Seunghan recently shared a heartfelt handwritten letter addressing his departure from the group RIIZE, following an official announcement by SM Entertainment. The decision comes shortly after fans sent a row of funeral wreath to the group’s building.
Seunghan Announces RIIZE Departure After Funeral Wreath Controversy
On October 13, 2024, SM Entertainment’s division, Wizard Production, confirmed that Seunghan would be leaving RIIZE permanently, just two days after the announcement of his return to the group. This unexpected reversal has left fans in shock and stirred mixed emotions within the RIIZE fanbase.
In his letter, Seunghan expressed his thoughts on the decision, explaining that leaving the group was a difficult choice. He acknowledged the support he received from fans and his fellow members, stating that he would continue to support RIIZE despite his departure.
“After pondering deeply whether I’ve been thinking only of myself too much, whether I’m causing too much harm to the members and the company, and whether it’s really okay for me to be part of RIIZE, who should be loved, I only felt worried and apologetic. So I think that my leaving the group is the right path for everyone,” he wrote.
“I don’t want to cause any more hurt or confusion for the fans, and I don’t want to harm the members any further, and I also don’t want to hurt the company any further,” he added.
His return, announced on October 11, came after a nearly year-long hiatus, sparking excitement among fans. However, the news of his comeback was quickly met with strong opposition from certain segments of the fanbase.
In protest, some fans sent funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment’s headquarters, symbolizing their belief that the company’s production sensibilities had “died.” The backlash prompted SM Entertainment to reconsider their decision, resulting in Seunghan’s withdrawal from the group just two days later. This series of events has left fans divided, with some supporting Seunghan’s departure while others lament the loss of a cherished member.