RIIZE charts its 'ODYSSEY' with first full-length album

Members of K-pop boy band RIIZE, from left, Anton, Sohee, Wonbin, Eunseok, Shotaro and Sungchan pose during a press premiere for the group's new release, "ODYSSEY," at the SOL Travel Hall of the Blue Square in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

After 11 months of preparation, K-pop boy band RIIZE is making a return with "ODYSSEY," an album tracing the path the team has walked since its debut, packed with 10 tracks and ambition to match.

The "ODYSSEY" release, slated to drop on Monday at 6 p.m., marks a special milestone for the group, as its first-ever studio album since entering the scene in 2023. This is a notable move in an industry where fast-paced cycles often favor shorter mini-albums and singles, and full-length record releases are becoming increasingly uncommon.

RIIZE held a press premiere on Monday, just hours before the official drop, to celebrate the occasion. Dressed in preppy outfits, the six members — Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee and Anton — reflected the kind of confidence that comes naturally to a boy band in their early 20s.

RIIZE performs "Fly Up," the lead single from the group's latest release, "ODYSSEY," during a press event at the SOL Travel Hall in the Blue Square in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

Greeting reporters, the members made it clear how much pride they take in the record.

"We prepared these songs to show the kind of sound only we pursue," said the group's youngest member, Anton. "I hope you enjoy listening and watching the performance."

"If someone asks what kind of group RIIZE is," Wonbin added, "I believe this one album will say it all."

According to the six members, "ODYSSEY" encapsulates their ambition to make another leap forward. Among the album's ten tracks, the members highlighted the title track "Fly Up" as the centerpiece.

"Fly Up" is an energetic dance track with upbeat rhythms reminiscent of 1950s rock and roll. Its fresh and on-trend tempo and theatrical choir elements make the song a perfect fit for a happy, everyday playlist.

Six-member boy band RIIZE performs "Fly Up," the lead single from the group's new album, "ODYSSEY," during a press event at the SOL Travel Hall of the Blue Square in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

The song, the members explained, conveys a message true to the group's name — to soar together through the power of music.

"When I first heard the song, I immediately thought, 'This is it,'" Wonbin said. "It reminded me of our well-loved track 'Get A Guitar' (2023), and I really liked it. I'm also very fond of the choreography."

They also teased the dynamic performance aspects of the song that K-pop fans expect.

"There's a musical theater-like structure to the stage," Sungchan said. "Like the title 'Fly Up' suggests, there are parts that we jump upward, and each member has their own standout move, so your eyes will stay busy watching the performance."

To mark the new album release, SM pulled out all the stops.

Last Wednesday, the group hosted "RIIZE 'ODYSSEY' Premiere" via its Weverse fan community, where fans got an early look at the full album through a 40-minute cinematic film. The film began screening in theaters the following day.

That level of backing shows just how seriously the label is investing in RIIZE as its next-generation act. Since its breakout debut, RIIZE has only continued to climb — from "Siren" and "Talk Saxy" to "Love 119" and "Boom Boom Bass" — proving its staying power on local charts and building a large fanbase.

Members of K-pop boy band RIIZE, from left, Anton, Sohee, Wonbin, Eunseok, Shotaro and Sungchan pose during a press premiere for the group's new release, "ODYSSEY," at the SOL Travel Hall of the Blue Square in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

"I think we've grown a lot on stage and in our skills," Sohee said. "Each song we've released has told our story. I think we've really stayed true to a style that's uniquely ours."

Wonbin shared a similar reflection.

"While preparing this album, I kept thinking, 'RIIZE is actually a really solid group,'" he said. "I feel like this album finally shows off each member's strengths in a way we haven't before. Everyone looked great and brought out their charm."

With "ODYSSEY," RIIZE is also preparing to go global.

The group will kick off its first solo concert tour in July, starting in Seoul and heading to 14 cities around the world. In October, the band is set to make history as the first K-pop idol group to perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in the U.S.