With the anticipation building for RIIZE‘s official debut on September 4, fans and netizens are on a quest to uncover every tidbit about the group’s members. Recently, the bond between the group’s youngest member, Anton, and Sofia Chwe, SEVENTEEN‘s Vernon‘s sister, has piqued the curiosity of many. Although she’s not an idol, Sofia has made a name for herself as a YouTube personality and boasts a commendable following. Moreover, her singing prowess is undeniable.
count on me *a lil surprise for my loves*
Anton and Sofia allegedly crossed paths during their school days and became friends. Both born in 2004, they recently graduated from high school. Interestingly, their closeness isn’t a shocking new discovery. Photographs of them together have surfaced in the past, but back then, Anton‘s status as an SM Entertainment trainee was still under wraps.
https://twitter.com/luismileyy/status/1689387662036094976
The rumor mill began churning when some intriguing photos of the pair, believed to be from Sofia‘s now-deleted Instagram posts, went viral again recently. In one of them, Sofia is spotted donning a bracelet identical to Anton‘s. A friend asked if it was a gift from “him,” and Sofia playfully replied that she “stole it,” prompting Anton to post a sad emoji in the comments.
Another post, still visible on the girl’s Instagram, shows her posing against a picturesque mountain backdrop. While the post seems unrelated to Anton, a comment inquiring if she visited the spot with “that kid” has led some to believe it might hint at Anton. Sofia, with her characteristic wit, quipped that she was accompanied by her father.
All about Anton
Anton was originally christened Lee Chanyoung. He also answers to the English moniker, Anton Lee. Born under the Aries zodiac sign on March 21, 2004, his Chinese zodiac reveals him to be a Monkey. Towering at an impressive 6’1″, Anton‘s origins trace back to Boston, MA, but he relocated to New Jersey at the tender age of three.
He also happens to be the son of illustrious singer-producer Yoon Sang and actress Shim Hyejin. Many affectionately address him by his nickname, Brachio. His talents aren’t confined to singing; he once dreamed of becoming a professional swimmer and is good at playing the cello. RIIZE welcomed him into their fold on August 1, 2023. Twenty days later, the boy group released a pre-debut single.
Guitar Hunting Journey #1#ANTON #앤톤
【Get A Guitar – The 1st Single Album】
➫ 2023.09.04 6PM (KST)💿Pre-save & Pre-orderhttps://t.co/OdQ44v8EqY#RIIZE #라이즈#RISEandREALIZE#GetAGuitar #RIIZE_GetAGuitar pic.twitter.com/hKHuH2LJkC
— RIIZE (@RIIZE_official) August 27, 2023
Guitar Hunting Journey #2#ANTON #앤톤
【Get A Guitar – The 1st Single Album】
➫ 2023.09.04 6PM (KST)💿Pre-save & Pre-orderhttps://t.co/OdQ44v86Bq#RIIZE #라이즈#RISEandREALIZE#GetAGuitar #RIIZE_GetAGuitar pic.twitter.com/kjdcX9oOdb
— RIIZE (@RIIZE_official) August 28, 2023
While it’s clear that Anton and Sofia share a close bond, the nature of their relationship remains shrouded in mystery. Many fans believe they’re just friends. Regardless, this speculation further underscores the challenges K-pop idols face in maintaining even a shred of privacy.
That aside, it’s heartwarming to witness an almost-idol and an idol’s sister forging a bond, especially when they come from different worlds. It’s a testament to how interconnected we all are. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: So many things are coming out of the woodwork as Anton’s official debut with SM Entertainment’s new boy group nears. Sources: Twitter/@pannchoa and @RIIZE_official.