MANILA, Philippines – RIIZE is back to seven members as Seunghan returns to the group after an indefinite hiatus, SM Entertainment announced in a social media post on Friday, October 11.
“Seunghan acknowledges that his past actions were wrong, and he has currently halted activities for nearly a year while deeply reflecting [on his actions] and feeling apologetic to the other members and his fans,” the agency said, according to a translation from Soompi.
SM added that RIIZE’s next activities would “be even more meaningful if the seven members were together,” adding that Seunghan has been working to build his skills during his hiatus.
Seunghan will start participating in activities with the rest of the RIIZE members in November.
SM also apologized for the long wait towards the decision and empathize with fans’ worries and concerns on Seunghan’s future.
Following SM’s announcement, Seunghan posted a handwritten letter on Weverse, reiterating his apology to the fans and his fellow members for his “immature actions.”
He’s also grateful he’s been given another chance to perform as part of RIIZE, saying he will “strive to be a good member who takes responsibility and does not tarnish the achievements the members have built up.”
“I know there is so much I need to show to the members who have taken my hand again, the fans who are worried that the achievements made in my absence might be tarnished, and the company that made the tough decision. Of course, I feel burden and fear about this aspect,” he said.
Seunghan went on an indefinite hiatus in November 2023 after a slew of private life controversies emerged. Anonymous users leaked videos of Seunghan’s live broadcasts, photographs of him smoking and kissing, and other controversial material.
Seunghan and SM Entertainment issued statements of apology in August 2023, when the first set of photos and videos were circulated. Seunghan said he “caused harm to the team at a very important and critical moment ahead of our debut and disappointed the members and staff.”
RIIZE consists of Seunghan, Sohee, Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, and Anton. The group made its debut with the single “Get a Guitar” on September 4, 2023. – Rappler.com