RIIZE Seunghan's Journey: From Group Departure to Solo Debut

Former RIIZE member Seunghan is currently a prominent topic in Korean entertainment, following his departure from the group and his new path as a solo artist. This transition stems from a series of private life controversies that led to his indefinite suspension and eventual withdrawal from RIIZE. His journey from a group idol to an independent musician, now known as XngHan, garners significant attention.

Seunghan, whose real name is Hong Seunghan, debuted with RIIZE on September 4, 2023. Controversies began with the leak of private photos on August 28, 2023, followed by a private Instagram live video with TXT's Soobin on November 17-18, 2023, and allegations of underage street smoking in Japan on November 20-21, 2023. SM Entertainment announced his indefinite suspension on November 22, 2023, and he posted a handwritten apology. Although SM announced his return to RIIZE on October 11, 2024, he officially withdrew on October 13, 2024, due to fan backlash. SM has since announced his preparation for a solo debut targeting the second half of 2025.

Korean bloggers reflect on the impact of these events, noting that while the leakers should face consequences, the controversies created a barrier for new RIIZE fans. They express regret over the leaked content, particularly the private Instagram live, which inadvertently affected other artists. Despite the challenges, there is a sense of understanding for Seunghan's new independent path, with many anticipating his future music as a solo artist.