RIIZE's Seunghan to take indefinite hiatus following private life controversies

Seunghan of K-pop act RIIZE / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Seunghan, a member of the K-pop boy band RIIZE, will halt his musical activities indefinitely following a series of online rumors concerning his private life.

RIIZE's management company, SM Entertainment, announced Wednesday that Seunghan will step back from group activities, citing a mental burden and responsibility as the reasons.

"Seunghan told us that he wanted to take time off for his team," SM said in a statement. "We also concluded that it would be difficult for the group to continue its musical activities under these circumstances. So, from today on, RIIZE will perform as a sextet (consisting of Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee and Anton)."

The label added, "We feel a strong sense of responsibility for our lack of management of our artist, although the incidents involving him took place before his debut. We are sincerely sorry."

Seunghan also issued a handwritten apology on fan platform, Weverse, expressing remorse for his past actions.

"First of all, I want to say I'm really sorry," the 19-year-old wrote. "I know very well that my rash actions in the past have hurt so many people. I'll sincerely reflect on myself and strive harder to become a better person."

The singer recently received criticism after a video featuring him and Soobin, the leader of K-pop boy group Tomorrow X Together (TXT), was leaked online. In the short clip, which is believed to have been filmed before Seunghan's debut, he openly criticizes Soobin for his "incompetence in singing, dancing and rapping," while making a disrespectful reference to a female K-pop star.

Seunghan also faced criticisms after a leaked video, which allegedly showed him smoking as a minor in Japan, was revealed by an internet user.

These multiple controversies enraged some RIIZE fans, prompting them to plan a truck protest calling for Seunghan's departure from the team. They insisted that the rumors regarding his "inappropriate" private life have been a constant shadow. Shortly before his debut, the singer caused a stir with a leaked photo showing him and his alleged ex-girlfriend kissing on a bed, leading some fans to slam him for failing to manage his personal life.

But SM will still take legal action against those responsible for the leak.

"The leaked videos and photos capture the private moments of Seunghan when he was an idol trainee," read its statement. "They were manipulated through intentional secondary editing to spread misinformation. We have already identified the source and will file a complaint with the police today. We are also considering taking legal measures, including action for defamation, cybercrime and intimidation."

RIIZE burst onto the K-pop scene with the album, "Get A Guitar" on Sept. 4, which sold 1 million copies during the first week of its release. It dropped its latest single, "Talk Saxy" on Oct. 27.