Singer Seunghan leaves K-pop boy band Riize two days after return
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Some fans did not seem to welcome Seunghan’s return which was officially announced on Oct 11.
PHOTO: SM ENTERTAINMENT
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SEOUL – Just two days after announcing that he was rejoining K-pop boy band Riize, South Korean singer Seunghan said on Oct 14 that he is leaving the group.
The decision came following a backlash from the band’s fan community, known as Briize, over the 21-year-old’s return.
Wizard Production, SM Entertainment’s production team in charge of Riize, released an official statement signed by directors Kim Hyeong-guk and Lee Sang-min. They apologised for the confusion caused by the announcement of Seunghan’s return.
“We are truly sorry for not prioritising the growth achieved by all six members of Riize and the invaluable support from Briize, which has been the greatest source of strength throughout this journey,” the directors said.
Riize, SM Entertainment’s first new boy band in three years,
However, personal photos of Seunghan, whose full name is Hong Seung-han, kissing a woman in bed had surfaced online in August 2023 before the group’s debut.
SM suspended his activities in November 2023, when photos of his underage smoking were leaked.
On Oct 11, SM made an official announcement of the singer’s return after 10 months.
But some fans did not seem to welcome Seunghan’s return. They sent funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment’s headquarters in Seoul with messages such as “Hong Seung-han Out”, “Remove Hong Seung-han” and “Riize Are Forever Six” to protest his return. They began a truck protest on Oct 13.
Directors Kim and Lee said on Oct 14 that they had hoped Seunghan’s return would allow the group to grow and bring greater happiness to the artistes and their fans.
However, they acknowledged that the announcement had resulted in more confusion and pain for fans, prompting Seunghan to express his wish to leave the group for the sake of both the boy band and their fans.
The directors respected Seunghan’s decision and accepted his departure, pledging to support him as he pursues his talents and dreams outside the group. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
