As RIIZE emerges as one of the freshest faces in K-pop, their journey from rookie group to industry sensation has been nothing short of meteoric. From their standout performances at KCON 2023 to their recent triumphs at the MAMA Awards, the seven-member group—comprising Sungchan, Shotaro, Wonbin, Eunseok, Sohee, Anton, and Seunghan (currently on hiatus)—has been making waves with their unique sound and electrifying stage presence. In an exclusive interview, the members reflect on their recent milestones and what lies ahead.
HAYMAI: RIIZE has made a strong impact since your debut. How did you feel when you first stepped onto the stage at KCON LA?
Shotaro: I was beyond excited. My heart was racing, and I felt this intense rush of adrenaline. The overwhelming support and cheers from the fans really filled me with gratitude. It was a surreal moment for us, and it made me even more motivated to continue this journey.
Wonbin: KCON LA was definitely the most memorable stage for me. It was like living out a dream I had as a trainee, watching senior artists and wanting to perform on a big stage just like them. Now that I’ve finally debuted, it was like a positive kind of nervousness. I reflect on that moment whenever things get tough—it’s a reminder of why I’m here.
Anton: For me, KCON was a full-circle moment. I had attended KCON as a fan, so being on that stage as a performer felt surreal. There were moments where I wished I could have done better, but overall, it was an amazing experience. I’ll always remember the moment when I looked into the eyes of my fellow members right before we hit the stage.
HAYMAI: Your performance at the 2023 MAMA Awards was also a highlight. What was it like to share the stage with legends like TVXQ! and perform tracks like ‘Talk Saxy’ and ‘Siren’?
Sungchan: Performing at the MAMA Awards was a huge honor. When we opened for TVXQ! to celebrate their 20th anniversary, it felt like a cross-generational celebration. Singing ‘Rising Sun’ was both exhilarating and challenging, but Sohee’s and Wonbin’s vocals really elevated our performance. On the second night, when we performed ‘Talk Saxy’ and ‘Siren,’ it was our chance to showcase our full range of talents. It felt incredible to command the stage on our own.
HAYMAI: You’ve quickly made a name for yourselves with your music. Your debut single ‘Get a Guitar’ was a massive success, and you followed up with ‘Talk Saxy’ and now ‘Love 119’. How do you approach evolving your sound so quickly?
Sohee: It was definitely challenging to juggle activities for ‘Get a Guitar’ while preparing for ‘Talk Saxy,’ but it was worth it to connect with our fans again so soon. ‘Talk Saxy’ allowed us to explore a more intense and dynamic sound, showcasing our dance and vocal abilities. With ‘Love 119,’ we’ve shifted to a more tender and subdued production, sampling the ballad ‘Emergency Room’ by Izi. Each release helps us evolve and grow, and we’re excited to keep exploring new musical directions.
Eunseok: I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement during our debut week. There were many new experiences, and it was both challenging and fun. I tried to capture those initial feelings as vividly as possible because I knew they were something I could only experience once. It was a transformative period for us.
HAYMAI: You’ve already achieved a lot in your first year, including wins for Favorite New Artist at the 2023 MAMA Awards and Rookie of the Year at the 33rd Seoul Music Awards. How do these accolades impact your ambitions for the future?
Sungchan: Winning those awards was incredibly validating and motivating. It’s a compass for us, grounding our strides and pushing us to work even harder. We’re grateful for the recognition, but it also fuels our desire to continue growing and evolving. We hope RIIZE will be a group that’s loved by the audience for a long time.
HAYMAI: The name RIIZE combines ‘Rise’ and ‘Realize.’ How does this reflect your goals and vision as a group?
Sungchan: The name RIIZE perfectly encapsulates our journey and aspirations. It’s about rising to new heights and realizing our potential as artists. We’re inviting our fans to join us on this journey of growth and discovery. It’s not just about achieving success; it’s about evolving and connecting with our audience in a meaningful way.
HAYMAI: Looking ahead, what can fans expect from RIIZE in the near future?
Shotaro: We’re always looking to push boundaries and try new things. Our upcoming music will continue to showcase our growth and versatility as artists. We’re also excited to keep performing and connecting with our fans through live shows and new content. Stay tuned for what’s next—we have a lot more in store!
As RIIZE continues to rise in the K-pop industry, their journey is just beginning. With a strong start and a clear vision for the future, the septet is set to make an indelible mark on the global stage. Keep an eye on RIIZE as they continue to blend captivating performances with an evolving sound, forging their path as one of K-pop’s most promising new acts.