‘Privacy Controversy’ RISE Seunghan Withdraws from Team Two Days After Comeback Announcement “A Decision for Everyone”

Voluntary Withdrawal Two Days After Return
SM Apologizes for "Causing Confusion and Hurt" Amid Fans' Strong Backlash

Seunghan of the group RISE abruptly left the team just two days after announcing his return to activities.

Group RIIZE's Seunghan decided to leave the team amid a flood of fan opposition following the announcement of his return.
[Photo by SM Entertainment]

On the 13th, Wizard Production, in charge of RISE under SM Entertainment, stated, "Seunghan expressed his intention to leave the team for the sake of the members and fans," adding, "We respect the artist's decision and announce that Seunghan has withdrawn from RISE rather than joining."

Seunghan, a former SM Rookies member, debuted with RISE in September last year. However, during his trainee days, private photos and videos he took were leaked online, causing controversy. As a result, the team decided to suspend activities indefinitely in November of the same year, and he took time for self-reflection.

Then, on the 11th, Wizard Production announced that Seunghan would return to team activities starting next month. In response, RISE fans strongly protested by sending condolence wreaths to the SM building.

Wizard Production explained, "We believed that if Seunghan sincerely repented for his past mistakes and returned, RISE could grow as a team once again, bringing greater happiness to both the artist and fans. This was a decision made after long consideration." However, they added, "After reviewing the opinions and reactions from fans following the announcement of his return, we realized that our decision only caused greater confusion and hurt to the fans."

On the same day, Seunghan posted a handwritten letter on the fan community Weverse, stating, "I believe that leaving the team is the best path for everyone." He continued, "I do not want to cause any more confusion or hurt to the fans, nor do I want to cause any more harm to the members or the company."

He further expressed, "I want to thank the company and members who worked hard to give me another chance. Although I am very lacking, I am sorry and grateful to those who have supported me so far. It pains me deeply that fans, who love RISE enough just by loving the group, are fighting because of me. I sincerely hope that RISE, whom I love, will continue to be loved and I will wholeheartedly support them."