Seunghan's Unexpected Departure: RIIZE to Continue as a Six-Member Group

Just two days after announcing Seunghan’s return to the group, Wizard Production, the division of SM Entertainment managing RIIZE, revealed on October 13 that Seunghan would be permanently leaving the group.

"Hello this is Wizard Production.
First, we sincerely apologize for hurting BRIIZE [RIIZE’s fandom] and causing confusion through our announcement of Seunghan’s return on October 11.
We feel particularly apologetic for prioritizing Wizard Production’s position, instead of making our top priorities the growth achieved by the six RIIZE members while working their hardest; the support of BRIIZE, who have been RIIZE’s greatest source of strength during that journey; and the preciousness of the times that RIIZE and BRIIZE have spent together.
We made this decision after debating it for a long time because we thought that if Seunghan returned after reflecting on his past wrongdoings and RIIZE showed another level of growth as a group, we would be able to give the artist and the fans greater joy.
However, the announcement of his return, we ruminated carefully on each and every one of the opinions and responses sent in by fans, and we realized that our decision had actually hurt fans more and caused them greater confusion instead.
At the same time, Seunghan has consistently expressed his desire to leave the group for the sake of the members and the fans.
Out of respect for the artist’s decision, we are announcing Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE, instead of his joining the group.
We will support Seunghan in the future so that he can showcase his talents and follow his dreams.
Above all else, we also sincerely apologize for creating hardships and confusion for the six members who have, ever since their debut, always given their all while thinking of the fans and who made the RIIZE of today possible by thinking and working harder than anyone else in each and every moment.
We will continue to do our utmost to support the RIIZE members so that they can grow even further in the future as well.
Wizard Production will be careful and cautious in all matters in the future, and we will work hard so that RIIZE and BRIIZE can be happy together for a long time.
- Wizard Production directors Kim Hyeong Guk, Lee Sang Min

Wizard Production stated that Seunghan had personally decided to leave the group for the sake of both his members and their fans.

The initial announcement about his return sparked mixed reactions from fans, with international fans celebrating the news, while many Korean fans expressed strong opposition, even going as far as sending funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment in protest. One visitor shared that Seunghan was allegedly seen outside the building looking gloomy as he walked past the wreaths—a heartbreaking sight for fans who were happy to welcome him back.

After the announcement of his departure, Seunghan left a letter to apologize and thank those who had been troubled by his news.

With Seunghan’s departure, RIIZE will continue as a six-member group consisting of Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton.