SM Entertainment’s boy group RIIZE has been making waves in the K-pop industry, but member Seunghan has been notably absent for the past nine months. The controversy surrounding Seunghan began in August 2023, just before RIIZE’s debut, when photos of him engaging in intimate acts with a woman surfaced online. This scandal sparked outrage among fans and the public, leading to a statement from SM Entertainment condemning the unauthorized release of private photos and promising legal action against further dissemination.
Seunghan himself issued an apology, expressing remorse for his actions and the impact they had on his team, company, and fans. However, the situation escalated in November when videos emerged showing Seunghan smoking in public while underage and having a conversation with TXT’s Soobin. This led to further backlash from RIIZE fans, who demanded his removal from the group and even organized a protest.
In response to the growing controversy, SM Entertainment announced Seunghan’s hiatus from RIIZE activities, citing the deliberate editing of videos to create misunderstandings. Despite Seunghan’s repeated apologies on social media platforms like Weverse, there has been no update on his status or potential return to the group.
The uncertainty surrounding Seunghan’s future with RIIZE has sparked discussions among Korean netizens, with many expressing their opinions on whether he should be allowed to rejoin the group. Some believe that RIIZE has been thriving without Seunghan and that his absence has not hindered their popularity. Others argue that a definitive decision should be made by SM Entertainment to clarify the situation for fans.
Rankify’s trend index for male group members indicates that Seunghan remains popular, ranking third after RIIZE members Wonbin and Anton. This raises questions about whether his return to the group would be beneficial or detrimental to RIIZE’s success.
Ultimately, the decision on Seunghan’s future with RIIZE rests with SM Entertainment and the members of the group. Fans will have to wait for an official announcement to determine whether Seunghan will make a comeback or if RIIZE will continue to thrive as a six-member group. The ongoing discussions among netizens reflect the divided opinions on Seunghan’s situation and highlight the importance of transparency and communication in the K-pop industry.