The group RIIZE (RIIZE, under SM Entertainment) greeted the new year with strong determination despite a busy schedule.
RIIZE will continue their global activities starting in January in Las Vegas, USA, with Samsung Electronics "The First Look" event held before the opening of CES 2026, then their first world tour performances in Jakarta, Manila, Singapore, and Macau, followed by a February Tokyo Dome concert and a March Seoul KSPO Dome finale performance.
Earlier, they wrapped up the year on a high note with year-end stages that drew attention for their diverse performances such as "Fly Up", "Bag Bad Back", "Fame", and "Sticky Like", and we asked the members about 2025 and 2026.
The following is RIIZE's new year Q&A.
Q. Of the 2025 year-end stages, which do you consider the best stage, or can you share the most memorable episode from rehearsing?
Shotaro: We performed the "Fly Up" performance in a musical format, and I remember the audience reaction being enthusiastic. It was a day of many experiments, so I'm satisfied. Although I injured my ankle while preparing and had difficult moments... I learned a lot because of that.
Eunseok: It was a year-end where the members' synergy was good, and especially the MMA "Fly Up" comes to mind. I think coordinating with each other was the hardest part, but the moments when everything synced successfully... it was thrilling and fun.
Seongchan: We had a goal together with the members to "create a stage that stays in people's memories for a long time," and we practiced into the early morning to refine the details. I think that resulted in highly complete stages. I remember us practicing with sounds like uh?X uh?X, and the conversations we had while gathering at the dorm and eating together.
Wonbin: There were times when our stamina dropped, but because we treated the year-end stage as important, I remember us constantly encouraging each other... We finished well and welcomed the new year with relieved hearts. I think the "Fly Up" stage, which members, dancers, and fans could all enjoy, was the best.
Sohee: At SBS "Gayo Daejeon" I prepared a dance break for each member, and Taro-hyung's section was so shocking that the members and I were stunned. The best stage was MMA. The rehearsal process was enjoyable, and thanks to that we were able to bring that energy to the stage.
Anton: I also remember RIIZE's other performances very well. The first time I stood on the U.S. "Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL)" was impressive. Also, last year we made custom hand microphones with the members, and at first they were unfamiliar but the process of getting used to the hand microphones was fun.
Q. If you had to describe 2025 for you in one word, what would it be?
Shotaro: New (NEW) Shotaro. I think it was a year in which I challenged many new things and grew.
Eunseok: For me, 2025 is "diversity." It was filled with many activities and I think it will remain as memories I don't want to forget one by one.
Seongchan: Unity. Through preparing our first full-length album and first concert tour, I think we properly developed the unity that brought members, Breeze, and company staff together as one. I want to leap forward vigorously in 2026 with that strength.
Wonbin: I want to say, "You worked hard. You endured a lot." Both I and the members must have been physically exhausted in many ways, but we finished without major problems because we kept going until the end.
Sohee: It's anguish. In '25, the members and staff put their heads together to think about how RIIZE could stand out and shine more, and through that process I think RIIZE became cooler.
Anton: ODYSSEY. It's also the title of our first full-length album, and last year I think we truly realized RIIZE's own odyssey, so 2025 will be remembered as the journey itself. Looking back, I thought at the beginning of last year that I had grown and learned a lot, but now I feel there is no end to learning. I will enjoy 2026 anticipating what will happen next.
Q. What are your resolutions for 2026 and which RIIZE song would you recommend for the new year?
Shotaro: My big wish is to finish the remaining tour safely. In 2026 I hope both RIIZE and Breeze stay healthy and do even better. My new year recommendation is the Japanese single title track "All of You," which will be released on Feb. 18. Please listen to it a lot later (laughs).
Eunseok: This year I want to show Breeze a more mature and cool side. So the song I want to recommend is "Sticky Like."
Seongchan: I want to devote care to producing RIIZE's next album so that whenever it comes out it can be remembered as a great record, and give my best in all activities. My new year recommendation is "Odyssey."
Wonbin: In '25, for some reason I sometimes felt like I was standing still. So in '26 I hope to soar, and I really want to show everyone. So I want to recommend "Fly Up."
Sohee: We have a Tokyo Dome concert scheduled in February, and I don't just want to stand on the stage but I want to captivate everyone in the audience there so they say, "RIIZE deserves to stand on even bigger stages in the future." I am determined. My recommendation is "Fame."
Anton: Confidence aside, I want to get a little closer to a "me" I can be proud of. I want to ponder what that will look like, learn about myself in many ways, and grow. For the new year I would recommend "Odyssey."
Q. What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
Shotaro: Right now it's the Tokyo Dome concert. It's a stage I've dreamed of since I was young, and because my family and friends have wanted to see my performance a lot, I will prepare well so it can finish successfully. Personally, I also filmed content called "Shotaro's dessert" this year, and I hope to try various things next year as well.
Eunseok: Every new year I look forward to things that will newly happen to me. I'm ready to enjoy whatever they are. My first schedule this year is Samsung Electronics "The First Look," and Las Vegas is a place we didn't visit during the North American tour, and since I'm interested in gaming... I'm excited because I was told we can see new gaming monitor products in advance.
Seongchan: Lately I've been feeling that while the moment of performing on stage is of course happy, the anticipation and joy that arise during the preparation process are also really big, so I want to prepare the Tokyo Dome concert really well. Personally, I hope there will be many more things to make me smile!
Wonbin: This year is the year of the red horse, and I'm a horse sign (laughs)... I want to receive a lot of passionate and dynamic energy both as a team and personally. I hope it's a year that proves what kind of team RIIZE is, and I'm looking forward to the Seoul finale concert. I think it will be a more meaningful year for both me and RIIZE.
Sohee: Of course! I'm most looking forward to our Tokyo Dome stage and the Korea finale concert. I also like watching other artists' stages, so if I get the chance I'd like to go to various performances at home and abroad.
Anton: I want to create memorable moments with Breeze! I want to make a year where RIIZE develops further with good music and performances, and personally I want to study music more. Also, our first schedule of the new year is going to "The First Look", and I'm happy to spend the new year in the U.S. briefly with the members, and I'm excited to see what experiences we can have in Las Vegas!
[Photo] Provided by SM Entertainment.
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