In late November, SM Entertainment released an official statement announcing that RIIZE member Seunghan would be going on an “indefinite hiatus” from activities.
The announcement followed a series of cyber attacks against Seunghan, including leaked content from the artist’s private life, which SM Entertainment confirmed was maliciously edited and fabricated in order to “create and spread malicious rumors.”
RIIZE’s Seunghan | MBC
After the announcement, which left Seunghan’s future status with the group vague, netizens reacted strongly, with some calling for his withdrawal, while others rallied to show support for Seunghan, even sending protest trucks to the SM Entertainment company building.
“Briize will be on Seunghan’s side until the end” protest truck outside SM Entertainment | @riizefolder/Twitter
At RIIZE’s first public appearance following Seunghan’s “indefinite hiatus,” netizens noted the members looked somber as they walked the red carpet for W Korea‘s “Love Your W” event.
Sohee and shotaro not smiling omg… #kpop #riize #seunghanriize #fyp
Fans have since looked to the six active members for any hint of Seunghan’s return or a reference to their fellow group member.
Eagle-eyed netizens have spotted hints that the members continue to honor their seven-member line-up, with possible nods to Seunghan during the recent 2023 Melon Music Awards…
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
… and most recently, noticed a sweet gesture from RIIZE’s Eunseok during the group’s ninth WE RIIZE episode.
| RIIZE/YouTube
The members entered the holiday spirit in the episode and began decorating pre-made holiday cookies.
Each member decorated cookies with icing and took turns showing off their creation.
Your browser does not support video.
Before showing his to the camera, Eunseok showed his creation to fellow member Sohee before revealing that he had simply decorated the cookie with the number seven.
Your browser does not support video.
BRIIZE (RIIZE’s fandom) reacted to Eunseok’s action and shared their appreciation for his show of support for Seunghan.
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 more in the article below:
