In a late November announcement, SM Entertainment dropped a bombshell by revealing that Seunghan, a member of the popular boy group RIIZE, would be taking an “indefinite hiatus”from the limelight. The decision came on the heels of a barrage of cyber attacks targeting Seunghan, including the release of manipulated content from his private life, confirmed by SM Entertainment as maliciously edited to spawn unfounded rumors.
Public Outcry and Support
The announcement set off a wave of reactions from netizens, with some calling for Seunghan’s withdrawal and others passionately expressing their support. Protest trucks even made their way to the SM Entertainment headquarters, reflecting the intensity of the sentiments surrounding Seunghan’s uncertain future with the group.
The resolve of Seunghan’s supporters, known as Briize, manifested in a protest truck stationed outside SM Entertainment. The message was clear: Briize would stand by Seunghan through thick and thin.
RIIZE’s Subdued Public Appearance
At RIIZE’s first public appearance since Seunghan’s hiatus was declared, netizens observed a subdued atmosphere as the group walked the red carpet at W Korea’s “Love Your W”event. The absence of Seunghan left a palpable void among the members.
— jeanelyn estaura (@EstauraJeanely8) December 20, 2023
Hints of Continuity
Fans, eager for any sign of Seunghan’s return or acknowledgment from the remaining members, turned their attention to the group’s subsequent public appearances. Notably, at the 2023 Melon Music Awards, there were subtle nods suggesting an ongoing commitment to the original seven-member lineup.
Things Happen in MMA 2023: – the Backup Dancers Wearing Seunghan’s Outfit while performing.- The Clock Show 07:00 (RIIZE 7). – During Talk Saxy The Seunghan Part was His Vocals Only. – RIIZE left a Huge Gap After Their Legendary performance for Hani. pic.twitter.com/hW9KjiSlPF
— 승한 리제✷Sakshi (@SEUNGHANTL) December 2, 2023
BRIIZE Applauds Eunseok’s Symbolic Act
The fandom, BRIIZE, swiftly caught onto Eunseok’s gesture and flooded social media with expressions of gratitude for his visible support for Seunghan. The symbolic act of decorating the cookie with the number seven resonated deeply with fans, offering a glimmer of hope for Seunghan’s eventual return to the group.
As RIIZE navigates the challenges of Seunghan’s hiatus, each subtle gesture and public appearance becomes a focal point for fans eagerly awaiting the day when the complete seven-member lineup is restored.
seunghan wasn’t physically there but eunseok made sure he was there somehow.. 🥺 pic.twitter.com/SXkbht6y66
— kat (@031002s) December 19, 2023
i feel so grateful to eunseok for always trying to reassure us & make us feel better about seunghan’s situation. even though he’s not allowed to talk about him, he always indirectly makes ot7 references, whether it be liking ot7 fan letters, mentioning ot7 performances, and more
— 🫧 Kika 🫧 (@KikaOnStanTw) December 19, 2023
SM editing seunghan out of the we riize intro only for eunseok to write a 7 while decorating his cookie pic.twitter.com/j2ZWaHGgTn
— kat (@031002s) December 19, 2023
at first glance i thought this was a candy cane lmao but this is literally a 7 😭 our eunseok the biggest briize!!!!!! 😭😭🧡 pic.twitter.com/Xf5MmIJ7nb
— kat (@031002s) December 19, 2023
Check out the intrigue firsthand by watching the video below.