Kpop group Riize member Wonbin speaks out on controversy surrounding Seunghan’s comeback, pleads for continued support despite calls to boycott the group

SEOUL, Oct. 13 — Park Wonbin of Kpop group Riize called on fans of the band, known as Briize, to support the seven-piece group despite discontent over the return of suspended member Hong Seung-han.

Earlier today, the idol addressed fans on the Weverse platform, explaining that the decision was made between the group members, management, and Seunghan himself.

“Briize! I don’t know where to start… but I will find the courage to say what I want to share with you.

“Even as I write this, I’m thinking about how BRIIZE will feel when they see it. I’m careful and I’m worried. But I feel like if we, the members, don’t say or do anything Nothing.” If we don’t share our thoughts, it will only create more confusion and difficulty for everyone. So I organized the conversations I had with members and am writing this message.”

He said he understood that fans were wondering if Seunghan would return, something they hadn’t been able to answer before.

“I completely understand these thoughts.

We also had many long discussions with Seunghan and the company. Members thought deeply about this, over and over, and I hope you understand how much thought we put into this decision.

“We always wanted to make all Briize happy, and we’re sorry we can’t do that. I know this message may not completely ease your concerns, but I hope it can at least provide some little comfort to your confused hearts.” Wonbin added.

Stating that the group would not exist without the fandom, he pleaded for their continued support.

“So if you could continue to support us and look kindly on us, that would give us a lot of strength.

“I promise that we will continue to work hard to make RIIZE a group that BRIIZE can always be proud of.”

It was announced earlier this week that Seunghan would make a return to the group’s activities starting in November after an indefinite hiatus due to personal controversy.

Riize’s agency, SM Entertainment, had announced Seunghan’s suspension in November, due to an August 2023 leak of pre-Riize private photos and videos showing the star kissing an unidentified woman in a bed and smoking a cigarette. cigarette.

Seunghan’s upcoming comeback has received mixed reactions from fans, with some encouraging a boycott of the group and even sending funeral wreaths to the SM Entertainment building in protest.