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Is Seunghan’s Exit From RIIZE Setting an Impossible Precedent for K-Pop Stars?


International marketing for K-pop group RIIZE focused on authenticity and growth feels potentially dangerous after Seunghan left SM Entertainment.

Debuting in September 2023, RIIZE’s multinational lineup representing Korea, Japan and the U.S., centered on an authentic, “unpolished” image through makeup-free selfies and in-studio content on social media — a refreshing shift from SM’s elaborate, concept-heavy aesthetics. Ahead of the first SM artist launch under new corporate owners Kakao Entertainment, sources confirmed to Billboard that the companies specifically met with various digital, streaming and media partners in the U.S. to secure early interest, underscoring intent to present the relatable, down-to-earth guys globally. Earlier this week, the six members of RIIZE were announced to join November’s Rolling Loud Thailand, the local version of the hip-hop festival that had an official cannabis partner last year.

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