Reasons Behind Seunghan’s Indefinite Suspension from the Group: Fans Celebrate His Return with “#RIIZE IS 7”

On October 11, 2024, SM Entertainment officially announced that Seunghan would be rejoining RIIZE after an indefinite break that commenced in August 2023. This hiatus occurred just one month post-debut, resulting in the group performing as a six-member ensemble.

The reason behind his hiatus was a controversy fueled by the release of pre-debut photographs and videos, which caused significant backlash in South Korea. The leaked materials allegedly depicted Seunghan in a compromising situation with a woman (his supposed ex-girlfriend) and included footage of him smoking a cigarette while still underage.

The label’s statement conveyed:

“Seunghan will re-engage in select activities with the team and aims to contribute positively through music and performances. We invite you to join us in witnessing the growth and achievements of our members as they continue their journey.”

This incident prompted criticism from some fans who deemed his behavior unsuitable for an idol and called for his exit from the group. Consequently, SM Entertainment revealed in August 2023 that Seunghan would be taking a step back indefinitely to reflect on his conduct.

As a result, both fans and industry experts were left uncertain regarding his future in the group, with no further updates for several months. With his return confirmed in October 2024, fans flocked to social media to express their excitement, using the hashtag “#RIIZE IS 7″to celebrate his comeback.

“WELCOME BACK SEUNGHAN!!!! CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU BACK ON STAGE DOING WHAT YOU LOVE!!! CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOUR SMILE AGAIN!!!! RIIZE IS 7.”

“Honestly, I’m not being dramatic; this is one of the best things to happen in the K-pop scene in recent times,”a fan remarked.

“SEUNGHAN IS BACK. RIIZE IS 7. Life is suddenly worth living,”a fan expressed.

“SM’s choice to reintegrate Seunghan into RIIZE reflects their commitment to the group’s core identity. I’m eager to see how this influences their future projects,”a user commented on X.

Fans shared their joy across social platforms, not only welcoming the member back but also looking forward to the original seven-member RIIZE performing together again after such a long absence.

“It’s been ages, and finally seeing Seven RIIZE at an awards show and year-end performance is a dream come true,”a fan stated.

“I can hardly believe this; my heart is racing so fast I could faint—did we really make it?”an X user exclaimed.

“THE WORLD IS HEALING. WELCOME BACK KING,”a user wrote on X.

“I felt overwhelming disappointment and regret”— Seunghan writes a letter to fans after his return from hiatus is confirmed by SM ENTERTAINMENT

Alongside the label’s announcement, Seunghan expressed his feelings through a heartfelt handwritten note to his fans, showcasing his appreciation and resolve to move ahead. On Weverse, he mentioned his commitment to work diligently to regain the trust of his followers and ensure he doesn’t cause any difficulties for his teammates.

He underscored his determination to be a valuable member of RIIZE. His return has brought immense joy and relief to fans, who are eager to see the troupe reunite with all seven members. His letter included:

“Greetings, this is Seunghan. First and foremost, I want to extend a sincere apology to both the members and the fans. When the pre-debut images surfaced, I was filled with disappointment and regret about my actions, and I can only imagine how the members and fans felt. I believe you must have experienced anger, surprise, and disappointment.”

He went on to share the emotional struggle he faced, pondering if he would ever return to performing live again. Grateful for his band’s support that afforded him a second chance, the K-pop star recognized the weight of their decision and the obligations he now feels to meet the expectations of both the team and the fans.

Ultimately, the K-pop idol pledged to work diligently to be a crucial part of RIIZE and expressed his commitment to making amends, extending his apologies to the fans, his fellow members, and the management team.

Source