Seunghan, a key member of the K-pop group RIIZE, has had a tumultuous year. In August 2023, leaked pre-debut photos of Seunghan in bed with a woman and smoking caused a stir, especially in South Korea’s conservative entertainment environment.
The backlash was swift, and fans protested, calling for his removal from the group.
Consequently, Seunghan took an indefinite hiatus just before RIIZE’s debut, leaving fans wondering if he’d ever return.
Seunghan’s controversy stemmed from leaked pre-debut photos showing him in bed with a woman and smoking, which sparked backlash due to South Korea’s conservative expectations for K-pop idols. Following intense public criticism, Seunghan took a 10-month hiatus from RIIZE to reflect on his actions. Now, after careful deliberation by SM Entertainment, he is set to rejoin the group in November 2024, marking his return to the spotlight. Fans are divided, with some supporting his comeback and others questioning the decision.
What Caused the Controversy?
The controversy began when private images of Seunghan, who was then 19, surfaced on social media. The pictures showed him kissing a woman in bed, followed by a video of him smoking.
While Seunghan was of legal age, many fans deemed this behavior inappropriate for a K-pop idol. The combination of conservative societal norms and the high expectations placed on K-pop stars led to significant public outcry.
Two days after the photos leaked, Seunghan apologized on social media, expressing regret for his “careless actions.”
Despite his apology, the negative reaction persisted, and in November 2023, SM Entertainment announced that Seunghan would halt his activities with RIIZE indefinitely.
This decision came after intense fan backlash, which even led to a truck protest in front of SM’s headquarters, demanding Seunghan’s removal from the group.
SM Entertainment’s Decision and Seunghan’s Return
SM Entertainment and their production team, Wizard Production, recently announced Seunghan’s return to RIIZE. The label acknowledged Seunghan’s personal growth and issued a statement confirming that he would gradually rejoin group activities starting in November 2024.
They admitted that his actions were inappropriate but emphasized that he had been reflecting during his time away from the spotlight.
Seunghan also shared a handwritten letter on RIIZE’s Weverse, apologizing to his fans, group members, and the label for his behavior. He expressed his doubts about whether he could ever stand on stage again but credited his bandmates for helping him through the difficult period. He promised to work harder and take responsibility moving forward.
Seunghan’s controversy has exposed the tension between the global ambitions of K-pop idols and the traditional values still held by much of South Korea.
RIIZE, a group with international appeal, faces the challenge of navigating these cultural clashes. While the West may see Seunghan’s actions as trivial, South Korean audiences expect K-pop idols to uphold certain moral standards. This controversy is a prime example of how idols must balance their personal lives with the expectations placed on them by both local and global fans.
The announcement of Seunghan’s return was met with mixed reactions. Many fans rallied behind him, with a petition supporting his return gaining over 20,000 signatures. However, there are still those who feel his behavior was too damaging to the group’s reputation.
As Seunghan reenters the public eye, the group faces new challenges. How will his return affect RIIZE’s dynamic? Will they continue their rise as one of K-pop’s most promising new acts, or will this controversy cast a shadow over their future?
Seunghan’s comeback also sets a precedent for how controversies like this might be handled in the future. K-pop has a long history of idols taking breaks or leaving groups over personal scandals.
But Seunghan’s return, with both public support and backlash, could signal a shift in how the industry handles these situations, especially as K-pop continues to gain traction worldwide.
Do you think Seunghan’s return will help or hinder RIIZE’s success? Should K-pop idols be held to such strict standards in their personal lives?
Averagebeing’s Take: Seunghan’s return to RIIZE is a delicate moment, not just for the group but for the K-pop industry as a whole. Fans seem divided, but his story highlights the ongoing struggle K-pop idols face between public expectations and personal freedom. Whether this is a comeback story or a cautionary tale remains to be seen, but Seunghan’s next steps will be crucial for RIIZE’s future.
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