The Dramatic Timeline Of RIIZE's Seunghan: From Hiatus To Solo Debut As XngHan

The story of Hong Seunghan, formerly of the K-pop boy group RIIZE, is one of the most tumultuous and rapidly evolving narratives in recent K-pop history. As of December 18, 2025, the former idol has fully pivoted away from his past as a group member, embracing a new identity and a fresh start as a solo artist named XngHan. His journey is a complex case study in the intense scrutiny of K-pop idol life, marked by a shocking controversy, an indefinite hiatus, a brief, dramatic return, and a final, permanent departure that has reshaped the six-member RIIZE and defined his future career path.

The latest and most significant update confirms that Seunghan, now known as XngHan, is preparing for his official solo debut, scheduled for late July 2025, a major move that comes nearly a year after his official exit from RIIZE. This article dives into the full, dramatic timeline, from the initial scandal involving leaked private photos to the intense fan backlash that ultimately led to his separation from SM Entertainment’s newest boy group, and what his new artistic direction means for his career and the K-pop industry at large.

Hong Seunghan: Complete Biography and Profile

Hong Seung-han, known simply as Seunghan during his time with RIIZE, quickly garnered attention as a talented vocalist and dancer under SM Entertainment. His biography details a promising career cut short by events outside of his professional work.

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• Full Name: Hong Seung-han (홍승한)
• Stage Name (RIIZE): Seunghan
• Current Solo Name: XngHan (also stylized as XngHan & Xoul for his project)
• Birthdate: October 2, 2003
• Age: 22 (as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Ilsan, South Korea
• Height: 179 cm (5 ft 10 in)
• Former Group: RIIZE (Debut: September 4, 2023)
• Position in RIIZE: Main Dancer, Vocalist
• Agency: Formerly SM Entertainment (as part of RIIZE)
• Solo Debut: Scheduled for July 31, 2025, with the single album "Waste No Time"

Seunghan was introduced as one of the seven original members of RIIZE, a group that debuted with massive anticipation as SM Entertainment's first new boy group since NCT. His talent was undeniable, but his time with the group became defined by a series of personal controversies that led to one of the most high-profile K-pop departures of the 2020s.

The Leaks, Hiatus, and Shocking Two-Day Return

The controversy surrounding Seunghan began almost immediately after RIIZE’s debut in September 2023, setting off a rapid chain of events that culminated in his permanent exit.

The Private Photo Leak and Indefinite Hiatus (2023)

In November 2023, a series of private photos, allegedly taken from Seunghan's personal social media account, were leaked online. These images, which quickly went viral, depicted the idol in a hotel room with a girl and also showed him smoking. For a newly debuted idol in the highly conservative K-pop industry, where personal relationships and public image are strictly managed, the backlash was intense and immediate. SM Entertainment responded quickly, announcing on November 22, 2023, that Seunghan would be taking an indefinite hiatus from all RIIZE activities.

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The agency cited the mental and emotional strain on the artist, emphasizing that the decision was made after deep discussion with Seunghan himself. RIIZE continued to promote as a six-member group for nearly a year, with the remaining members—Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton—navigating the challenges of their debut period without him.

The Dramatic October 2024 Timeline

The situation took a dramatic turn in October 2024. After months of silence and speculation, SM Entertainment released an official statement on October 10/11, 2024, announcing Seunghan’s return to the group, stating he would gradually resume activities. The news was met with a polarized reaction: while some fans were ecstatic, a significant and vocal segment of the fanbase, often referred to as "akgaes" (solo stans of other members), mobilized against the decision.

The backlash was fierce, manifesting in aggressive online campaigns and even physical protests, including the sending of funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment’s building, some bearing messages like "RIIZE IS 6! HONG SEUNGHAN OUT!" The fan response indicated a deep-seated resistance to his re-integration. Just two days after his announced return, on October 13, 2024, SM Entertainment released a final, definitive statement: Seunghan would permanently leave RIIZE. His time as a member of the group was officially over, cementing RIIZE as a six-member unit.

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The Solo Career Pivot: XngHan's New Beginning

Following his permanent departure, the biggest question mark was Seunghan's future in the K-pop industry. The answer came in late 2024 and early 2025 with the announcement of his solo career under a new artistic identity.

The Birth of XngHan

The new stage name, XngHan, symbolizes a fresh start and a new artistic direction for the former RIIZE member. The name is associated with the project name 'XngHan & Xoul' and is intended to represent infinite possibilities and a crossover spirit, a clear break from the idol image of his past.

This solo pivot is a crucial moment for Hong Seung-han. Instead of fading away, he is attempting to carve out a space for himself as an independent artist, a path that offers more creative freedom but less of the institutional protection and marketing power of a major label like SM Entertainment. His decision to continue in the music scene, despite the intense scrutiny and public criticism, speaks to his dedication as a musician.

"Waste No Time": The Solo Debut Details (July 2025)

The most anticipated update is the confirmed solo debut date. XngHan is set to make his official solo debut on July 31, 2025, with the single album titled "Waste No Time." This title itself seems to be a powerful statement, suggesting a determination to move forward and not dwell on the past controversies or the lost opportunity with RIIZE. The solo work is expected to showcase his talents as a vocalist and dancer, free from the constraints of a boy group concept.

The release of "Waste No Time" will be a major test, not only of his musical ability but of the public's willingness to accept a controversial idol in a new light. His success will depend on his ability to attract a new, dedicated fanbase that appreciates his artistry over his past image, a common challenge for K-pop idols who transition to solo careers after a scandal.

Topical Authority: The Impact on RIIZE and K-pop Culture

The entire Seunghan controversy and his subsequent departure had a profound impact on RIIZE and the broader K-pop industry, highlighting the volatile nature of fan culture and the extreme pressure placed on debuting idols.

For RIIZE, the group was forced to quickly re-establish its identity as a six-member unit. Members like Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton had to address the "tough times" they overcame, demonstrating resilience and professionalism. Their subsequent releases have cemented their status as a successful group, proving they could thrive even after the tumultuous start. The group's success post-Seunghan is a testament to the strength of the remaining members and the continued support from SM Entertainment.

More broadly, the incident sparked a debate about toxic cancel culture in K-pop. Critics argued that the extreme fan backlash, which demanded his removal over private life issues that occurred before his debut, represented an unhealthy level of control exerted by fans over an idol's personal life. The situation set a precedent for how quickly a career can be derailed by leaked personal information, regardless of the idol's talent or potential.

As XngHan steps into the spotlight in July 2025, his career becomes a symbol of second chances and the possibility of redemption in an industry that rarely grants them. His story continues to be one of the most talked-about K-pop controversies, proving that sometimes, the most dramatic exits lead to the most interesting new beginnings.