SM Entertainment's boy group RIIZE has been making strides in the industry, yet member Seunghan has been on hiatus for nine months.

In August 2023, just before RIIZE's debut, photos surfaced online of someone believed to be Seunghan engaging in intimate acts with a woman, sparking controversy. SM Entertainment responded by stating, "Photos related to RIIZE members' private lives are being posted without permission on social media and online communities. This is a clear violation of the law, and we will file complaints against any further posting or distribution."

Seunghan also issued an apology, saying, "I am sorry for causing harm to the team and disappointing my members and the company with my personal issues just before our debut. I deeply regret my actions and have reflected on my past and behavior."

Three months later, in November, Seunghan faced further controversy with the release of videos showing him smoking in public as a minor and having a conversation with TXT's Soobin. This led to criticism from RIIZE's fandom, who demanded his departure and even planned a truck protest.

Subsequently, SM Entertainment announced Seunghan's hiatus from RIIZE activities, explaining, "The videos were edited intentionally to cause misunderstandings and were reproduced multiple times using specific footage." They reiterated their stance on taking legal action against any further illegal postings and distribution.

Seunghan again apologized to the fan community Weverse, expressing, "I want to first apologize. I understand that my reckless actions in the past have caused significant harm to many people."

Since the hiatus, Seunghan or SM have not provided any updates. However, according to Rankify's fourth-week June trend index for boy group members, Seunghan ranked third, following RIIZE members Wonbin and Anton, indicating his popularity. This raises questions about whether he will rejoin RIIZE.

Korean netizens gathered on a popular online community to discuss Seunghan's status within the group. Many netizens want a definite answer and commented:

"I think he's been removed from the group permanently. I think they need to release an article to make it official."

"At this point, we can say he's been removed from the group."

"They need to give an update."

"The group is rising in popularity without him, why would he be added to the group again?"

"RIIZE is good as six members."

"If SM wants to take him out of the group, they need to announce it right away."

"Please don't come back."

"The group is successful because he's not in the group."

"He should leave on his own."

"They've been promoting as six members for so long, I think it's safe to say that he's out."

"If he joins the group again, I'm leaving the fandom."

"The group is doing better without him."

"I don't think he should join again."

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