seunghan into the group.

Fans Divided on Seunghan’s Return

Seunghan’s return has sparked division among fans, especially those who feel that his involvement in a past controversy could harm RIIZE’s reputation. Some fans took to social media to express their disappointment, citing that the situation might affect the group’s future success. Comments like, “I really like RIIZE… but bye… I can’t handle them anymore,” showcase the level of concern from some members of the fandom.

Despite the official statement emphasizing that the decision was made with the support of all the members, a segment of fans remained unconvinced, wondering whether this move will help or hurt the group. One fan lamented, “After the comeback announcement, I canceled my photobook and merchandise orders and am checking out other groups.”

SM Entertainment Employees Weigh In on Blind

In a surprising twist, even SM Entertainment employees have reportedly expressed doubts about Seunghan’s return. On Blind, an anonymous online community where employees can post after verifying their workplace, staff members working closely with RIIZE spoke out about their disapproval.

One employee posted:

“It just looks like they’re targeting international fans, but from a practical standpoint, those fans don’t even spend money, so it’s all just confusing, lol. We’ve been seeing signs of a comeback for months, but if they were going to do it, they should’ve done it earlier…”

Another employee added:

“All the staff are against it, so what is this rejoining even for? That infamous ‘Siren’ layout? lol. No matter how many times we tell them that all the actual spending domestic fans are supporting the six members, they just don’t get it. They’re even actively pushing people to leave the fandom. They’re crazy. Today’s fandoms aren’t like the 2nd-gen fandoms, old geezers. ^^”

This sentiment echoes the dissatisfaction from certain factions of the fandom, who feel that Seunghan’s return could push dedicated fans away.

One employee even referenced past similar situations with groups under SM Entertainment, such as Super Junior and EXO, pointing out how the company seems to repeat the same mistakes:

“So true… after going through this with Super Junior and EXO, they’re still stuck in the same mindset…”

Korean Netizens Join the Discussion

The controversy surrounding Seunghan’s return has also sparked conversations among Korean netizens, who were quick to share their thoughts on social platforms. Many expressed shock that even the company’s employees were against Seunghan’s rejoining.

Here are some of the comments from netizens:

• “Even employees were against this and they still wanted him to rejoin…”
• “Well, they said the members were the ones who wanted him back… What else can they do?”
• “After the comeback announcement, I canceled my photobook and merchandise orders and am checking out other groups… My favorite is really talented and kind, but I’m so stressed out that I’m switching fandoms. Damn.”
• “I really like RIIZE… but bye… I can’t handle them anymore.”
• “Who picked Seunghan? Why is he allowed to join the group again?”
• “I was really scared when they didn’t announce his departure from the group right away… and I knew it…”
• “Wow, the employees were even against this…”
• “Are they kidding? Is this the first time they’re working in this idol business?”

As November approaches and Seunghan prepares to rejoin RIIZE, it remains to be seen how the public and the fandom will react once the group resumes full activities. While some are hopeful for a smooth return, others are left questioning the impact of this decision.

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