“JUSTICE FOR SEUNGHAN” - Multiple fandoms come in support of former RIIZE member following his exit from the group amid growing backlash

Seunghan of RIIZE has officially departed from the group as of October 14, 2024, following a prolonged hiatus and past controversies. Wizard Production, which comes under SM Entertainment, announced the departure, just a few days after announcing the idol's return. Now a significant number of fans are expressing their disappointment and sadness over the decision, with support pouring in not only from RIIZE's fanbase, Briize, but also from various K-pop fandoms.

Fans demanding the idol's reappointment in the group (image via Twitter/tfusted)

Fans are rallying behind Seunghan, demanding his return to the group by trending hashtags like:

"JUSTICE FOR SEUNGHAN", "BringbackRII7E", and "SMSupportsBullying"

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Why RIIZE's Seunghan was removed from the group

Seunghan of RIIZE made his much-anticipated return to the music scene on October 11, 2024, after being on an indefinite hiatus since November 2023. His hiatus came after his photos, showing him smoking and kissing a woman, were leaked online. These photos were reportedly taken before the idol made his debut.

The controversy that followed after the photos were made public was intense, and he faced much public backlash from the conservative section of K-pop fandom, leading him to step away from the spotlight. In response to the controversy, the group's agency put the 21-year-old on a 10-month hiatus even as the remaining six members continued with new releases and live performances.

Many fans eagerly awaited Seunghan's return and were thrilled to see him reappear, hoping that the star could move past the controversy and regain his footing in the industry. On October 11, it was announced that the idol would restart group activities, but just a few days later on October 14, 2024, SM Entertainment's Wizard Production's announced his permanent departure from RIIZE.

Reportedly this change was prompted after a section of fans sent funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment's office in Seoul in opposition to the idol's return.

This shocking news left Seunghan's fans heartbroken, who believe that the controversy surrounding his personal life should not be a reason for his exit. Many also called out SM Entertainment for bowing down to a handful of toxic fans who displayed extreme parasocial tendencies.

RIIZE's agency announced that Seunghan had decided to leave the group voluntarily. He also addressed fans directly through a handwritten letter shared Weverse. The letter, loosely translated from Korean, read:

“I came to the conclusion that perhaps the best thing for everyone would be for me to step down from the team. I no longer want to cause confusion or pain to the fans, nor do I wish to continue causing harm to the members or the company. I will continue to wholeheartedly support RIIZE and hope that they receive even more love in the future.”

This decision sparked a wave of disappointment, not just among RIIZE fans but across various K-pop fandoms, including SEVENTEEN, ATEEZ, BTS, MONSTA X, and more. Fans from these diverse groups voiced their collective frustration over the star's departure.

The former RIIZE member pens a note for the fans (Image via Twitter/riize_weverse)

Many feel that the situation was handled poorly and SM Entertainment should have supported Seunghan through the controversy rather than allowing it to affect his career permanently. Fandoms are calling for his reinstatement in the group, arguing that an idol's dating life should not be a public concern.

The movement has gained significant traction, with many boycotting and mass unfollowing RIIZE's social media to show their opposition. So far SM Entertainment and Wizard Production have not responded to these developments.