“Fans Outraged Over SM’s Release of RIIZE OT6 2025 Season’s Greetings Following Seunghan’s Departure”

On Wednesday, October 16, SM Entertainment unveiled the RIIZE OT6 2025 Season’s Greetings, shortly after the departure of Seunghan from the K-pop group. Seunghan officially exited RIIZE on October 13, following an extended absence. This Season’s Greetings, titled “RIIZE Boarding School of Wizardry,”showcased all six group members, omitting Seunghan.

For context, SM Entertainment had announced on October 11 that Seunghan would be returning to RIIZE after being away since November 2023. He had taken a break due to the negative backlash from fans after personal photos with his ex-girlfriend were leaked, along with videos showing him smoking.

However, just two days after SM’s announcement, Seunghan’s exit from the group became permanent. In quick succession, SM released the promotional materials for the 2025 Season’s Greetings across its social media channels.

This decision angered Seunghan’s fans, with many believing the announcement of his return was merely a facade. Fans took to social media to express their discontent toward SM Entertainment. One user on X remarked:

“OH WOW??? this was all a f*cked up premeditated plan…they never planned to bring him back in the first place”

Numerous reactions flooded the internet, with many asserting that the management never intended to reinstate Seunghan in RIIZE.

“oh it was def a set up bc why isn’t seunghan included in the group photo if they planned on bringing him back originally….. dpmo” – commented another fan.

“no way you had a pre-planned seasons greeting for ot6. you’re insane was this whole bringing seunghan back thing a set up?? you just ruined a kid’s life. do you have any shame??” – criticized another fan.

“they never planned to have him back apparently.. SM I have no words DONT BUY THIS!!!” – remarked a fan.

Supporters communicated that they would not be purchasing the Season’s Greetings, with one fan describing it as a ‘DISRESPECT’ towards Seunghan.

“AND I WON’T BUY ANY UNTIL YOU BRING SEUNGHAN BACK. SORRY BOYS.” – wrote another user on X.

“when i tell you they planned this way ahead they knew what they were doing that never planned to keep him that shit is a SET UP” – an admirer commented.

“they never acknowledged the fact that seunghan has to be there because he is one of them. THE DISRESPECT?!?! this industry is really disgusting” – another X user stated.

“They already prepare for 6 members only, so it’s proven their move to bring Seunghan back and then kick him out “cuz fans don’t want him anymore” just a set up … wow SM what the” – another fan commented.

Leeteuk from Super Junior Shows Support for Seunghan Following His Exit

Following Seunghan’s official dismissal from RIIZE on October 13, Leeteuk of Super Junior expressed his solidarity. The Super Junior member shared a post by X user @itsxelf_ that conveyed support and empathy for Seunghan, commenting:

“What happened to RIIZE’s Seunghan and the group as a whole is heartbreaking. And it’s extremely unfortunate how SM and even artists in general always prioritize Korean fans’ wishes, which is actually just a reminder that nothing changes.”

Additionally, on October 15, fans noted that Seunghan’s profile had been removed from the official RIIZE page on SM Entertainment’s website. This page, which previously showcased members’ names, photos, and streaming details, had recently been updated.

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