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| Seunghan of K-pop boy group RIIZE / Courtesy of SM Entertainment |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Seunghan, a member of the soon-to-debut K-pop boy group RIIZE, has apologized over a photo hinting at his pre-debut relationship, which was leaked online a few days ago.
After the picture of Seunghan and a woman ― who is known as his ex-girlfriend ― kissing on a bed were revealed, some fans criticized the singer for failing to manage his personal life.
"I want to offer my sincere apology to all fans who have been supporting RIIZE," reads Seunghan's apology released on the group's official Instagram account, Wednesday. "I damaged my team and failed my members and staffers with my personal issue at this crucial moment when we are about to debut. I should have apologized sooner, but could not do so because I was scared."
The 19-year-old added that everything was his fault.
"My imprudence caused all of the problems," he said. "I spent much time reflecting on myself. From now on, I will put my team first and strive to become a more prudent person."
Meanwhile, Seunghan's management company, SM Entertainment, warned of legal action against anyone caught disseminating the photo.
"It is illegal to leak and distribute someone else's photo without authorization," SM said in a statement. "We will take legal measures against anyone who commits such an act … We will also manage and support RIIZE more closely so that it can concentrate on its musical activities."
RIIZE is the first boy group debuting for SM in seven years, following the launch of NCT in 2016. The septet, consisting of Shotaro, Sungchan, Eunseok, Seunghan, Sohee, Wonbin and Anton, is poised to debut with the album, "Get a Guitar" on Sept. 4.
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