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On October 11, 2024, SM Entertainment announced the return of RIIZE's Seunghan to the group, following an indefinite hiatus that began in August 2023. The idol had taken a break from group activities just a month after their debut, leaving the group to perform as a six-member unit.
His hiatus was prompted by the leak of pre-debut photos and videos, which sparked controversy and backlash in South Korea. The leaked content reportedly showed Seunghan kissing a woman (his alleged ex-girlfriend). There were also videos of him reportedly smoking a cigarette while he was still underage.
The statement from the label read:
"Seunghan will be participating in some of the team's scheduled as the members and strive to give back to them with good music and a great stage. We hope you will join us in all the growth and realization of the members as they continue to unfold.”
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The controversy led some fans to criticize his actions as inappropriate for an idol and to call for his removal from the group. In response to the situation, SM Entertainment announced in August 2023 that Seunghan would step back from his activities indefinitely to reflect on his actions.
This decision left both fans and industry insiders unsure about his future with the group, as no further updates were provided for months. As his return was confirmed in October 2024, fans took to social media to celebrate the news, using the hashtag "#RIIZE IS 7" to welcome him back.
"WELCOME BACK SEUNGHAN!!!! CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU PERFORMING ON STAGE AND DOING THE THINGS YOU LOVE!!! CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU SMILE AGAIN!!!! RIIZE IS 7."
"’I'm not even being dramatic this is one of the best things to ever happen to the kpop community in recent years," a fan commented.
"SEUNGHAN IS BACK. RIIZE IS 7 Suddenly life is worth Living for," a fan mentioned.
"SM's decision to reintegrate Seunghan into RIIZE shows a commitment to the group's original vision. Excited to see how this shapes their upcoming projects," a user commented on X.
Fans expressed their excitement on social media, not only celebrating the member's return but also eagerly anticipating seeing the original seven-member lineup of RIIZE back on stage after such a long time.
"It's been a long time, finally I was able to see Seven Riize at the awards show and end of year performance," a fan remarked.
"I genuinely have no words my heart is racing like crazy I think I might pass out did we really make it," an X user wrote.
"THE WORLD IS HEALING WELCOME BACK KING," an X user wrote.
"I felt immense disappointment and regret" — RIIZE's Seunghan pens a note to fans after SM ENTERTAINMENT confirms his return from hiatus
In addition to the label's notice, Seunghan also penned a heartfelt handwritten letter to the fandom, expressing his gratitude and determination to move forward. He took to Weverse and stated that he would work harder to regain the trust of the fans and avoid causing any trouble for his fellow members.
He emphasized his commitment to becoming an essential part of RIIZE. His return has been met with joy and relief by fans, as they eagerly look forward to seeing the group reunited with all seven members. His letter read:
"Hello, this is Seunghan. First, I would like to sincerely apologize to the members and the fans. When the photos from before my debut were released, I was disappointed and regretful about myself, and I can't imagine how the members and fans felt. I think you must have been angry, surprised, and disappointed."
He further shared the emotional turmoil he experienced, questioning whether he would ever return to the stage. Grateful for the support of his fellow members, who gave him a second chance, the K-pop idol acknowledged the difficulty of their decision and the responsibility he now feels to meet the expectations of both the group and the fans.
The K-pop idol at last promised to work hard to be a valuable member of RIIZE and expressed his commitment to making amends, offering apologies to the fans, his bandmates, and the company.
