Reactions to the news were varied.
Koreaboo
He announced it on October 13th Seunghan would withdraw from RIIZE.
This announcement came after it was initially announced that the idol would be returning to activities, much to the chagrin of many domestic fans who immediately began protesting. This included delivering flower garlands to the company, which Seunghan would visit in person.
On the other hand, international fans, who have continuously protested Seunghan’s return since the beginning of his hiatus, reacted with joy to the announcement, praising SM Entertainment for their actions.
International RIIZE fans celebrate Seunghan’s return
However, with his retirement announcement, feelings towards SM have changed dramatically.
Korean netizens congratulated fans on their “successful” protest and hoped that other companies would follow suit to eliminate “problematic” members of the group.
- Wow, we did it ㅠㅠㅠㅠ
- BRIZE, congratulations! You worked so hard.
- Congratulations congratulations!
- BRIIZE, congratulations!!
- Wow, really, congratulations!! I can’t believe it, seriously. (Since there is a problematic member, I was hoping this would happen.)
- Fans, huge congratulations!!!! It’s amazing, seriously!!!!
- Wow, congratulations to the fans. You must have gone through so much stressㅠㅠ
International fans reacted harshly to the news, many harshly criticizing the company for failing to protect the idol. Many also criticized the company for bending to the will of fans angry over Seunghan’s “scandals,” which consisted of invasions of privacy.
SM was supposed to PROTECT Seunghan, but instead they continue to side with Knetz and Saesangs for the most ridiculous reasons, which is incredibly damaging. All they are doing is encouraging greater invasion of artists’ privacy
It’s fucking SM forever and ever.pic.twitter.com/SNTB1gExqK
— rͬeͤs͛aͣ (@risehsh) October 13, 2024
I can only imagine the burden and anxiety Seunghan is feeling, but it is up to YOU as a company to reassure and protect him. instead, you let a small portion of fans overthrow the voice of the majority and now the group doesn’t even get what it wanted. I’m so disgusted. https://t.co/LJQ3nZ5J5A
— 🥐 (@yomiclub) October 13, 2024
I’m sorry, but letting weird, delusional fans control your group’s narrative sets a disgusting and appalling precedent. SM needs to protect their groups and do better – I’m devastated for Seunghan and the other guys
— Jenna (@hyuck4ever) October 13, 2024
Others also mentioned Wonbin’s letter, pondering how it would affect the remaining RIIZE members.
wonbin mentions Seunghan for the first time in months and tells everyone they fought for this only to be forced to go back to pretending Seunghan doesn’t exist while doing fanservice for those mentally ill monsters who forced their friend to surrender
— 🕸️ (@binjinsu) October 13, 2024
the only person you hurt wasn’t Seunghan, you hurt them too. you ruined their excitement and hurt their friend FUCK YALL pic.twitter.com/rrxe0bGw4g
— ً (@catsungchan) October 13, 2024
Congratulations ot6, all this pain is your fault. You will carry the burden of destroying boys’ hearts for the rest of your mediocre lives. You will bear all the blame for destroying Riize’s dreams, desires and happiness. #SMSupportsBullying #ReportRII7E#RII7E_o_NONE pic.twitter.com/Q5X85Cz0oI
— GabiM (@leemkeu) October 13, 2024
Seunghan addressed his retirement in a letter, which you can read below.
Seunghan writes a letter to fans after leaving RIIZE
Share this post
