RIIZE's Seunghan Controversy Timeline (2024/10 updated!)

Intro

The controversy surrounding Rize's Seunghan has sparked a wide range of reactions from SM Entertainment and fans alike.

This thread serves as a space for discussing the controversy surrounding Rize's Seunghan, following the timeline of events and summarizing perspectives from SM Entertainment, domestic fans, and international fans.

Timeline of Seunghan’s Controversy

August 28, 2023

The first wave of controversy started when a post was made on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) with the title 'RIIZE’s Hong Seunghan brings his underaged girlfriend to a motel.'

The post included images of Seunghan engaging in intimate behavior with a woman.

However, the identity of the woman remains unknown, and it is unclear whether she was indeed underage.

Despite the uncertainty, the rumor spread quickly online, fueling widespread speculation.

Later, one of the users who reposted the photos issued an apology, clarifying that the woman in question was not a minor.

That user’s account has since been deleted.

November 17, 2023

Another incident occurred when a private Instagram Live session between Seunghan and TXT’s Soobin from his pre-debut days in SMROOKIES was leaked.

In the leaked video, Seunghan made some offhand remarks about Soobin, saying, 'He can’t dance, can’t sing, can’t rap, but he got all hyped just because he was an MC on Music Bank. Go hang out with Eunchae.'

The two exchanged lighthearted banter, but the mention of a girl group member’s name led to unnecessary involvement of other idols in the controversy.

The video spread quickly, raising concerns over both the content and the breach of privacy.

November 18, 2023

On the following day, another leaked video surfaced showing Seunghan smoking on the street.

While the smoking itself wasn’t necessarily illegal, the timing of this additional leak further damaged his image, coming just a day after the previous controversy.

Being a newly debuted idol under SMROOKIES at the time, his careless actions led to severe backlash.

As a result, the growing criticism from the public and fans reached a boiling point, with calls for Seunghan to leave the group.

By November 20, some fans had organized protests, calling for his departure from RIIZE.

November 22, 2023

SM Entertainment finally broke their silence, issuing an official statement addressing the ongoing controversies.

According to the statement, Seunghan felt immense responsibility and regret over the situation, and after careful deliberation, he decided to step away from his activities for the time being.

SM Entertainment also announced that they would pursue legal action against individuals who had been spreading maliciously edited videos and false information.

Additionally, Seunghan posted a handwritten apology on Weverse, expressing remorse for the distress he had caused.

November 23-30, 2023

Interestingly, after SM Entertainment’s announcement, some fans began showing public support for Seunghan.

On November 23, international fans organized support trucks, followed by more fan-initiated events on November 26 and 27.

Domestic fans also joined in, with support trucks seen on November 30.

Despite the mixed reactions within the fanbase, these efforts indicate that Seunghan still has considerable backing from his supporters.

October 11, 2024

SM Entertainment’s Wizard Production announced that Seunghan would be rejoining Rize's activities starting next month.

Domestic fans strongly opposed this decision, even sending protest funeral wreaths to SM's headquarters.

October 13, 2024

Just two days after the announcement of his return, Seunghan decided to leave Rize entirely.

Wizard Production shared that they respected Seunghan’s wishes to leave for the sake of the members and fans. On the same day, Seunghan posted a handwritten letter on Weverse, explaining his decision to step away, expressing gratitude to his company and members, and apologizing to fans for causing them distress.

Share Your Thoughts!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this situation. How do you feel about Seunghan's decision and SM's response? Share your opinions below!