The future of RIIZE has shifted dramatically with the announcement of Seunghan’s departure from the group. This decision has stirred a whirlwind of emotions among fans and within the K-pop community, highlighting the complexities surrounding idol culture and the dynamics of fan support.
On October 11, 2024, it was initially communicated that Seunghan would be rejoining RIIZE to continue his activities. This announcement brought a glimmer of hope to many fans who were eager to see him return after a period of absence.
His best friend left the group while he was on the plane and couldn’t be there for him, and now the first thing he sees after landing is the faces of those “fans” that made him leave. I can’t imagine how he’s feeling. https://t.co/Bu7hD2vIGb
— ori (@WretchedHappy) October 13, 2024
However, just two days later, SM Entertainment released a statement revealing that Seunghan would be leaving the group permanently, a choice he made in consideration of both the members and the fanbase. The news was met with shock and confusion, especially given the quick reversal of the earlier announcement.
Seunghan Leaves RIIZE K-pop Group
In a heartfelt letter from Wizard Production, the management addressed the turmoil caused by the conflicting announcements. They expressed their sincere apologies to the BRIIZE fandom for the confusion and emotional distress that had ensued. The letter emphasized the importance of the relationship between RIIZE and its fans, acknowledging that the production team’s priorities had overshadowed the sentiments of the community.
Source: RIIZE
The official statement stated, “We believed that by allowing Seunghan to return, we could foster a sense of growth for the team. However, it became evident that this decision only brought further pain to our fans.” Ultimately, it was Seunghan himself who expressed a desire to leave the group, wanting to prioritize the well-being of both his fellow members and the dedicated fanbase.
His best friend left the group while he was on the plane and couldn’t be there for him, and now the first thing he sees after landing is the faces of those “fans” that made him leave. I can’t imagine how he’s feeling. https://t.co/Bu7hD2vIGb
— ori (@WretchedHappy) October 13, 2024
While international fans expressed support for Seunghan, many domestic fans protested his return with fervor. Demonstrations outside SM Entertainment’s building included the delivery of flower wreaths and organized campaigns calling for the company’s accountability in handling the situation.
The outcry illustrated the deep-seated frustrations that had built up within the community, particularly concerning Seunghan’s past controversies that had affected the group’s image.
Reactions from Fans
As the news continued to circulate, images of RIIZE members surfaced online, capturing their somber expressions during a performance at the KBS Music Bank World Tour in Madrid. Fans noted the visible distress on their faces, particularly highlighting moments where members like Wonbin and Sohee appeared emotionally affected by the unfolding events. The weight of the situation was palpable.
The fan response has been multifaceted. On one hand, Korean netizens celebrated what they perceived as a victory for their collective voices, congratulating each other on the successful outcome of their protests. Comments poured in congratulating BRIIZE for their efforts, showcasing a sense of empowerment among the fans. Many expressed relief that their concerns were finally heard and taken into account, which they felt was a necessary step for the group moving forward.
the only person yall hurt wasn’t Seunghan yall hurt them too. yall ruined their excitement and hurt their friend FUCK YALL pic.twitter.com/rrxe0bGw4g
— ً (@catsungchan) October 13, 2024
Conversely, international fans directed their anger towards SM Entertainment, criticizing the company for not adequately supporting Seunghan during his time of need. This divide in fan sentiment has sparked discussions about the treatment of idols and the responsibilities of entertainment companies in managing both their artists and their public perceptions.
the only person yall hurt wasn’t Seunghan yall hurt them too. yall ruined their excitement and hurt their friend FUCK YALL pic.twitter.com/rrxe0bGw4g
— ً (@catsungchan) October 13, 2024
As fans process this shift, one thing is clear: the story of RIIZE and Seunghan is far from over, and the emotional rollercoaster they’ve experienced together will likely leave a lasting legacy within the hearts of BRIIZE. The hope is that, with time and support, both Seunghan and the remaining members of RIIZE will find their paths to fulfillment, embracing their individual and collective dreams.
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