Riize's Seunghan breaks silence after controversial photos leaked of K-pop star & 'girlfriend' as he missed latest show

SEUNGHAN from the popular K-pop group RIIZE has issued an official apology following a photo leak and a missed show appearance.

The images circulated online over the past few weeks and seemingly saw the star kissing an unidentified person on a bed.

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Some claimed that the images were of Seunghan's trainee days and that the girl he was kissing was his girlfriend, per Allkpop.

Seunghan also recently missed a recording appearance amid the controversy, which SM Entertainment, the South Korean entertainment company that created and currently manages RIIZE, attributed to health struggles.

On Wednesday, Seunghan took over the official Instagram page for RIIZE (@riize_official) and posted a lengthy statement about the situation.

He apologized to fans and his fellow members of the K-pop group, noting that the band was his "priority" moving forward.

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"I am writing this because I feel that I need to tell you this in advance before standing in front of fans," Seunghan said in the post.

"First of all, I sincerely apologize to fans who support RIIZE. Due to my personal issues, I caused harm to the team at a very important and critical moment ahead of our debut and disappointed the members and staff."

He continued: "I am also feeling regretful for not being able to apologize quickly because I was scared and anxious."

"With no room to blame anyone or make excuses, all of this happened because of my imprudence, and I reflected a lot on my past time and actions."

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"From now on, I will prioritize the team called RIIZE. I will behave more carefully not only on stage as RIIZE but also in all circumstances I encounter," the star added.

"I will do my best so that you can feel my sincerity toward the team and fans through my actions. I apologize once again. Thank you for reading this long post."

SM Entertainment also noted in a statement plans to take legal action against whoever released the pictures, per Soompi.

"Hello, this is SM Entertainment," the company wrote.

"We our sharing our statement regarding the unauthorized posting of photos related to a RIIZE member’s personal life on social media and online communities."

They continued: "As such unauthorized leaks and circulation of these are clearly illegal acts, we are collecting evidence through KWANGYA 119 and separate monitoring about those who posted the photos, and we are also collecting extensive evidence on actions of secondary victimization such as circulation and reproduction."

"We will file criminal complaints for all confirmed crimes, and we ask for everyone’s caution to not get unfortunately involved in this case."

SM Entertainment also noted that Seunghan was "deeply reflecting" over "causing harm to the team ahead of their debut" and "disappointing fans."

"We will support and manage RIIZE more thoroughly so they can focus on their activities in the future and will work to impress," the company added.

"Thank you."

So far, several fans have vocally supported the star after the apology ahead of the K-pop group's debut.

Seunghan's Instagram post on the RIIZE page garnered over 200,000 likes and comments in defense of the group member.

"U don't need to apologise," one person wrote.

"You don't have to apologize, it's your life and you deserve to be happy, I love you," another added.

A third said: "You don't need to apologize for dating."

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The U.S. Sun has contacted SM Entertainment for an additional comment on the situation.

RIIZE is set to release their first single, Get A Guitar, on September 4.

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