Former RIIZE Member Seunghan Transitions to Solo Career Amidst Past Controversies

Former RIIZE member Seunghan is now active as a solo musician under the name 'XngHan', following his departure from the group. His withdrawal stemmed from a series of private life controversies that led to an indefinite suspension of his activities with RIIZE. This transition marks a significant shift from his initial debut with the highly successful SM Entertainment group.

Seunghan, whose real name is Hong Seunghan, debuted with RIIZE on September 4, 2023, as part of a seven-member lineup after being known as an SM Rookies member in 2022. However, a series of leaks occurred between August and November 2023, including private photos with a woman on August 28, a private live video with TXT's Soobin on November 17-18, and allegations of street smoking as a minor in Japan on November 20-21. SM Entertainment officially announced Seunghan's indefinite suspension on November 22, 2023, citing his "psychological burden and responsibility," and stated plans to pursue legal action against the leakers. Seunghan also posted a handwritten letter on Weverse, expressing regret for his "careless actions."

Local bloggers noted that the public reaction to Seunghan's suspension was generally sympathetic towards him, with many emphasizing the need to punish those who leaked his private information. The leaked private live video, recorded during his SM Rookies days, showed him making comments about Soobin and mentioning LE SSERAFIM's Eunchae, which some found regrettable due to potential impacts on other idols. While the smoking incident sparked controversy, some bloggers acknowledged that smoking is permissible for adults, though the context of it being during his minor years and leaked just before his suspension added to the pressure.