SM Entertainment announces RIIZE’s Seunghan is taking an indefinite hiatus from activities
On November 22nd, SM Entertainment released a statement that reads, “Seunghan sincerely regrets and reflects on causing disappointment to RIIZE, the members, and fans due to the recent issues regarding the unauthorized leakage and dissemination of his personal life on social media and online communities.”
SM continued, “Due to the mental burden and sense of responsibility caused by this, Seunghan has expressed his intention to suspend activities for the sake of the group.”
SM further explained, “We have also determined that continuing activities in such a situation is difficult and have decided to respect Seunghan’s opinion of not wanting to cause further harm to the group and members. We are announcing Seunghan’s indefinite suspension of activities with RIIZE starting from today (November 22nd).”
SM added, “However, the currently leaked and disseminated videos and photos were taken during the pre-debut training period in private moments. Intentional secondary editing, such as using videos with identifiable sources to capture screenshots, has been repeatedly reproduced to induce misunderstandings.”
SM stated, “The unauthorized leakers and disseminators of these videos and photos are using malicious methods, including creating nonexistent messenger conversations and baseless facts, spreading fabricated and distorted information that differs from the truth, causing serious defamation of the artist. We have collected a considerable amount of evidence and plan to submit a complaint to the local police this afternoon.”
Seunghan faced criticism for smoking allegations during his minor years and the leakage of private photos taken with a woman before his debut.
The following text is the full statement from SM Entertainment:
“Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We would like to address the matter related to RIIZE member Seunghan.
Seunghan sincerely regrets and reflects on causing disappointment to RIIZE, the members, and fans due to the recent issues regarding the unauthorized leakage and dissemination of his personal life on social media and online communities.
Due to the mental burden and sense of responsibility caused by this, Seunghan has expressed his intention to suspend activities for the sake of the group.
We have also determined that continuing activities in such a situation is difficult and have decided to respect Seunghan’s opinion of not wanting to cause further harm to the group and members. We are announcing Seunghan’s indefinite suspension of activities with RIIZE starting from today (November 22nd).
We ask for your understanding as this decision was made through careful discussions with the artist himself, even though it is a sudden situation, and we deeply apologize to fans once again.
However, the currently leaked and disseminated videos and photos were taken during the pre-debut training period in private moments, and intentional secondary editing, such as using videos with identifiable sources to capture screenshots, has been repeatedly reproduced to induce misunderstandings.
In addition, the unauthorized leakers and disseminators of these videos and photos are using malicious methods, including creating nonexistent messenger conversations and baseless facts, spreading fabricated and distorted information that differs from the truth, causing serious defamation of the artist.
We have become aware of these facts immediately and are collecting a considerable amount of evidence through monitoring, intending to identify the unauthorized leakers and disseminators and submit a complaint to the local police this afternoon.
Furthermore, for specific individuals, we are considering additional legal measures not only for defamation of the artist due to unauthorized leakage and dissemination but also for various illegal activities such as cybercrime and threats.
For the sake of the artist and the group, as well as the fans who love the group, we will respond strongly without any agreement or leniency to any secondary harmful acts, such as creating and spreading indiscriminate rumors related to the artist through additional posts.
We will continue to do our best to protect our affiliated artists.
Thank you.”
Source: daum
