The K-pop industry is no stranger to controversies, and recent events involving Seunghan, one of the members of the boy group RIIZE, are worth mentioning. After nearly ten months on hiatus, Seunghan reunited with the group, but only two days later, he announced that he would be quitting due to severe backlash from fans. This situation highlights the complexities of public perception in the K-pop world and the challenges idols face in maintaining their careers.
Who is Seunghan?
Hong Seunghan, known simply as Seunghan, was born on October 2, 2003, in Tanhyeon-dong, Goyang-si, South Korea. He is one of the most prominent members of RIIZE, a young group under SM Entertainment. He began training at a young age and debuted with RIIZE on September 4, 2023. Standing at 178 cm (5’10”), he quickly gained popularity for his voice and charming, warm appearance.
He trained for approximately two and a half years, initially under SMROOKIES, a pre-debut team under SM Entertainment. His role models include renowned K-pop artists Taeyang of BIGBANG and D.O. of EXO. Despite his calm and quiet demeanor, controversy has also followed him, overshadowing his talents.
RIIZE: The New Face of K-pop
RIIZE is a seven-member boy group under SM Entertainment that debuted in September 2023, with their first single titled “Get a Guitar.” The members are:
- Shotaro
- Eunseok
- Sungchan
- Wonbin
- Sohee
- Anton
- Seunghan
RIIZE is the first SM Entertainment group to step outside of the company’s fictional metaverse, KWANGYA. Their title track “Get a Guitar” is an emotional pop song with infectious melodies that captivated fans upon its release. The group’s popularity soared, impressing listeners in Korea, Japan, and China. Shortly after debuting, they won the ‘Next Leader’ award at The Fact Music Awards (TMAs).
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Their discography includes pre-debut tracks like “Love 119” and “Siren,” which built up high expectations for their official launch. After their debut, RIIZE released the EP RIIZING, solidifying their presence in the K-pop scene.
Hiatus and Scandal
Seunghan’s career took a dark turn after barely a year with RIIZE. In November 2023, he was put on an indefinite hiatus following the leak of intimate photos and videos online. These included images of him with his ex-girlfriend and clips showing him smoking, both of which are seen as problematic in South Korea due to societal expectations and the image idols are expected to maintain.
Despite the controversy, Seunghan issued an apology to those he may have offended, expressing regret for his actions. His hiatus was considered a necessary period for reflection and growth.
The Announcement of Return and Immediate Backlash
On October 11, 2024, SM Entertainment announced that Seunghan would be returning to RIIZE after his hiatus. The statement expressed optimism for the group’s future and noted that the other members supported his return. However, the decision was met with strong opposition from fans, who felt his past actions had tarnished the group’s reputation.
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In protest, some fans sent 1,000 funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment’s headquarters, symbolizing their dissent over Seunghan’s return. This action highlighted a deep division within the fanbase: while some supported Seunghan’s comeback, others were adamant that RIIZE should continue as a six-member group.
Fan Backlash: Wreaths and Protests
The backlash was intense, with fans protesting by delivering 1,000 funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment’s main headquarters. Slogans on the wreaths, such as “Hong Seunghan Out” and “RIIZE Are Forever Six,” made it clear that some factions in the fandom wanted the group to move forward without him.
It was an emotional sight to see Seunghan walking past these wreaths, which symbolized the fans’ discontent. Video footage of this moment circulated widely on social media, adding a dramatic element to the situation. The protests revealed a strong sentiment within the fan community, known as Briize, that Seunghan’s actions had stained the group’s image. This sparked discussions about cancel culture and accountability within K-pop fandoms.
Seunghan’s Departure
Just two days after announcing his return, Seunghan declared on October 13 that he would be leaving RIIZE. In an online letter, he expressed his concern about the negative impact his presence might have on the group and its members due to the backlash. He stated:
“Reflecting on whether I have only been considering myself all along. I think leaving the group is the right choice for everyone.”
This statement underscored the immense pressure idols face in the public eye and the difficult decisions they must make under scrutiny.
Conclusion
Seunghan’s brief return and departure from RIIZE highlight the complexities of fame within K-pop. While some fans sided with him, others were vocal and adamant in their opposition, going as far as sending funeral wreaths. This incident raises important questions about accountability, support within fandoms, and the mental health impact on idols caught in controversies.
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As RIIZE moves forward without Seunghan, it remains to be seen how they will navigate future challenges amidst this turbulent period. The situation serves as a reminder of the immense pressures and expectations placed on K-pop idols and the ever-evolving dynamics within fan communities.
