SM Entertainment’s RIIZE member Seunghan has allegedly left the group as of October 13, 2024. The news was confirmed through an apology letter, marking his departure after returning from a 10-month hiatus due to a dating scandal.
Seunghan’s exit has been met with mixed reactions, especially from Korean netizens. Many have been vocal about supporting RIIZE as a 6-member group, pushing Seunghan aside due to his past relationship.
The controversy began on August 28, 2023, when a photo from Seunghan’s pre-debut days went viral. The image showed him kissing a teenage girlfriend in a motel, which angered netizens — not for the kiss itself but for dating during his trainee days.
On August 30, Seunghan issued an apology to fans, acknowledging the situation but emphasizing that it was in the past. He expressed accountability for RIIZE's reputation, hoping to regain fans' trust.
However, things escalated when more videos allegedly involving Seunghan began to circulate. On November 18, one such video showed him smoking, which, despite being legal, was deemed inappropriate by many netizens.
SM Entertainment responded to these videos, warning of legal action against those fabricating them. Nevertheless, the company announced on November 22, 2023, that Seunghan would take an indefinite hiatus from the group.
After a long absence, Seunghan finally returned to RIIZE on October 11, 2024, sparking excitement among fans. However, not everyone was pleased, with many Korean fans protesting his return.
On the second day of his comeback, SM Entertainment’s main building was filled with 1,000 funeral wreaths bearing demotivating messages for Seunghan. This overwhelming backlash likely led to his departure the next day.
The actions of these fans were not only extreme but also dehumanizing. Sending funeral wreaths to a living person, especially a 21-year-old, is seen by many as crossing the line, leading to international outrage.
International fans have expressed frustration, accusing SM of bullying Seunghan and forcing him out for no solid reason. Many stores have stopped selling RIIZE merchandise, and fans are boycotting the group until Seunghan receives justice.
Korean fandoms are known for their conservative attitudes, often refusing to forgive idols for past relationships. Ironically, some idols involved in serious crimes, such as assault, continue to receive support.
Right now, international fans stand firmly by Seunghan and OT7 RIIZE. Hashtags like #JUSTICE_FOR_SEUNGHAN and #SAVERRIIZEfromSM are trending, calling out SM Entertainment for its treatment of Seunghan.
Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated incident. Several K-pop idols have faced severe consequences due to toxic fandoms, with some even losing their lives to public pressure.
Former Super Junior member Kangin left his group after a drunk driving incident, while Lucas of NCT went on hiatus due to rumors and eventually quit SM Entertainment in 2023.
It's time to ask how long this cycle of bullying will continue. Despite being in the 5th generation of K-pop, local fans remain fixated on idols’ private lives, often causing their downfall.
We stand with Seunghan and urge everyone to learn the full story before judging any idol. These incidents can harm idols both mentally and physically.
It’s frustrating to see that Seunghan’s incident is being swept under the rug, especially when it deserves the same attention and recognition as NewJeans’ Hanni's testimony against bullying. Both are examples of workplace harassment, yet only one is receiving public acknowledgement.
What do you think about the way this situation has been handled? Should SM Entertainment have stood by Seunghan, or was his departure inevitable under public pressure?
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