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IU Confirms Unexpectedly Long Friendship with RIIZE Anton

IU has been in the entertainment industry for several years but it looks like she has an unexpectedly long friendship with a rookie! The soloist confirmed she has known RIIZE member Anton for a lot longer than expected.

IU Has Unexpectedly Long Friendship with RIIZE’s Anton

IU’s recent comeback sparked a wave of excitement among her devoted fans, who wasted no time in launching the “IStanU” challenge to celebrate the occasion. Among the unexpected participants in this viral challenge was RIIZE’s very own Anton, who took to his group’s social media platforms to showcase his support for the iconic singer-songwriter.

Anton’s involvement in the “IStanU” challenge garnered significant attention, particularly after IU herself acknowledged his participation. The acclaimed artist not only watched Anton’s challenge but also took the time to repost a screenshot of it on her Instagram account, accompanied by words of praise. In her caption, IU commended Anton, affirming that he was “totally a pro” and showcasing her genuine appreciation for his efforts.

What makes Anton’s participation in the challenge even more noteworthy is the longstanding connection between IU and his family. IU’s close relationship with Anton’s father, Yoon Sang, has been well-documented over the years, with the two artists sharing a deep bond that transcends their respective careers in the music industry. As a result, IU has played a significant role in Anton’s life, offering support and guidance as he navigates his own path in the entertainment world.

Friends Since Pre-Debut

Prior to Anton’s debut as a member of RIIZE, he shared fond memories of spending time with IU, including a memorable meal they shared together and a generous gift of Louis Vuitton shoes from the esteemed singer. IU’s support for Anton extends beyond mere social media interactions, as evidenced by her decision to follow his personal Instagram account even before his official debut.

The enduring friendship between IU and Anton serves as a heartwarming testament to the genuine connections forged within the entertainment industry. Despite their busy schedules and demanding careers, IU and Anton have maintained a strong bond rooted in mutual respect, admiration, and shared experiences. As IU continues to inspire audiences with her music and artistry, it’s clear that her impact extends far beyond the stage, touching the lives of those fortunate enough to call her a friend.

As IU and Anton’s friendship continues to thrive, fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of future collaborations and interactions between the two artists. In the meantime, their heartwarming exchange on social media stands as a touching reminder of the power of genuine connections and the enduring influence of friendship in the world of entertainment.

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Yoon Sang Refutes Nepotism Claims About RIIZE’s Anton

Yoon Sang, a highly acclaimed musician in South Korea, recently appeared on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block. He was joined by his son Yoon Chan Young, who debuted in SM Entertainment’s new boy group RIIZE as Anton.

@riize.city

Part 3 | So Anton & his mom persistently asked Yoonsan permission to be an Idon for 1 year! Woww #anton #앤톤 #yoonsang #윤상 #riize #라이즈 #youquizontheblock

♬ original sound – RIIZE city – RIIZE city

Yoon Sang denied involvement in his son’s career

Yoon Sang’s reputation in the music industry is well-established. He started his career in the 1980s and gained fame for blending various genres, including pop, electronic, and classical music. Over the years, Yoon Sang worked on numerous musical projects, both on his own and with other artists. In fact, he has produced and written songs for some of SM Entertainment’s top acts, including BoA and TVXQ.

Because of Yoon Sang’s ties to SM Entertainment, some have accused Anton of trading on his father’s name to become famous. These speculations have followed the idol since his debut with RIIZE in September 2023. So when the father-son duo sat down with You Quiz on the Block host Yoo Jae Suk, they seized the opportunity to clear the air.

@riize.city

Part 4 | ANTON IS “AUDITION” TO SM Yeorobuun!!! #anton #앤톤 #yoonsang #윤상 #riize #라이즈 #youquizontheblock

♬ original sound – RIIZE city – RIIZE city

During the interview, Yoo Jae Suk asked Anton how he got into SM Entertainment as a trainee. Anton replied that he won a spot on the agency’s roster after passing several auditions. Eventually, his hard work paved the way for him to get into RIIZE. Yoo Jae Suk expressed his surprise, saying, “Wow, you auditioned after signing up by yourself? Well, people have said Yoon Sang got you in.”

In response, Yoon Sang remarked, “Whenever I hear such things, I always think that people really don’t know how the world works.” With that one statement, he indirectly denied any involvement in his son’s career.

@riize.city

Part 5 | Riize introduce by Yoonsang & performing Love 119 & Get a guitar at You Quiz on the Block #riize #라이즈 #youquizontheblock #anton #앤톤 #yoonsang #윤상

♬ Love 119 – RIIZE

Important perspectives

This wasn’t the first time Anton and Yoon Sang addressed the nepotism allegations. A few weeks ago, Anton went viral for his response to a netizen calling him a “nepo baby,” a derogatory term used to describe those who purportedly benefit career-wise from their famous or successful parents. This happened after he and his father performed together at the 2023 Gayo Daejejeon.

The debate on nepotism in entertainment is complicated, but Anton and Yoon Sang offer important perspectives. They counter the common beliefs and rumors about artists with connections or family ties in the industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Anton and Yoon Sang say the K-pop idol got into SM on his own merits. Source: X/@soonkyut.

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RIIZE’s Anton Finally Meets Lookalike Actor Byeon Woo Seok

Actor Byeon Woo Seok expressed his admiration for the K-pop group RIIZE during the 2023 MAMA Awards, where he served as a special MC. Byeon, who is known for his role in “Record of Youth”, openly shared his desire to meet RIIZE on stage during the awards ceremony. His wish came true, as he not only reunited with his “Record of Youth” co-star Park Bo Gum but also had the opportunity to meet RIIZE backstage.

Byeon Woo Seok Finally Meets RIIZE

Taking to his official Instagram account, the actor shared selfies with Anton and the other members of RIIZE, captioning the photos with “got my wish!” The actor’s excitement and connection with the group resonated with fans, leading to positive reactions and suggestions that Byeon Woo Seok could seamlessly blend into the group. Fans even playfully suggested that he resembled Anton to the extent that he could be considered the “localized” version of the RIIZE member.

RIIZE, currently promoting with six members—Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton—gained attention for their music and performances. However, the group faced challenges when member Seunghan took an indefinite hiatus due to controversies surrounding past behaviors. This hiatus followed revelations about Seunghan’s actions, including alleged dominance over fellow idol trainees and negative behavior during Instagram Live sessions.

Byeon Woo Seok, in addition to his support for RIIZE, is actively involved in the drama “Strong Girl Nam Soon,” where he portrays Ryu Shi-oh, the CEO of the distribution and sales company Doogo. The actor’s ability to seamlessly navigate between the acting and K-pop worlds further solidifies his standing as a versatile and popular figure in the entertainment industry.

The interaction between Byeon Woo Seok and RIIZE not only delighted fans but also showcased the camaraderie and connections that can emerge within the entertainment industry. Such moments of mutual admiration and support contribute to the positive atmosphere surrounding both the acting and music realms, creating memorable experiences for both celebrities and their audiences.

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