RIIZE aims higher with new mini-album 'RIIZING'

From left, RIIZE members Anton, Sohee, Wonbin, Eunseok, Shotaro and Sungchan pose during a press conference marking the release of "RIIZING" at the BlueSquare Mastercard Hall, Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

Aiming to surpass its debut success and conquer new milestones, K-pop sensation RIIZE has returned to the music scene with its first mini-album, "RIIZING."

Originally a septet under SM Entertainment in 2023, RIIZE consists of members Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Seunghan, Sohee and Anton. The group has been promoted as a six-member unit following Seunghan's indefinite suspension of activities due to private life controversies.

Still, in its first year since its debut, RIIZE has already established itself as a new standard-bearer of fifth-generation K-pop. Last year, the group clinched multiple Rookie Awards at year-end music ceremonies with its debut single "Get A Guitar," a coveted honor for any rookie idol.

The group has also successfully hosted several fan concerts with the support of its large fan base — known as BRIIZE — already in place.

Now reaching out for another peak in its career, RIIZE has unveiled its first mini-album, "RIIZING."

At a press event held Monday at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Seoul's Yongsan District to commemorate the new release, RIIZE members shared their commitment to showing a more mature side than in their previous activities.

"If we won the Rookie Award with our debut single last year, you can expect to see us grow and improve even more with this 'RIIZING' album," said Wonbin, beaming with anticipation. "Back then, we showcased our boyish charm. Now, you’ll see a more mature and confident side of us."

Sohee, the group's talented vocalist, chimed in to explain how the album's title came to be.

"'RIIZING' combines our group name with the suffix 'ing.' This represents our ongoing will to constantly put in our best effort and grow as a team," Sohee said.

K-pop boy band RIIZE performs the group's latest single, "Boom Boom Bass," during a press conference marking the group's mini-album release at the BlueSquare Mastercard Hall, Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

The new album features a total of eight tracks, including the lead single "Boom Boom Bass," the group's first attempt at the R&B genre with "Honestly" and "One Kiss," a poignant serenade dedicated to its adoring fans. It also includes previously released hits like "Talk Saxy" and "Love 119."

In particular, the album's title track delivers a funky disco beat and a groovy bassline, accompanied by a captivating choreography by RIIZE members.

"When we first heard the demo late last year, everyone felt it was perfect and that it was bound for success. It almost felt like destiny because it fit our style so well," Sungchan recalled.

Anton, son of the acclaimed singer Yoon Sang known for his background as a bassist, shared a personal connection to the song.

"Growing up watching my father play the bass, the unique bassline in the song made me eager to share it with him. I believe this might become his favorite RIIZE song," Anton said, smiling.

From left are RIIZE members Eunseok, Shotaro and Sungchan during a press conference at the BlueSquare Mastercard Hall, Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

During the press event, the members also took a moment to reflect on the successful past year, explaining how their debut activities and concerts have contributed to their growth.

"We've been grateful to have several musical releases since our debut, and showing new sides of ourselves to our fans each time is our ongoing challenge," Shotaro said.

With this new album, RIIZE's new goal is to continue growing and showcasing an improved version of themselves compared to the past.

"We believe RIIZE is always competing with our past selves. By focusing on what we do, we'll naturally show our growth to the next level," Anton concluded.