A Thousand Flowers of Fury: Seunghan Leaves RIIZE Amid Public Outrage

By Rizki Hidayah

Seunghan RIIZE. Photo: doc. X @RIIZE_official

The K-pop industry often presents an image of perfection, where idols are expected to not only sing and dance flawlessly but also uphold a curated persona that aligns with fan expectations. This environment of intense scrutiny can turn even the smallest mistakes into public spectacles, with consequences that are unforgiving. For Seunghan, a 21-year-old member of the group RIIZE, his world turned upside down after private photos of him smoking and kissing his girlfriend were leaked in 2023.

The leaked images sparked a wave of criticism, forcing Seunghan to take a ten-month hiatus to regain his footing. However, when it was announced that he would return to the group in October 2024, the reaction from some fans was harsh and unforgiving. To express their dissatisfaction, a shocking protest unfolded. One thousand condolence wreaths, typically reserved for mourning, were sent to SM Entertainment's headquarters. These wreaths carried messages such as "Seunghan Out" and "Hong Seunghan Out," further intensifying the public pressure on the young idol.

Seunghan from RIIZE received 1,000 condolence flower stands after being announced back to the group. Photo: X 

This display of aggression, while shocking, is not an isolated incident in K-pop culture. The pressure on idols to maintain a flawless public image often results in the erasure of their humanity. For Seunghan, the personal cost became evident in the emotional toll it took on him. In a tearful letter, he explained that he did not want to harm the group or its fanbase, BRIIZE. “I think leaving the team is the best way for everyone,” he wrote, acknowledging the fear and anxiety he felt about disappointing those who had once supported him.

The sentiment of his departure was one of deep regret, but also a recognition of the toxic environment he was part of. "I don’t know if it's really good for me to be with a group like RIIZE that should be loved," Seunghan reflected. "I only worry and fear."

Seunghan's heartfelt goodbye to RIIZE. Photo: X @riize_weverse

The emotional toll on Seunghan was not just a personal struggle; it also highlighted the darker side of K-pop fandom. His departure stirred widespread outrage, particularly among international fans, who voiced their condemnation of the wreath protest. One fan shared on social media, "Just imagine a 21-year-old having to see their name on 1,000 condolence flower arrangements like this. Truly, the cruelty of humanity knows no bounds," capturing the emotional weight of the situation.

While some applauded Seunghan's decision to step away for the benefit of the group, many others, especially international fans, showed their support for him. Hashtags like #JUSTICEFORSEUNGHAN and #BRINGSEUNGHANBACK trended globally as fans voiced their displeasure with the treatment he received. The incident sparked an ongoing conversation about the pressures idols face and the boundaries fans sometimes cross in their pursuit of an idealized image.

K-pop fans use hashtags to express their support for Seunghan from Riize. Photo: X

Seunghan’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional and psychological toll that K-pop idols endure. The intense pressure to maintain a perfect public persona can erode their well-being, and the protest against him underscores the darker side of idol culture. As Seunghan steps away from the group, it forces us to ask: what happens when we forget that idols are human too, with feelings and lives beyond the stage?