RIIZE Appear Noticeably “Mad” At Recent Event
RIIZE recently began promotions as a six-member group since Seunghan indefinitely suspended his activities.
Hello, this is Seunghan.
First of all, I would like to say that I am very sorry.
I know very well that my careless actions from the past are now hurting many people. I am sincerely reflecting on myself.
I want to apologize to the fans who have supported me and the RIIZE members.
I am deeply reflecting on myself and the fact that I have caused so much damage at a time when I should have been working harder than ever and focusing on what I need to do. I will continue to reflect and look deeper into myself so that I can become a better person.
Once again, I apologize to the members, fans, and staff.
— RIIZE’s Seunghan
SM Entertainment came to this decision last week following a series of scandals. Initially, pre-debut photos surfaced of Seunghan allegedly kissing his girlfriend at the time. Recently, he was accused of disrespecting LE SSERAFIM‘s Eunchae in a leaked private Instagram Live—though soon debunked. Shortly after, though, a video of him allegedly smoking went viral, and some of his alleged text messages soon also appeared on the internet.
안녕하세요. SM엔터테인먼트입니다. pic.twitter.com/Cwn4ig8o1g
— RIIZE (@RIIZE_official) November 22, 2023
Hello, this is SM Entertainment. We would like to inform you regarding RIIZE’s Seunghan.
Seunghan is reflecting on the disappointment and confusion he has caused, in relation to his private matters that were recently leaked and distributed through online channels. He apologizes to not only the group and his group members but also the fans.
Seunghan has been feeling responsible for what has happened, as well as mental burden. After serious consideration, he has expressed his desire to halt all activities for the sake of the group.
We have also decided that it was unreasonable for him to continue his activities under these circumstances. And so Seunghan’s activities will be indefinitely suspended with respect to his opinion that he did not want to cause any more damage to the team and the members.
Starting today (November 22), RIIZE will be active as six members, excluding Seunghan.
We understand that this is a sudden change, but it was decided after careful discussion with the artist himself. Hence, we ask for your kind understanding. We, too, feel a great sense of responsibility for the neglect on our part in terms of artist management, even if the issue at hand had occurred before debut. Once again, we sincerely apologize to the fans.
The photos and videos that are being leaked and distributed without permission are from private moments pre-debut, when Seunghan was a trainee. They were edited several times to intentionally cause misunderstandings.
In addition, the individual who leaked and distributed the videos and photos in question has committed serious defamation against the artist by spreading fabricated and false information that is different from the truth. They have used non-existent messenger conversations and other malicious methods to create and spread groundless information.
As soon as we became aware of this, we began gathering information and monitoring the situation to collect evidence and identify the source of the unauthorized leaks. We plan to file a report with the police this afternoon.
In addition, we are considering additional legal measures against the specific individuals for matters such as defamation of our artists through the unauthorized leak and dissemination of the the content and other illegal acts such as cyber-bullying and blackmailing.
We will not tolerate any secondary acts of harm, such as creating, spreading, and reproducing rumors related to our artists through additional posts. For the sake of the artists and the fans who love them, we will practice no leniency.
We will continue to do our best to protect our artists. Thank you.
— SM Entertainment
Despite this news, RIIZE has continued their activities immediately. Recently, they updated their TikTok with what many fans deemed an ill-timed video due to its sound.
@riize_official HEY‼️ YOU‼️ #RIIZE #라이즈 #EUNSEOK #은석 #SOHEE #소희 #RISEandREALIZE
Additionally, RIIZE attended W Korea‘s recent annual “Love Your W” event as a six-member group.
riize at 2023 love your w red carpet. pic.twitter.com/0GaHBC7Wdw
— 리앤 (@justchanyoung) November 24, 2023
While everyone looked handsome in coordinated red, netizens noticed something was different about the members’ appearances. Although RIIZE is known for the group’s fun, youthful energy and is usually all smiles, netizens pointed out this is the first-ever occasion that the members all looked either stoic or, honestly, upset. And it can’t be a coincidence since a member was just put on an indefinite hiatus.
never seen a single member of riize look mad until today and now it’s a full house like pic.twitter.com/vJXbLOTUIa
— stephanie olive’s fan (@paintmeonce) November 24, 2023
@frutticup Sohee and shotaro not smiling omg… #kpop #riize #seunghanriize #fyp
Still, RIIZE performed their hit songs “Get A Guitar” and “Talk Saxy” at the event. And they brought the energy!
#RIIZE ‘Talk Saxy’ in Love Your W pic.twitter.com/CV8HSpQx0z
— riize pics (@riizepics) November 24, 2023
riize performing get a guitar at W Korea’s ‘love your W’ party! pic.twitter.com/MYHI0SDQzW
— riize folder (@riizefolder) November 24, 2023
We commend RIIZE for their professionalism during this difficult time.
