The letter was published less than 24 hours before Seunghan’s retirement.
On October 13th, Seunghan‘S departure of RIIZE was announced after the initial announcement of its return to operations.
The news of his return sparked strongly divided reactions. Domestic fans widely protested his return, and international fans praised SM Entertainment for seemingly protecting the idol.
Fans clash over RIIZE Seunghan’s return with protest battles
Wonbin he also addressed fans directly in a letter sent to Weverse. In it, he talked about Seunghan’s return and shared that he and the members had discussed his return for a long time before making a decision.
“BRIIZE! I don’t know where to start, but I’m getting the courage to say the words I want to say to BRIIZE…
Even as I’m writing this post now, I’m cautious and worried about how BRIIZE will feel when this post goes live. But I’m worried that you guys would struggle more and be confused if the members didn’t say a word or react to anything, so I’m writing this after talking to the members.
I think that’s a fact that you guys would have thought about a lot if Seunghan returned and why it wasn’t given a firm answer quickly. We, Seunghan and company talked about it for a long time.
I hope you guys realize that the members have thought about it together again and again, considering it deeply. I would have liked to always make all our BRIIZE happy, but I’m sorry I can’t do it… I know this post won’t be able to erase all your worries, but I hope it can comfort you in your confusion, even just a little. Without BRIIZE, there will be no RIIZE. I always say this, but I want to have good memories with BRIIZE and see you guys for a long time. I therefore hope that you will be able to look at us with affection as you have done so far and that if you support us it will be a great source of strength for us.
I promise to work hard without changing, so that RIIZE can become someone BRIIZE is proud of.
—Wonbin
Now, following the news of Seunghan’s retirement, fans have discovered that Wonbin’s letter had been deleted.
While attempting to access the letter, fans received an error message that the post was inaccessible. Shortly after, the post disappeared from the section, apparently deleted.
Fans reacted to the deletion of the message, accusing SM Entertainment of deleting the post and going against the members’ wishes. Some fans examined the timing of the news in relation to the cancellation, sharing their belief that SM synchronized the news with RIIZE’s activities.
Just because they deleted Wonbin’s post, I will never let you forget it. This is actually what they want. pic.twitter.com/ihmyqC3LvD
— s (@crvngjaee) October 13, 2024
they also deleted wonbin’s post… SM may you burn in hell pic.twitter.com/VpJakYZ9PE
— G 𝜗𝜚 rii7e !!! (@luvrirae) October 13, 2024
wonbin’s post has been deleted
I posted the ad while riize was in the air, so none of them knew
Sohee cries at the airport
sm you are fucking VILE.
I personally won’t be streaming or supporting riize from now on.
riize is 7 🧡 all or none.
— Kimbert:o (@allmightyskz) October 13, 2024
it’s also very strange how Wonbin posted a support message right before the announcement and how now it’s been deleted, like they knew? https://t.co/7E9cRVidTh
— ⭐️ (@heartwoos) October 13, 2024