Riize

Riize is a six-member South Korean boy band under SM Entertainment, active since their debut in September 2023. Known for their polished performances and a sound they call Emotional Pop, the group blends pop, R&B, and dance into a youthful, energetic package. Their debut single album Get a Guitar sold over 1.3 million copies in its first year, making them the fastest rookie group in SM history to achieve million-seller status. Follow-up singles like Love 119 and Boom Boom Bass continued their chart dominance, with multiple number ones on the Circle Digital Chart and Billboard South Korea Songs chart. As of early 2025, Riize has amassed over 5 million Instagram followers and earned a Guinness World Record for fastest K-pop act to reach 1 million followers on the platform. Their fanbase, BRIIZE, supports them through streaming projects and charity initiatives. Despite Seunghan's departure in October 2024, the group remains active and is considered one of SM's flagship new-generation acts.[edit]

Riize came together through a mix of SM Entertainment's long-standing trainee system and pre-debut projects. The first members revealed were Shotaro and Sungchan, both former NCT members who had been inactive in the group's rotational system. Their inclusion brought immediate attention from NCTzens. In early 2023, SM introduced Eunseok and Seunghan through the online showcase SM Rookies, building anticipation. Wonbin and Sohee were unveiled later, with Sohee being the last member announced just weeks before debut. Anton, the son of veteran singer Yoon Sang, was a surprise addition that sparked curiosity.

The group was officially announced on July 31, 2023, as SM's first new boy group since NCT in 2016. They made their pre-debut stage at SM Town Live in Seoul on August 26, 2023, performing Get a Guitar and Memories. The official debut followed on September 4 with the single album Get a Guitar. Within 10 days, they won their first music show trophy on M Countdown, the fastest ever for a rookie group. Their debut album sold 1.3 million copies in its first year, a record for a debut album by an SM group.[edit]

Riize's music revolves around what SM labels Emotional Pop, a genre that fuses pop melodies with R&B harmonies and dance beats. Their debut track Get a Guitar featured funky guitar riffs and a bright, upbeat energy. Talk Saxy leaned into saxophone-driven R&B, while Love 119 incorporated synth-pop and a more emotional tone. Their first mini-album Riizing expanded into house and electronic elements with songs like Boom Boom Bass and Siren. Lyrically, the group focuses on themes of youth, love, and self-discovery, often with a hopeful or empowering message. Production credits include SM's in-house producers like Kenzie and members of the production team Dem Jointz.[edit]

Riize has been credited with revitalizing SM Entertainment's boy group legacy after a seven-year gap since NCT's debut. Their rapid success set new benchmarks for rookie groups, including the fastest music show win and million-seller debut album. They were appointed honorary ambassadors for the 2024 Korea Brand Festival, promoting K-culture globally. Their music has influenced other rookie groups to adopt R&B-infused pop sounds. The group's fashion, often coordinated with their music concepts, has been featured in Vogue Korea and Elle Korea, and they have been named one of the best new K-pop acts by Billboard and TIME.[edit]

Riize's official fandom name is BRIIZE, pronounced like breeze, symbolizing a refreshing and supportive presence. The official lightstick, released in 2024, is shaped like a guitar pick with a central LED that changes colors. No official fan color has been announced. BRIIZE are known for organizing streaming parties, subway ads, and charity donations during comebacks. They also held a fan project for the group's first anniversary, creating a mural in Seoul. The fandom has grown rapidly, with over 5 million Instagram followers as of early 2025.[edit]

Riize's name combines Rise and Realize, symbolizing growth and connection. Shotaro and Sungchan were the first members revealed, previously known from NCT. Anton is the son of veteran singer Yoon Sang, making him a second-generation K-pop idol. Sohee was the last member introduced, just weeks before debut. The group holds the record for fastest K-pop group to win a music show, achieving their first win 10 days after debut.[edit]