The group RIIZE (part of SME) shared their individual stories today (4th) as they celebrate their 2nd anniversary.
Debuting on Sept. 4, 2023, RIIZE began to introduce their unique genre 'emotional pop' with their first single album 'Get A Guitar', showcasing explosive popularity with dynamic performances at year-end music awards both domestically and internationally. They boasted a total of 8 trophies, including 4 rookie awards, establishing themselves as 'the best new artist' at that time.
In 2024, they rose to prominence as 'emerging digital music powerhouses' with the single 'Love 119' released in January, followed by the release of their first mini-album 'RIIZING' in May, culminating in their first fan concert tour 'RIIZING DAY', covering 19 locations worldwide, and ending with a successful finale held at the KSPO Dome in Seoul just a year after their debut, demonstrating remarkable growth in music streams, albums, and performances.
This year, RIIZE continues to prove their team color of 'growth and realization'. After releasing their first studio album 'ODYSSEY' in May, they achieved three consecutive million-seller titles and career highs. Starting in July, their first world tour 'RIIZING LOUD' covering 22 regions worldwide is writing new growth stories every moment, attracting attention to their future activities.
Here is a Q&A to celebrate RIIZE's 2nd anniversary.
Q. What are your thoughts on reaching the 2nd anniversary of your debut?
Shotaro: It has been a memorable 2 years. I've grown a lot and have been filled with happy moments! I still vividly remember my debut, and I feel lucky to have debuted with 'my team' RIIZE. Meeting BRIIZE (official fan club name) has also made me a better person. Thanks to them, I've been able to happily engage in activities while seeing sceneries I hadn't known before. I sincerely thank you.
Eunseok: RIIZE has reached its 2nd anniversary, and many unforgettable memories have piled up during that time. Since I've developed a stronger bond with BRIIZE, I look forward to the time we will share together.
Seongchan: I can't believe it has already been 2 years! Time feels like it is passing really fast. During this time, I've grown a lot and it feels like BRIIZE and I have become inseparable. I want to make the most of the time ahead.
Wonbin: It doesn't feel real that we've hit the 2nd anniversary, but on the other hand, it's only been 2 years, so I am excited about what more we can show. I want to make every day ahead a good memory and enjoy performing on stage!
Sohee: Being busy with the members and BRIIZE, it seems time has passed quickly. However, it's still the 2nd anniversary. I feel like we've accomplished a lot, but I also feel there's still a long way to go, with many things I want to achieve in the future.
Anton: Looking back, every moment has become a cherished memory for me. I can feel that BRIIZE is always watching us grow, and I seem to move forward more confidently because they are with me. It's only been 2 years for both BRIIZE and RIIZE, and since we have to see each other for a long time ahead, I hope we can continue to support each other!
Q. When do you think you have grown the most, and in what ways do you believe you have matured?
Shotaro: I think I have grown in every aspect... The biggest change has been learning how to enjoy performing on stage. Initially, I was just focused on working hard, but now I have found my own color and enjoy it together with BRIIZE. Of course, I still have more to grow and many challenges ahead, but my first fan concert and my first solo concert have helped me a lot.
Eunseok: Doing fan concerts and various performances has helped me grow. I used to get very nervous on stage and felt no time to relax, but recently I've felt a bit more at ease. You can look forward to me even more.
Seongchan: Through our first world tour 'RIIZING LOUD', I've gained a lot of experience on stage. Thanks to that, I've felt a lot more comfortable not just in performance but also during talks, and I believe I've grown in many ways.
Wonbin: Growth feels different every day rather than being attributed to a single moment. These days, when doing concerts, I naturally add ad-libs based on the energy and atmosphere I share with BRIIZE in that space, which I think results in a better performance. However, there is still so much I haven't shown, so I'm not satisfied yet.
Sohee: There have been many things, but I believe I have realized and learned a lot in the process of preparing for our first studio album 'ODYSSEY'. I've come to understand the attitude needed for this work, how to approach the stage, and the preciousness of our fans.
Anton: I believe I have grown a lot due to my touring experiences. I think all the members feel that way too! Haha. Especially through this 'RIIZING LOUD' tour, I'm able to meet more BRIIZE, so I see RIIZE as continually growing.
Q. If you were to give a compliment to this member who has been with you on this journey, what would it be?
Shotaro → Seongchan: Thank you for always leading the team atmosphere in a fun way! Thanks to your bright energy, our team can perform in a good mood. And as I mentioned in our dorm, your rich expressiveness and always putting in effort are impressive! Thank you for debuting with me. Let's see beautiful scenery together in the future! Fighting~~
Eunseok → Wonbin: I admire your efforts to always make a great team. Keep showing us your wonderful side!
Seongchan → Sohee: You have an irreplaceable voice in our team. You've grown a lot in performance, taking on more important parts, and I hope we can keep growing together without stopping!
Wonbin → Anton: I'm now used to seeing you on stage, so I don't need to say it out loud, but you're really doing well.
Sohee → Shotaro: You are so cool for knowing how to give back the love you receive. You're the best, oppa.
Anton → Eunseok: Two-ton truck cross! Among the members, we always say that you, Eunseok, are steady like a 'rock'. Actually, you're not a rock but a person, so there must be tough parts, but I think you tend to hide your struggles. From my point of view, thank you for always being a good brother and the mood maker of the team. Let's reach even higher together. :)
Q. What would you like to say to your past self on your 1st anniversary, and what do you want to tell your future self on your 3rd anniversary?
Shotaro: Taro, many BRIIZE will love and support you after 1 year. Just believe in yourself and take your time to work hard. Focus on only the good words that BRIIZE tells you while you work! And Taro on the 3rd anniversary, you'll become a different version of yourself, right? With BRIIZE always by your side, look ahead! Let's keep growing!
Eunseok: A year ago, Eunseok, there will be many hardships and many joys, but I hope you see them all as experiences and enjoy them. The one who enjoys is the best. Eunseok on the 3rd anniversary, by then, new memories and experiences will have accumulated, right? Have you stayed healthy?
Seongchan: Remember to behave humbly and be grateful to those around you, Seongchan! And Seongchan a year later! Congratulations on your 3rd anniversary, thank you for doing well until now and for your hard work. Let's move forward without losing our initial mindset but instead solidify our gratitude.
Wonbin: Wonbin from a year ago, once you get accustomed, you will do well in whatever you do, so worry less! Many people like you, so just believe in yourself. Future Wonbin, I hope you show more of yourself. However, study more and practice hard… I'm aware the road to your goals won't be easy, but always remember to keep going… Don't just walk – keep running.
Sohee: Sohee, isn't your body like steel? No. Listen to what the older members and teachers say and take good care of yourself. There will be more people who will love your voice. Above all, treasure it. And give up on your hopes about height; it seems like you've stopped growing. Future Sohee, I will take care of everything so you won't have any hard times… Behave well so that the past year isn't regretted. I will create you!
Anton: Hello, this is 2nd generation Anton. Looking back at the worried and troubled face from my debut, I think it's still cute. I still have a lot to improve and always have many thoughts, but I'll try to continue to overcome them as I've always done. I'm looking forward to the 3rd generation Anton.
Q. What would you like to say to BRIIZE, who always supports you?
Shotaro: I can be here thanks to BRIIZE. Let's continue to build great memories together! I'll work hard to become a solid artist who can show my own diverse colors. I love BRIIZE, who brings me happiness!
Eunseok: To our BRIIZE who are always cheering for us~ If it weren't for BRIIZE, we wouldn't be here now. Thank you for being with us for these two years and I will strive to give BRIIZE a good influence in the future, so let's have fun together for our 3rd, 4th anniversary and beyond. Love you~
Seongchan: BRIIZE! Thank you so much for always cheering for us. Your presence gives me strength when I'm having a hard time or feel exhausted. Sometimes, I think a lot while working and face tough moments, but I redefine the meaning and reasons for my work every time I think of BRIIZE. I'm always grateful, and let's be together in the future~
Wonbin: I don't need to say more… I'm so thankful and, as I've always said, without BRIIZE, we wouldn't exist. Thank you for always shining light on people like us, who would be nothing without BRIIZE. I'll keep running toward our goal until we reach it, like a beam of light at the end of a tunnel, so please watch over us well!!! Thank you for supporting me wherever and whenever. Let's enjoy ourselves even more!!!
Sohee: To BRIIZE, who always supports and loves RIIZE~ I think I've opened up and expressed more compared to when we debuted, but I wonder how BRIIZE feels. However, just as we have until now, we will grow closer and become stronger. Nothing can interfere with us or stop us… Never…
Anton: Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary, our BRIIZE who always supports us. Have you heard the saying that time flies quickly? Haha. But it's really true. I think every moment that has passed quickly was for RIIZE and BRIIZE, with the mindset that both the good and bad things all had their reasons. I hope BRIIZE stays healthy and happy always, and I look forward to the story that RIIZE and BRIIZE will create together in the future. Let's continue to go together! Thank you.
[Photo provided by SME.]
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