SM Entertainment’s rookie boy group RIIZE made their first public appearance without Seunghan. This marked their debut appearance as a 6-member group, addressing the public following Seunghan’s suspension.
RIIZE Attends Breast Cancer Awareness Event As 6-Member Group
On November 24, RIIZE was in attendance at the 18th W Korea Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign event held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The members who were present were Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton. This also marks the first time that RIIZE made an appearance as a 6-member group.
The group’s appearance comes after a series of controversies involving Seunghan, which led to his indefinite hiatus from group activities. The controversies emerged when online posts exposed past photos of Seunghan, alleging behavior such as asserting dominance over fellow idol trainees at SM Entertainment and his previous agency, along with engaging in negative behavior during Instagram Live sessions.
RIIZE’s public appearance at the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign event serves as an opportunity for the group to make a collective statement and showcase their unity as a 6-member ensemble. It also allows them to engage with the public and fans, emphasizing their commitment to the group’s objectives and activities despite the challenges they have faced.
Seunghan’s Suspension Proves Image is Everything in K-Pop
The controversy surrounding Seunghan prompted SM Entertainment to take decisive action by announcing his indefinite hiatus from RIIZE’s group activities. The agency also aims to address and manage the situation, ensuring the well-being and reputation of the group.
The K-pop industry often navigates challenges related to the public image and behavior of its idols. Agencies play a crucial role in managing and addressing controversies to protect the reputation of their artists and groups. RIIZE’s public appearance also reflects the agency’s efforts to continue promoting the group while addressing and managing the aftermath of the controversy surrounding Seunghan.
As RIIZE moves forward, the group will likely focus on their music and performances, seeking to build a positive image and regain the support of fans. The K-pop industry’s resilience is often demonstrated by how agencies and artists handle challenges and controversies, emphasizing growth, professionalism, and the pursuit of their artistic goals.