In a surprising turn of events, Seunghan has officially departed from the boy band RIIZE after facing intense backlash from fans regarding his announced return. The announcement, which was made by SM Entertainment, comes after a tumultuous year for the young singer, who had previously taken an indefinite hiatus from the spotlight due to personal controversies.

In a statement released on Sunday, Wizard Production, the SM label responsible for managing RIIZE, extended their apologies to the fandom known as BRIIZE. They expressed regret over the distress caused by Seunghan's intended comeback, which was originally slated for this November.

The 21-year-old artist had been away from public appearances since November 2023, following a series of scandals that prompted his withdrawal from both group activities and promotional events. Just days before the uproar among fans, the label had announced his return, marking a significant moment after his tentative exit.

However, this announcement sparked a fierce backlash from RIIZE's devoted fanbase. Organized boycotts and protests erupted, demanding Seunghan's permanent removal from the group. The overwhelming public outcry led the label to quickly reassess their decision, acknowledging that the news had only exacerbated the situation.

"We had hoped that Seunghan's return would facilitate his personal growth while simultaneously benefiting the group," Wizard Production commented. "After contemplating the strong reactions from fans, we recognized this decision had caused more confusion and distress than anticipated." Seunghan ultimately chose to step away from RIIZE, a choice that was met with respect from the label, who affirmed their commitment to supporting his future endeavors.

In an emotional handwritten letter shared with fans via social media, Seunghan took the opportunity to apologize for the turmoil his planned return had caused. "I fully understand the seriousness of the situation," he wrote. "I’ve reflected deeply on my actions and whether I was being selfish or causing harm to my fellow members and the company. After much thought, I've decided it's best for me to step back from the group."

Seunghan went on to express his heartfelt desire to prevent further division within the fandom. "It pains me to see fans who love RIIZE fighting because of me," he lamented. "I don’t want to cause any more confusion or hurt. I want RIIZE to thrive, and I will wholeheartedly support them from the sidelines."

This incident raises important questions about the accountability of idols within the K-pop industry and the influence of fandoms in shaping the careers of their favorites. As Seunghan steps away from the spotlight, RIIZE must navigate the aftermath and continue to engage their community of fans while keeping the spirit of their music alive. Will this departure impact the future direction of the group? Only time will tell.