After SM initially announced his return next month after about a year of hiatus, Seunghan ultimately decided to leave RIIZE. In a letter, the idol penned his feelings to his supporters.
On Oct. 11th, Wizard Production, SM's center managing RIIZE, released a statement stating Seunghan's comeback to the group after about 10 months.
While a lot of fans rejoiced, OT6 K-BRIIZEs, who are against his return, started bullying Seunghan on SNS, even sending him funeral wreaths in front of SM's building.
Many Korean fans threatened both the label and the idol that they would make their lives "miserable" until he decided to leave on his accord or end his life.
On the flip side, international BRIIZEs countered this by sending support trucks. Even his co-member Wonbin penned his support for him.
On Oct. 13th, two days after the incident, SM retracted their original decision and revealed that Seunghan would eventually withdraw from RIIZE.
"After announcing the news of his return, we looked back on all the opinions and responses fans have sent us, and we realized that our decision has only caused more confusion and hurt to the fans."
READ ALSO: Seunghan Leaving RIIZE? SM Entertainment Addresses Idol's Status in Group in Official Statement
On the same day, the "Talk Saxy" singer also took to SNS to deliver the news himself to his loyal supporters.
In a handwritten letter, he thanked SM and RIIZE and apologized to fans.
"Hello. This is Seunghan.
I am aware that a lot of people are seriously thinking about my return to activities and the seriousness of this situation.
I have thought deeply about whether I have been thinking too selfishly, whether I have caused too much harm to the members and the company, and whether it is really okay for me to be with RIIZE, a team that should be loved, and all that comes to mind is worry and regret.
That is why I think that leaving the team is the right path for everyone.
I do not want to inflict any more confusion and pain to the fans, I also do not want to cause any more harm to the members, and the label.
I would like to thank the company and the members who have tried hard to give me another chance, and I am also both sorry and grateful to those who have supported me so far, even though I am lacking in a lot of ways.
I really do not want the relationship between RIIZE and BRIIZE, which has been growing together while supporting each other, to get worse because of me. It breaks my heart that the fans who love RIIZE are fighting each other because of me.
I sincerely hope that RIIZE, whom I love, will be loved even more in the future, and I will support them with all my heart."
What are your thoughts on this matter? Did Seunghan do the right decision to leave RIIZE? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz