In an unanticipated move, RIIZE’s Seunghan has announced his exit from the K-pop group just two days after returning from his long hiatus. The announcement came after SM Entertainment confirmed his return to the music scene.

On Sunday, October 13, Wizard Production, SM Entertainment’s division managing RIIZE, announced that Seunghan will part ways with the group. The decision comes just two days after Wizard Production announced Seunghan’s return with the team promotions starting in November. Soon, a public backlash followed. Reportedly, the K-pop artist expressed the desire to leave the band to safeguard his fellow members’ and fans’ feelings. Following the official statement, the K-pop idol also shared a handwritten letter on Weverse.

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The statement shared by Wizard Production reads, “First, we sincerely apologize to all the BRIIZE fans for the distress and confusion caused by the announcement of Seunghan’s return on the 11th. We deeply regret that we prioritized the production’s stance over the growth that the six members of RIIZE have worked so hard to achieve, the invaluable support from Breeze that has been their greatest source of strength, and the precious time shared between RIIZE and Breeze fans.”

They further added, “We initially made the decision with the hope that if Seunghan reflected on his past mistakes, returned to the group, and contributed to RIIZE’s growth as a team once again, it could bring even greater happiness to both the artist and the fans. However, upon carefully reviewing each of the opinions and reactions sent by the fans after the announcement, we realized that our decision only led to further confusion and hurt for all of you.”

The statement continued to iterate Seunghan’s decision to leave the group in the interest of his bandmates and fans. Expressing support for the artist the label announced Seunghan’s exit from the K-pop group.

Following the announcement, Seunghan took to Weverse to share a handwritten note. His note read, “Hello, this is Seunghan. I know that a lot of people have been thinking seriously about my return, and I’ve been deeply aware of the seriousness of the situation. As I reflected on whether I was only thinking of myself and if I caused significant harm to the company and the members, whether it is befitting for me to be in a group that is deserving of so much love, the only emotions that I experienced were feeling worried and sorry. I believe the best decision for everyone is for me to leave the group.”

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He added, “I no longer want the fans to experience confusion or pain, nor do I want any more harm to come to the members and the company because of me.” Concluding the note, he thanked his ex-band members for allowing him to return. Iterating that he does not want to impact the relationship between the group and its fans, Seunghan added that he would continue supporting the group.

K-pop group RIIZE debuted last year as a seven-piece group. It comprised Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Seunghan, Sohee, and Anton. However, Seunghan found himself embroiled in controversies after his pre-debut pictures were leaked online. In the images and clips, Seunghan was captured smoking, spending time with girls and allegedly slandering a K-pop idol. Subsequently, the label sent Seunghan on a 10-month hiatus while the remaining members continued making music and performing.