RIIZE share exclusive pictures from their world tour ‘RIIZING LOUD’ and talk about their new single ‘FAME’

The boys from K-pop group RIIZE have had a busy year. After releasing their full-length album ODYSSEY in May, they embarked on their ‘RIIZING LOUD’ World tour. The six-piece consisting of Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton even found time to make a stop in the UK for SMTOWN in London over the summer. Despite only forming in 2023, the K-pop group have more than enough crowd-pleasing tracks in their discography to put on a robust 22-track concert.

There’s a lot of variety to their music, that centres around their sonic concept of ‘emotional-pop.’ At Madison Square Garden in November, where I watched them perform, they worked their way through higher-energy songs with complex choreography such as ‘Siren’ ‘Boom Boom Bass’ with strong powerful vocals from both main-vocalist Sohee and the group’s visual Eunseok, punchy rapping from Sungchan and lightning fast, technically tricky dancing led by Shotaro and Wonbin. The group are more than comfortable switching in and out of their respective roles, often anchored by the all-rounders- centre position Wonbin and the musically-gifted maknae Anton who plays both the cello and bass guitar. The youngest (maknae) of the group displayed his bass skills during the tour with the intro of ‘Get a Guitar.’ He strummed away across the stage as his fellow member Wonbin gave a goose-bump inducing peformance on the electric guitar. Their rollercoaster of a show went from brilliantly dynamic dance breaks including Sungchan leaping over his members, before rapping in their cover of EXO’s ‘Monster,’ before slowing things down with powerful ballads. They performed rock concert guitar riffs, and more claccis sugary K-pop songs with ease, manage to punctuate through the ear-splitting screaming from the crowd that didn’t let up from the moment they stepped on on stage to their final wave goodbye to their beloved fans- collectively known as ‘BRIIZE.’ 

Even though it’s towards the end the year, RIIZE hasn’t slowed down. They have released a new single ‘FAME,’ a sweeping hip-hop track, with electric guitars, slower, considered rap verses, and even a touch of spoken-word in a velvety-baritone. It’s an angsty song that subverts the concept of fame and all its glittering promises. The record release is part of a three-track single release, with the lead track being accompanied by the emotional yet slinky RnB ‘Something’s in the Water’ that explores how to combat anxiety. The pace of the song is glacial and smooth, with a slow-pulsing bass guitar and soft percussion that encourages the listener to slow things down. The final song of the trio is the ‘Sticky Like,’ a pop-rock track that deals with all-consuming, desperate love. It’s an airy track with plenty of harmonising high-notes that soar over the melody. After catching up with the group in the summer of 2024, we wanted to catch up with them, and see where they were sonically in their feelings for their new song ‘FAME’ as well as sharing exclusive imagery with us from their ‘RIIZING LOUD’ world tour. 

What lyrical themes have you explored in your new single ‘Fame’?

Sohee: You’d think a song called ‘Fame’ would be all about chasing the spotlight, right? But it’s actually the total opposite! It’s about how love and real emotions matter so much more than fame. Can’t wait for you guys to hear it!

What music genres have you explored for the song? 

Shotaro: We really switched things up this time with our first rage-style hip-hop track. I had so much fun playing with the groove of the drums and guitar, trying to make it my own. We also tried a smoother R&B vibe with ‘Something’s in the Water,’ which pushed me vocally in a new way, and ‘Sticky Like’ let me completely dive into the mood of the song. Get ready for lots of fresh emotions, fresh sounds, all powered by pure RIIZE energy!

How was the experience of making the music video?

Sungchan: There’s a scene in the music video where I had to act like I was facing myself in a mirror. It wasn’t a real mirror, but I imagined another version of me on the other side. It felt very strange yet powerful, like meeting another side of myself. 

Music videos are usually very long hours and lots of hard work, who keeps the rest of the group’s mood and energy up during the long days? 

Wonbin: It really depends on the day, but I’m usually the one who suddenly yells, “Let’s go!” out of nowhere. Even when everyone’s totally drained, it always cracks us up and lifts the energy right back.

You travelled to the UK for the first time this year, how was that experience?

Eunseok: It was such a blast! We checked out Big Ben, had fish and chips, and even grabbed ice cream after. The weather, the buildings, everything felt so nice. It’s one of those memories that just stays warm in my mind.

Do you have any favourites UK music acts?

Anton: There are so many amazing artists and genres that come out of the UK, and I’m always discovering something new that inspires me. Radiohead and Jamiroquai are a couple of classics that come to mind, but I’m also really into modern artists like Jorja Smith, Tom Misch, and Sam Gellaitry. Lately, I’ve been listening to Unflirt and Tendai a lot.

You have also been on tour in the US. How was that experience? 

Shotaro: This was our first U.S. tour, and honestly we were a bit nervous at first. Like, will BRIIZE come? Will we hear the cheers? But the second we got on stage, all those worries disappeared. The energy from BRIIZE was unreal! Every show felt so full of love and excitement, it’s something I’ll never forget.

Every stop was special, but one of the most memorable moments was seeing DC fans dancing and hyping us up from the back. I even spotted some families in the crowd, which was so heartwarming and made the show feel extra special. Seeing Anton perform in New York made me so proud. I honestly thought he might tear up, but he didn’t! Maybe next time! (Laughs)

Did you have any time to explore anything in NYC whilst you were there? Is there anything you didn’t get to do but would like to? 

Anton: We were lucky enough to explore a few spots around New York City, and being there with the members for the first time made it even more fun. Just walking around and soaking up the atmosphere between our packed schedule felt really nice. Next time we’re back, I’d love to have more time to take it all in, or even head out to New York State to see some of the beautiful nature there.

Do you have any favourite songs you like to perform?

Wonbin:  ‘Siren,’ hands down! The song gets my adrenaline going every single time. Even when I’m totally burned out, the moment I hit that first line, the energy just explodes! it’s impossible to stay calm. That rush never gets old! 

What song have you been surprised at the reaction from BRIIZE when you performed live? 

Sungchan: I was honestly blown away when everyone started doing the hand moves and singing along to the chorus of ‘Boom Boom Bass.’ The whole crowd was moving perfectly in sync — it was insane! You guys absolutely killed it, BRIIZE!

You spend a lot of time together, rehearsing and touring. What’s something fun or amusing that you have learned about another member that BRIIZE might not know about but find interesting? 

Eunseok: It’s not exactly new, but every time I see the members making cute faces and gestures on stage, it still cracks me up. No matter how many times I see it, it always surprises me in the best way and makes me laugh. I genuinely love them!

Have you had any funny stories on tour or making this new single that you can share?

Sohee: There’s a scene in the music video where we had to rollerblade, and it was so much fun — probably because it’d been forever since I last tried it! Eunseok wasn’t exactly the smoothest skater, which made it even funnier.

Who’s the most fun/mischievous when you’re travelling, rehearsing and tour?

Anton: It varies depending on the day and their energy levels, so each member has moments when they’re more fun and mischievous than usual. On average though, it may have to be Sungchan.

Being idols, a lot of your life is shared online. Is there anything funny that BRIIZE have noticed a member has done that they currently won’t forget or tease you guys about in the comments?

Shotaro: Whenever Sungchan and Sohee stand next to each other, they seriously look like father and son — it’s hilarious! Sometimes they swap clothes, and the huge size difference just makes it even funnier. Oh, and how Anton’s voice suddenly gets way louder when we come to the U.S.! We always tease him about that!

When you’re away from one another, who is best at keeping in touch on the group chat?

Sungchan: Definitely Anton. He’s always dropping random memes and funny videos in the group chat. He’s the one keeping the energy up and making everyone laugh

What are you looking forward to for 2026? 

Wonbin: Definitely our Tokyo Dome show. It still doesn’t feel real, even saying it out loud. It’s always been a dream stage for me, and I never imagined I’d actually get to perform there. I’m a little nervous, but mostly just excited and grateful. It’s going to be an unforgettable moment.