RIIZE Seunghan Releases Apology for Dating, Smoking Controversy — Here's How International Fans Reacted

After various rumors regarding his private life arose, RIIZE Seunghan penned a letter to apologize to BRIIZEs and co-members, then confirming his hiatus.

As a response, international fans showed disappointment and called out SM Entertainment.

RIIZE Seunghan Apologizes for Past Actions in Handwritten Letter, Confirms Hiatus

Seunghan, a member of the rookie boy group RIIZE, announced his hiatus and personally apologized to fans BRIIZEs following controversy over his private life.

On November 22, the idol penned his apology on Weverse, and showed sincerity.

“Hello, this is Seunghan. First of all, I would like to say that I'm sorry. I am aware that my rash actions in the past caused pain to a lot of people now, and I'm seriously reflecting on it.

I would also like to apologize to our fans and RIIZE members who didn't fail to give their support to me.

I deeply regret that I have caused too much damage at a time when I have to work harder and devote myself more than ever.

I will try harder to reflect and become a better person. Once again, I would like to apologize to the members, fans, and staff."

On the same day, SM Entertainment broke the news and announced that Seunghan would temporarily take a break from the group for an indefinite period. In the meantime, RIIZE will proceed as a six-member group.

But SM Entertainment consoled fans by attesting to them that they will continue to protect the idol from malicious comments and other forms of slander by taking legal actions against such posts, including those who leaked private photos and videos of the idol, distributing them without permission.

Reason RIIZE Seunghan's Suspension Infuriates International Fans

Seunghan, even prior to his debut, received hateful comments and negative criticism from Korean netizens after he was accused of dating and kissing minors when he was in school.

In August, a photo of him believed to be kissing a woman circulated in online communities. Then, a video of him smoking on the street added fuel to the fire, leading to his hiatus.

Upon reading these reasons, international fans were furious that the dream of a hardworking rookie idol was trampled just because he had a normal pre-debut life, such as dating in his age and smoking like a lot of curious adolescents.

On top of that, Seunghan had to apologize for doing all of that, when it wasn't necessary.

International fans criticized Korean fans for making it look like Seunghan committed a grave crime and pointed out that K-netz were angry because the idol broke their ideal "pseudo-relationship" with him.

Here are some of the international fans' furious reactions to X:

On the flip side, BRIIZEs also used the platform to give Seunghan cheering messages such as:

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Written by Eunice Dawson.