Fans Heartbroken as Seunghan is Removed from RIIZE’s Official Website

On Tuesday, October 15, fans made a notable observation: Seunghan, a former member of RIIZE, was taken off the official website of SM Entertainment’s K-pop boy group. The site features details such as member names, photos, and streaming info for their music, but recent updates have left fans feeling disheartened.

This change follows the announcement on October 13 regarding Seunghan’s definitive exit from the K-pop group. As fans grappled with the news of his departure, discovering that his presence on RIIZE’s online platforms was being gradually eliminated only added to their sorrow.

The news of Seunghan’s exit stirred considerable anger among fans, who labeled the move as unjust. Many expressed their dissatisfaction with supporting RIIZE as a group of six members rather than seven. In response, several social media campaigns and protests have cropped up, particularly on platforms like X, advocating for Seunghan’s reinstatement in the group.

Additionally, fans have voiced intentions to boycott the group should they continue their activities without Seunghan. Despite their hopes that activism could yield a positive outcome and potentially restore Seunghan’s position in RIIZE, many were dismayed to notice his gradual removal from the band’s official profiles. Here are some of the sentiments shared:

“We’re witnessing something truly heartbreaking right now.”

“Let’s use this as motivation to amplify our efforts for a boycott and bring him back,”urged a fan on X.

“They are starting to remove Seunghan’s name from RIIZE’s official platforms. PLEASE don’t stop. Let’s do everything we can. PLEASE encourage everyone to post tags daily. PLS help us, BRIIZE and our boys,”added another fan.

“Are we really willing to let this slide? Keep boycotting, keep unfollowing, and hold everyone around you accountable.”commented another netizen.

A growing collective of fans and internet users showed their steadfast resolve in advocating for the return of the K-pop idol to RIIZE.

“This makes me sick. God, please take all of Seunghan’s suffering and give it to SM,”wrote a fan on X.

“Guys, WE HAVE TO FIGHT EVEN HARDER. We must intensify our efforts and absolutely cannot give up now. This moment is critical, so please, let’s work diligently,”encouraged another X user.

“This is so irrational. Do they not see how much they’ve lost by removing him???”another user remarked on X.

SM Entertainment’s Announcement of Seunghan’s Departure from RIIZE Shortly After His Expected Return

On October 11, SM Entertainment, along with its subsidiary Wizard Production (which oversees RIIZE), shared a statement indicating that Seunghan would be gradually rejoining the K-pop group’s schedule after his hiatus ended.

The idol had entered an indefinite hiatus in November 2023, following a leak of images from his past relationship as well as private conversations with friends. While many fans were thrilled about Seunghan’s anticipated return, others raised concerns and expressed their discontent about his re-entry into RIIZE.

Consequently, on October 13, SM Entertainment and Wizard Production issued another statement detailing Seunghan’s permanent departure from the group.

“This decision was reached after prolonged discussions, because we believed that if Seunghan returned after reflecting on his previous missteps, and RIIZE showcased new growth, both the artist and the fans would experience greater joy.”

They continued,

“However, following our initial announcement regarding his return, we reflected on each fan’s comments and responses, realizing that our decision had caused more harm and confusion among the fans instead.”

The statement further revealed that Seunghan himself had suggested leaving the group to facilitate the betterment of RIIZE, its fans, and SM Entertainment. In closing, they conveyed their apologies to current RIIZE members for the challenges encountered in light of recent events.

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