Seunghan from the group Riize will be pausing his activities indefinitely.
On the 22nd, SM Entertainment, Seunghan's agency, announced through an official press release, "Seunghan deeply regrets and reflects on the disappointment and confusion he has caused to the team, fellow members, and fans due to issues related to his private life that have been leaked and spread without permission on social media and online communities. As a result of this, feeling the psychological burden and responsibility, Seunghan has decided, after deep consideration, to halt his activities for the sake of the team."
The statement continued, "The company has also concluded that it is impractical to continue his activities in this situation and has decided to respect his wish to indefinitely suspend his activities to prevent further damage to the team and members. Therefore, starting today (the 22nd), Riize will continue their activities with the remaining six members."
SM Entertainment added, "We apologize for this sudden situation but assure fans that this decision was made after careful discussion with the artist. We feel a strong sense of responsibility for not adequately managing our artists, even before their debut. We deeply apologize to the fans once again. However, the currently leaked videos and photos were taken during private moments before the artist's debut, repeatedly reproduced through intentional secondary editing to create misunderstandings, including screen captures of videos with identified sources."
Furthermore, the agency stated, "Those who leaked and disseminated these images have employed malicious tactics, including creating non-existent messenger conversations and baseless false facts, to spread distorted and fabricated information, causing severe defamation to the artist. We plan to submit a complaint to the police this afternoon against the perpetrators identified during our monitoring and collection of substantial evidence."
SM Entertainment concluded, "In addition to the lawsuit, we will take a strong stance against all secondary harmful actions, including the creation and spread of indiscriminate rumors related to the artist, without any settlement or leniency. We will continue to do our best to protect our artists."
Below is the full statement from SM Entertainment regarding Riize member Seunghan:
We would like to address the situation regarding Riize member Seunghan.
Seunghan sincerely apologizes and reflects on the disappointment and confusion he caused to the team, members, and fans due to issues related to his private life that have been leaked and spread without permission on social media and online communities.
As a result, feeling a psychological burden and responsibility, Seunghan has decided, after deep reflection, to halt his activities for the sake of the team.
We have determined that it is impractical to continue his activities in this situation, and respecting his wish to avoid further harm to the team and members, we have decided to indefinitely suspend his activities.
Therefore, starting today (the 22nd), Riize will continue with the remaining six members.
Although this is a sudden situation, we ask for the fans' understanding as this decision was made after careful discussion with the artist. We feel a significant responsibility for not adequately managing our artists, even before their debut. We apologize deeply to the fans once again.
However, the currently leaked videos and photos were taken during private moments before the artist's debut and have been repeatedly reproduced through intentional secondary editing to create misunderstandings, including screen captures of videos with identified sources.
Additionally, those who leaked and disseminated these images have employed malicious tactics, including creating non-existent messenger conversations and baseless false facts, to spread distorted and fabricated information, causing severe defamation to the artist.
Having identified these facts immediately, we have collected substantial evidence and identified the perpetrators. We plan to submit a complaint to the police this afternoon.
Furthermore, we will take legal action against the identified individuals for not only the defamation of the artist due to unauthorized leaks and dissemination but also for various illegal activities, including cybercrime and threats.
We will take a strong stance, not only through lawsuits but also through additional posts, against all secondary harmful actions, including the creation and spread of indiscriminate rumors related to the artist.
We will continue to do our best to protect our artists.
Thank you.
