RIIZE's Seunghan apologizes for pre-debut relationship, dividing netizens
Hong Seunghan, one of the members of SM Entertainment's newest boy group RIIZE, has issued an apology after personal photos of him and an unknown woman were leaked to the Internet.
In the photos, taken prior to Seunghan's debut, the 19 year old can be seen kissing the woman in bed, both fully clothed. Responding to the scandal, Seunghan wrote in part:
"At a critical time ahead of our debut, I have caused damage to [RIIZE] due to my personal matters and I have also disappointed both [SM] staff and our members.
"I am sorry that I wasn't able to apologize earlier as I was feeling scared and anxious. This occurred due to my carelessness and I cannot blame anyone else or make any excuses."
Responses to the apology have been mixed, with many Korean netizens calling for Seunghan to leave RIIZE. Meanwhile, SM has vowed legal action against the individual(s) responsible for the leak.
RIIZE's first single album, Get a Guitar, arrives September 4.
RIIZE's Seunghan Personally Apologizes For Controversy Surrounding His Past Relationshiphttps://t.co/PFnLABsvmf
- Koreaboo (@Koreaboo) August 30, 2023
"Leave The Group": Korean Netizens React To RIIZE Seunghan's Recent Apologyhttps://t.co/BPlYnOx16O
- Koreaboo (@Koreaboo) August 30, 2023
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