RIIZE announces Seunghan's return to K-Pop group after controversial 10-month absence

The seventh member of RIIZE, a breakout K-pop trio, will rejoin his bandmates after an almost yearlong sabbatical.

RIIZE's official social media platforms indicated that Seunghan will progressively join in select group events beginning in November, a widely anticipated yet confused return.

RIIZE.

SM Entertainment

Seunghan's split began in August 2023, when pre-debut images and videos of the young singer leaked, causing criticism in certain of South Korea's most conservative social climates. The photographs showed Seunghan in bed with an unnamed lady and smoking a cigarette, prompting some fans to call his conduct improper for a K-pop idol and urge his removal from RIIZE. Last November, the group's label, SM Entertainment, said that Seunghan would "halt activities indefinitely" to reflect on his actions, with no more updates from the label, leaving fans and industry insiders to wonder about his future.

The uproar surrounding Seunghan's homecoming highlighted a larger conflict between K-pop musicians' worldwide ambitions and the expectations put on them by domestic fans. While RIIZE has received international acclaim for its music and the group's authentic approach to social media and fan connection — as highlighted in a June Billboard digital cover touting them as "K-pop stars on the rise" — Seunghan's situation highlights the pressure that increasingly international idols face to uphold traditional values in a rapidly modernizing industry.

In the statement, SM Entertainment praised Seunghan's personal improvement during his absence as well as the label's internal discussion over when he would return. While many fans will welcome his return (an online petition requesting his return garnered 20,000 signatures), the decision to reintegrate him into RIIZE marks a watershed moment in how the group will navigate its future trajectory both at home and abroad, as well as how the K-pop industry can more seamlessly navigate cultural clashes.

Seunghan followed up on his comments with a handwritten letter posted on RIIZE's Weverse account, in which he apologized to his fans, company, and bandmates. The 21-year-old admitted to having doubts about his future as a singer, but emphasized that his RIIZE members Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton contacted him directly.

"Because I caused such great disappointment, I continued to have more realistic thoughts such as, 'Will I be able to stand on stage again?'" he said. "During that time, the members grasped my hand once again. It must have been a tough choice, and I am only grateful and regretful for being given another chance. I know there is so much I need to show the members who have grabbed my hand again, the fans who are concerned that the accomplishments gained during my absence would be soiled, and the corporation that made the difficult decision. Of course, I feel burdened and afraid about this."

RIIZE released the "KENZIE RE:WORKS" remix of their pre-release buzz song "Memories" earlier today, October 10, ahead of the septet's formal debut on September 2023.

Read the full statement below:

"To the BRIIZE [RIIZE fans] that adore RIIZE,

Hello, this is Wizard Production, the company in charge of producing for RIIZE.We would want to provide a cautious statement on member Seunghan's return and the direction of RIIZE's future activities.

Fans are aware that Seunghan has been away from group activities for around ten months owing to personal concerns in his pre-debut life.

Seunghan admits that his previous acts were incorrect, and he has suspended activity for over a year while thoroughly pondering [on his behavior] and apologizing to the other members and supporters.We also understood that Seunghan's previous behaviors were inappropriate as an artist, which is why it took us a long time to debate the timing of his return to activities.

Because there was no news about Seunghan's activities, fans moved beyond curiosity to become scared and concerned, and we understand their sentiments. However, since we continued to debate the issue from multiple perspectives, [our choice took some time], and we sincerely apologize for the fact that we are just now informing you of our decision about the direction of RIIZE's future activities.

We poured our hearts and souls into creating RIIZE even before their debut, and we've decided that the next chapter would be much more important if all seven members were together. As a result, following extensive conversations with staff and members concerning the direction of the group's future activities, it has been determined that Seunghan will rejoin the group.After joining the group and practicing for a period of time, we expect Seunghan will gradually participate in some of the group's scheduled events in November and meet the fans once more.

Even throughout his break, Seunghan has continually worked to improve his abilities, and since he still has a lot to offer you in the future, we hope that you will look warmly upon him.

We apologize deeply for causing uncertainty and difficulties for the people who have followed and cheered on RIIZE's progress. However, because RIIZE is a group that strives to advance and fulfill its aspirations together, the members prioritize the group and are now working hard to rehearse [for their future activities].We urge that you believe our choice so that we may properly exhibit the people a RIIZE made up of seven members.

We are confident that many people are intrigued about RIIZE's next chapter, how far they will soar, what kinds of aspirations they have, and how those dreams will be realized in the future.Because we, the individuals closest to RIIZE and ardent supporters of RIIZE, are also looking forward to the next phase.

We will continue to work hard in the future to reward [the fans] with RIIZE's excellent music and performances, while also sharing the members' ambitions.We ask that you stick with the members and share all of their rising and realizing moments that will occur in the future."

Seunghans Weverse letter:

"Hello, this is Seunghan.

First and foremost, I want to humbly apologize to the members and fans. When the images from before my debut were posted, even though they were of me, I was profoundly upset and felt bad about myself. If I felt that way, I can't fathom what the members and fans by my side must have felt.

You must have felt outraged, startled, and disappointed. I sincerely apologize to the fans who have backed us since the beginning, at such a critical moment, and to those who have been harmed by my childish conduct. I also feel sad for the members with whom I should have been working hard to move forward jointly, which resulted in my unexpected cessation of activity. I would want to apologize to everyone who had to suffer and overcome that predicament. I felt both terrible for the circumstances and sorrow at not being able to see everyone.

Because I caused so much disappointment, I proceeded to have more realistic ideas such, "Will I ever be able to stand on stage again?" Can I continue to make music?

During that time, the members took my hand once again. It must have been a tough choice, and I am only grateful and regretful for being given another chance.

I know there is so much I need to show the members who have grabbed my hand again, the fans who are concerned that the accomplishments gained during my absence would be soiled, and the company that made the difficult decision. Of course, I feel burdened and afraid about this aspect.

However, I am motivated to work even harder and do better as a result of the trust placed in me.

I will aim to be a decent member who accepts responsibility and does not undermine the members' successes. I wish to become a necessary member of the RIIZE team.

I'd like to apologize once more to the members and company staff who made the difficult decision, as well as the fans who were undoubtedly startled. I intend to work more diligently and responsibly in the future."