Seunghan solo debut is planned for late 2025, with SM Entertainment providing comprehensive training and support. Before this, Seunghan faced controversies during his time with RIIZE, leading to fan opposition and his departure from the group. Mixed reactions followed his solo debut announcement, as fans expressed relief and lingering concerns over past issues.
Seunghan Solo Debut Plans Announced
SM Entertainment announced that Seunghan, a former RIIZE member, will debut as a solo artist in late 2025. The company revealed plans to provide extensive training, production support, and management to prepare him for this new chapter. To share updates, SM launched an official social media account dedicated to Seunghan’s activities. They asked fans to warmly support his efforts to showcase his talents and fulfill his dreams as a solo artist.
Controversy Before Seunghan Solo Debut with RIIZE
Seunghan debuted with RIIZE in September 2023 as part of a seven-member group. However, controversies arose after photos of him smoking underage and being physically affectionate with his girlfriend during his trainee period were shared online. These incidents led to public backlash, forcing Seunghan to halt activities in November. RIIZE continued as a six-member group, gaining popularity both domestically and internationally.
Fan Opposition to Seunghan’s Return
In October 2024, SM Entertainment announced Seunghan’s return to RIIZE, stating that a complete seven-member lineup would bring more meaning to the group’s future. However, fans strongly opposed this decision. Some publicly supported a six-member RIIZE, while others sent funeral wreaths to SM’s office as a form of protest. Wonbin, a group member, explained that the decision involved deep discussions among the company and members. Despite efforts to address concerns, the opposition remained firm, leading Seunghan to voluntarily leave the group.
Seunghan Explains His Decision to Leave RIIZE
After his departure, Seunghan shared a heartfelt handwritten letter. Seunghan explained that leaving the group was the best decision for everyone. He expressed regret for causing confusion and harm to fans, members, and the company. He added that he did not want to damage the relationship between RIIZE and their fandom, Breeze, due to his presence. SM Entertainment also issued an apology, acknowledging the distress caused by his return announcement and promising better communication in the future.
Fan and Public Reactions to Seunghan Solo Debut
The news of Seunghan’s solo debut generated mixed responses. On the Korean community instiz, many users expressed relief, believing the controversy had finally ended. However, the tone of celebration was not entirely positive; most reactions highlighted relief that disputes surrounding Seunghan had subsided. Some international fans criticized the extreme backlash he faced, including the funeral wreaths, as he had not committed a crime. They noted that his controversies stemmed from personal choices like dating.
While some fans supported SM for not abandoning Seunghan, others celebrated not seeing the slogan “RIIZE is 7” anymore, marking a shift in fan dynamics. A minority of fans who remained loyal to Seunghan viewed SM’s continued support for him as a positive sign, showing the company’s commitment to its artists even during challenges.
Here’s a link to instiz.
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