SM entertainment announce Seunghan's return to RIIZE

Official Return Announcement

On the 11th, Wizard Production, a subsidiary of SM Entertainment responsible for producing RIIZE, announced that after several discussions about the team's direction, they had decided on Seunghan's return to the group.

Seunghan will rejoin the team, gradually participating in some scheduled activities planned for November, after a preparation period.

SM Entertainment's full statement

Below is Wizard Production's full statement.

"To. BRIIZE, who cherish RIIZE,

Hello, this is Wizard Production, responsible for producing RIIZE.

We would like to carefully inform you about Seunghan's return to activities and RIIZE's future direction.

As many of you may know, it has been nearly 10 months since Seunghan paused his activities due to a controversy related to his private actions during his pre-debut days.

Seunghan acknowledged his past mistakes and has spent nearly a year reflecting on them, feeling sorry toward his members and fans. Since we also acknowledged that Seunghan's past actions were not suitable for a public figure, it took time to determine the appropriate moment for his return.

While we empathized with those whose curiosity about Seunghan's future turned into concern as time went on, it was essential to consider this matter from various perspectives. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to apologize for the delay in making a decision regarding RIIZE's future.

We felt that RIIZE's next chapter, which has been meticulously planned since before the team's debut, would hold more meaning if carried out as a 7-member group. Through multiple discussions with the staff and members, it was decided that Seunghan would resume his activities with the team. Following his return, Seunghan will take some time to prepare before joining certain schedules starting in November.

During his hiatus, Seunghan continued to improve his skills and has much to show, so we kindly ask for your warm and welcoming support.

Once again, we sincerely apologize to the fans who experienced confusion and difficulties while observing RIIZE's growth. However, because RIIZE is a group that advances together, the members are working hard even at this moment for the benefit of the team. Therefore, we ask that you trust in our decision to present RIIZE as a 7-member group.

We understand that many are curious about RIIZE's future, how much more they will grow, what they dream of, and how they will achieve those dreams. As we work closely with RIIZE, we also consider ourselves fans of RIIZE and look forward to their next chapter just as much as you do.

Moving forward, we will continue to dream alongside RIIZE and ensure they can repay you with great music and performances. We ask that you continue to support the members at every step of their growth and success."

Seunghan shared a handwritten letter

After announcing his return to RIIZE after roughly 10 months, Seunghan shared his thoughts through a handwritten letter following the official statement from his agency.

In the letter released on the 11th, Seunghan began by saying, First of all, I sincerely want to apologize to the members and the fans.

He continued, When my pre-debut photos were released, I felt an immense sense of disappointment and regret towards myself. I can only imagine how the members and fans around me must have felt—perhaps angry, shocked, or disappointed.

He recalled the controversy that led to his hiatus.

Seunghan concluded by saying, I will do my best to be a responsible and valuable member so that I do not hinder the achievements that the members have built up. I want to be someone indispensable to RIIZE. Once again, I sincerely apologize to the members, the staff, and the fans who were shocked. I promise to work even harder and act responsibly moving forward.