Less than 48 hours after RIIZE announced it would welcome back seventh member Seunghan after a controversial 10-month hiatus, the decision has been flipped in a shocking about-face.

Official social media accounts had initially announced the 21-year-old would be returning to the group after nearly a yearlong hiatus.

Seunghan's departure from RIIZE was made public on October 13, 2024, with a statement posted on the group's official X account signed off by Wizard Production's directors Kim Hyeongguk and Lee Sangmin. (Wizard Production is one of six production centers unveiled by SM Entertainment in 2023, which manages RIIZE, EXO, and Super Junior.)

Following the sudden announcement of Seunghan's departure from RIIZE, social media users criticize SM Entertainment for reversing its decision instead of protecting him

K-pop idol Seunghan has permanently left the Korean boy group Riize, just two days after his label, SM Entertainment, announced his comeback. In a

Being a K-pop star means always having to say you’re sorry. Imagine the South Korean pop machine as a technologically advanced, extremely online version of the old Hollywood studio system. Idols are expected to maintain a certain standard of behavior,

Seunghan has apologised for the "confusion" caused after he was confirmed to be returning to the South Korean boy band after a year-long hiatus before leaving two days later.