Tag: RIIZE

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BOYNEXTDOOR’s Jaehyun and RIIZE’s Sohee Join ZB1’s Hanbin as ‘M Countdown’ MCs

M Countdown

Mnet’s M Countdown is entering a new era with the addition of BOYNEXTDOOR‘s Jaehyun and RIIZE‘s Sohee as MCs, joining ZEROBASEONE‘s Sung Hanbin. The two are slated to make their MC debut on the January 11 live broadcast. The show took a one-week hiatus due to the 2023 MAMA Awards broadcast and is set to resume shortly.

The M Countdown production team expressed enthusiasm for the new team, highlighting the potential for a fresh and trendy synergy among the three super rookies, all born in the 2000s.

엠카 NEW MC 사전 미팅 날 #엠카운트다운 EP.824

Meet the new ‘M Countdown’ MCs

Jaehyun, the leader of BOYNEXTDOOR, is known for his skills in rap and singing, as well as his lively stage presence. Born on December 4, 2003, Jaehyun is a Sagittarius. He is fluent in Korean and English, and his interests include producing music and dancing. Meanwhile, RIIZE‘s Sohee, born on November 21, 2003, is a Scorpio with a passion for music and fashion. Known for his exceptional singing skills, Sohee aspires to collaborate with artists like Bruno Mars. He is also recognized for his unique fashion sense. He usually wears caps, sweatpants, and white t-shirts for dance practices.

Sung Hanbin, the leader of ZEROBASEONE, joined M Countdown on September 1, 2023. He made his MC debut on September 7, 2023, alongside (G)I-DLE‘s Miyeon. His refreshing energy and stable hosting skills earned praise from viewers. In addition to hosting, he covered Taeyeon‘s “INVU,” showcasing his unique vocal style.

Born on June 13, 2001, Hanbin is a Gemini with a talent for waacking dance. He is multilingual, speaking Korean, English, and basic Chinese. He has won many competitions, and his fluency in many languages made him appealing to a global audience. His journey from a backup dancer and dance teacher to a celebrated idol and MC of M Countdown showcases his remarkable talent and dedication.

재현, 한빈, 소희의 친해지길 바라★ #엠카운트다운 EP.814

A new level of excitement

Jaehyun and Sohee previously joined Hanbin as guest hosts for the show’s September 14, 2023 episode. Before the show started, they held a brief meeting to become acquainted with each other. M Countdown‘s YouTube channel shared a video of their initial interaction, where they asked each other questions. Hanbin was the oldest, while Sohee and Jaehyun were of the same age. Hanbin suggested they all speak informally to create a relaxed atmosphere.

The group played three games, involving skinship, which helped them build comfort with each other. This comfort was noticeable in their hosting on the September 14 broadcast. The trio performed quite well, especially considering the younger members’ limited experience. Their chemistry and hosting skills caught fans’ attention.

MC 한빈🤴 SPECIAL MC 소희💂X명재현🐶 9월 2주 MC 컷 모음❣️

The fans weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the episode. Hanbin talked about working with Jaehyun and Sohee on Bubble, expressing how much fun he had with them. Sohee thanked Hanbin and Jaehyun for their guidance and support during the show. “I was very nervous after hearing the news a few days ago. But today, Hanbin-sunbaenim and Jaehyun-sunbaenim, who was a special MC along with me, guided me so well that I finished it without any problems.”

With their roles as official MCs now set, Hanbin, Jaehyun, and Sohee are poised to bring a new level of excitement to M Countdown. The show airs every Thursday at 6:00 PM KST, offering a platform for these stars to shine and connect with fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: M Countdown will open 2024 with a fresh all-male MC lineup. Source: YouTube/@Mnet.

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RIIZE’s Anton Goes Viral for Sassy Response to ‘Nepo Baby’ Comment

RIIZE‘s Anton recently became the talk of the town for his nonchalant yet uproarious response to being labeled a “nepo baby.” Anton has been in the spotlight even before his debut. That’s because he’s the son of noted musician Lee Yoon Sang.

Following Anton and his father‘s memorable performance at the 2023 Gayo Daejejeon, a netizen referred to him as a “nepo baby.” This is a derogatory term. It’s often used to refer to individuals perceived to have leveraged their family connections for success in the industry.

However, the idol’s response was anything but ordinary. He quoted Lady Gaga‘s “Born This Way,” an unapologetic and witty comeback that left netizens in stitches, catapulting Anton to a whole new level of internet fame. On X (formerly known as Twitter), many celebrated his bold and instantly iconic retort.

@we_riize.up

Replying to @riize_official I LOVE THAT FOR YOU ANTON! #RIIZE #ANTON #YOONSANG #앤톤 #윤상 #찬영 #CHANYOUNG #talksaxychallenge #talksaxyriize #talksaxy

♬ Born This Way Lady Gaga – johanna

Anton and Yoon Sang’s performance was well-received

Despite that comment, Anton and Yoon Sang‘s collaborative performance at the 2023 MBC Gayo Daejejeon was well-received by fans. Yoon Sang, a composer and contemporary music professor at Sungshin Women’s University, has been a prominent figure in the music industry since 1987. His diverse catalog spans various genres including ballads, electronica, jazz, pop, and R&B.

He and Anton performed his single “Running,” which he released in 1996 under the artist name Nodance. The song’s original version was a collaboration with Shin Hae-chul, a pioneer of Korean experimental rock music. At the festival, the father-and-son tandem’s rendition saw Yoon Sang on the keys and Anton on the cello. The other RIIZE members harmonized with them. Fans swooned over the duo’s playing and singing.

윤상 X 라이즈 – 달리기 (Yoonsang X RIIZE – Run), MBC 231231 방송

Anton‘s viral moment, paired with the duo’s heartwarming performance at the festival, underscores the unique combination of talent and personality that sets RIIZE apart in the K-pop industry. In a world where negativity often lurks in the comments, Anton‘s lighthearted response to the “nepo baby” comment is a good example of handling criticism with grace and style in a world where negativity often lurks in the comments. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Anton handled that really well, don’t you think? Source: X/@RIIZE_official, X/@yizeuns.

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RIIZE Announces Winter Comeback ‘Love 119’ Amidst Member Hiatus

RIIZE has unveiled the teaser for their eagerly awaited winter-themed single, “Love 119.” It’s set to drop on January 5 at 6:00 PM KST. The teaser only features six members due to Seunghan‘s ongoing indefinite hiatus. It depicts the group joyfully playing in the snow, which instantly warmed the hearts of their fans.

RIIZE 라이즈 ‘Love 119’ MV Teaser

About ‘Love 119’

In a press release, SM Entertainment described “Love 119” as a soft, mellow pop dance song. It has a dreamy atmosphere, steady drum beat, and sweet piano riffs. This marks a significant shift from RIIZE‘s previous tracks like “Get a Guitar” and “Talk Saxy,” which were known for their powerful performances and upbeat melodies. Fans can hardly wait for the group’s new musical direction.

SM Entertainment sent out a press release describing “Love 119.” The agency called it a “soft, mellow pop-dance song with a dreamy atmosphere, steady drum beat, and sweet piano riffs.” The release also notes that the lyrics poignantly capture the essence of first love. This makes it a perfect match for the winter theme, as people tend to get more sentimental in wintertime.

However, fans’ excitement for this comeback is tinged with sadness due to Seunghan‘s absence. The idol recently took an indefinite hiatus following controversies related to his past. While some fans say he didn’t need to take this step, the significant backlash from netizens seemed to justify his decision. The announcement of a six-member comeback has elicited mixed reactions. Many are demanding Seunghan‘s return and expressing reluctance to support the comeback because he’s not part of it.

RIIZE continues to make strides

Despite this, RIIZE continues to make strides in the industry. Recently, they were appointed as house ambassadors for the luxury brand Louis Vuitton. They joined the ranks of prominent Korean figures like Bae Doo-na, BTS‘ j-hope, Felix from Stray Kids, Girls’ Generation‘s Taeyeon, Hyein from NewJeans, Jung Ho-yeon, LE SSERAFIM, and Song Joong-ki. This partnership, announced just three months after RIIZE‘s debut, highlights their rising status in the music and fashion industries.

Louis Vuitton expressed excitement about the partnership. “The group has garnered significant attention for its confident and trendsetting fashion sense. We look forward to embarking on this creative journey together with RIIZE,” the brand stated.

As RIIZE prepares for their “Love 119” release, the K-pop community is abuzz with anticipation and support for the six members, while also hoping for Seunghan‘s eventual return. This comeback promises to be a bittersweet yet significant milestone in the group’s journey. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: RIIZE’s new single is set to tug at listeners’ heartstrings. Source: X/@riizefolder.

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RIIZE Fans Defend Wonbin From Hateful Height Comments

Since the debut of RIIZE just a few months ago, member Wonbin has garnered positive attention for his striking visuals and exceptional performance abilities. However, with rapid popularity often comes unwarranted criticism, and Wonbin has faced negative comments, particularly regarding his height.

RIIZE Member Wonbin Gets Subjected to Mean Height Comments

Wonbin is noted as one of the shorter members in RIIZE, although there hasn’t been an official announcement about his exact height. Estimates place him between 170cm-175cm (approximately 5’7″-5’9″), while the majority of his fellow group members stand between 178cm-187cm (5’10”-6’1.5″). The noticeable height difference has unfortunately led to criticism and comparisons meant to emphasize his perceived shorter stature.

Critics have taken to sharing photos of Wonbin alongside other RIIZE members, attempting to highlight the difference in height. This type of commentary reflects an unfortunate trend in the K-pop industry where idols may face unnecessary scrutiny for aspects of their appearance over which they have no control.

Wonbin’s height, however, has no bearing on his handsome visuals or his talent as a K-pop idol. Despite the criticism, there has been a positive response from fans who have come to Wonbin’s defense. Many have emphasized that his abilities and appeal extend beyond physical attributes, and height should not be a factor in evaluating an idol’s worth.

It’s not uncommon for K-pop idols to face unwarranted criticism as their popularity rises, and it’s crucial for fans and the industry alike to promote a culture of positivity and acceptance. Wonbin’s supporters hope that he remains unaffected by such comments and continues to focus on his passion for music and performance. Ultimately, the emphasis should be on celebrating the diverse talents and qualities that each idol brings to the industry, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for artists.

RIIZE is currently preparing for a January 2024 comeback.

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RIIZE Named as Louis Vuitton Ambassadors

Members of RIIZE pose while wearing Louis Vuitton pieces. Credit: Twitter/Louis Vuitton

Make way for the newest fashion icons! Monster rookies RIIZE have been tapped as the newest faces of the luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton. 

On December 11, the newest boy group from SM Entertainment was announced as the latest addition to the prestigious brand. 

“The Maison is pleased to welcome the members of RIIZE — Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Seunghan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton — as House Ambassadors,” Louis Vuitton shared on social media.

On their own social media accounts, the group also shared the good news. “RIIZE’s ‘another level’ of influence that the global fashion world also paid attention to!”

Despite being relatively new in the K-pop scene, Louis Vuitton wholeheartedly put their trust in the rookies.

“RIIZE has established an unrivaled presence since their debut, attracting attention from around the world with its unique style, personality and music,” the brand explained. According to a press release, the fashion house expressed their excitement in future collaborations with the group. “We plan to continue our journey with RIIZE whom we will create a vision with together,” they said. 

A week after the announcement, the “Memories” singers also released the behind-the-scenes clips of their Louis Vuitton photoshoot on their Youtube channel. In the 11-minute video, the members were seen flaunting their visuals while wearing pieces from the luxury brand.

With the group officially named as its ambassador, they will now be joining the likes of BTS’ J-Hope, Stray Kids’ Felix, and girl group NewJeans in the Louis Vuitton family.

RIIZE continues to dominate

Notably, being tapped as Louis Vuitton ambassadors is another testament to the group’s impact beyond the music industry. With this, the seven-piece act continues to prove their status as the ‘best rookie’ in 2023. To note, it has only been three months since the group debuted with the single album Get a Guitar on September 4.

Carrying this achievement to end the year, the boys are now gearing up to return early in 2024 after their successful arrival in the music scene.

According to SM Entertainment, the group will be making a comeback next year with a new single on January 5. Although other details have yet to be released, the label has already asked for the fans’ support and interest.

With the upcoming comeback, the septet will be returning with new music in just two months. In October, the group released the single “Talk Saxy.” 

Although highly-anticipated, the group is currently promoting with six members only as member Seunghan is on indefinite hiatus.

Featured image: Members of RIIZE pose while wearing Louis Vuitton pieces. Credit: Twitter/Louis Vuitton

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TXT, ZEROBASEONE, RIIZE Confirmed for ‘Music Bank in Antwerp’

‘Music Bank in Antwerp’ has officially announced its lineup. Amazingly, the upcoming 2024 event has gathered an impressive list of talents that are also being led by TXT, RIIZE, and more!

‘Music Bank in Antwerp’ Official Lineup Announced

The excitement is building as KBS announces the lineup for the anticipated ‘Music Bank in Antwerp,’ marking the first time the renowned music show will visit Belgium. Set to take place on April 20, 2024, at the Sportspaleis in Antwerp, the event also promises a night filled with electrifying performances from a stellar lineup of K-pop artists.

The lineup for ‘Music Bank in Antwerp’ also features a diverse selection of groups, showcasing the global popularity and influence of K-pop. Tomorrow x Together (TXT), STAYC, ONEUS, ZEROBASEONE, and RIIZE have been confirmed as performing artists, each bringing their unique styles and musical prowess to the stage. Additionally, there is also one more act yet to be revealed, adding an element of surprise for fans.

Tomorrow x Together (TXT) has been making waves in the K-pop scene with their dynamic performances and creative music, also earning a dedicated global fanbase. STAYC, also known for their refreshing and vibrant concepts, has quickly become a rising star in the industry. ONEUS, with their powerful performances and distinctive sound, is set to captivate the audience in Antwerp.

ZEROBASEONE, a rookie group gaining attention, will showcase their talents alongside the seasoned performers. RIIZE, also known for their energetic and impactful performances, is sure to add excitement to the lineup.

What is The Aim of the Music Bank Global Project

‘Music Bank in Antwerp’ is part of the show’s world tour, bringing the best of K-pop to international fans. The choice of Antwerp as a destination reflects the global appeal of K-pop, and fans in Belgium can look forward to a memorable night of music and entertainment. The event is not only an opportunity for fans to witness live performances but also a chance for the artists to connect with their international fanbase.

Tickets for ‘Music Bank in Antwerp’ will go on sale starting December 20, 2023 (KST), allowing fans to secure their spots for this historic K-pop event in Belgium. As anticipation builds, the announcement of the final act and the prospect of experiencing K-pop live in Antwerp also adds to the excitement surrounding ‘Music Bank’s venture into new global territories.

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SM Entertainment Launches 2024 Global Auditions

SM Entertainment artists gather together for SMTOWN concert. Credit: Facebook/SMTOWN

Ever dreamed of being the next K-pop superstar? Well, here’s the chance you’ve been waiting for to be labelmates with SM Entertainment artists. 

In a 20-second video clip released on Tuesday, December 12, SM Entertainment has officially launched its 2024 Global Auditions. 

As per the details posted, anyone born from 2005 to 2013, regardless of gender or nationality, are welcome to apply. Notably, young aspirants will then be evaluated in the categories of vocal, dance, rap and acting.

Moreover, the auditions will kick off in Seoul on January 6, 2024. After that, there will also be auditions held across several cities in South Korea including Daegu, Busan, Daejeon, Gwangju, Gangwon, Wonju and Jeju Island. 

Bringing the auditions to a global scale, SM Entertainment will also reach various countries including Thailand, Japan, Canada, and USA. According to the schedule released, the international auditions will be held between February to March 2024. 

After the first round of online registration, applicants who passed the initial screening will be invited for an on-site audition. Then, the final winners will get the opportunity to get trained or sign an exclusive contract with the renowned agency.

In addition, the application period for the said talent search event will only be from January to March 2024. Aspirants can send their application and learn more about the opportunity through SM Entertainment’s global site.

More about SM Entertainment

Established by record producer Lee Soo Man in 1995, SM Entertainment has since become one of the biggest and most successful K-pop agencies in history. For those unfamiliar, they are home to powerhouse acts like TVXQ, Super Junior, SHINee, Girls Generation, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, and aespa. Moreover, the agency has built a reputation for their artists’ talents, particularly their exceptional vocals.

In September, the agency debuted their newest boy group RIIZE, who immediately gained popularity for their trendy tracks “Get a Guitar”, “Memories” and “Siren.” Aside from RIIZE, the agency also formed the final unit for NCT called NCT New Team. 

With the 2024 Global Auditions already on its way, K-pop fans have high expectations for the potential addition to the label. 

Featured image: SM Entertainment artists gather together for SMTOWN concert. Credit: Facebook/SMTOWN

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RIIZE Confirmed for January Comeback Just 2 Months After ‘Talk Saxy’ Release

RIIZE has just confirmed that they are gearing up for their next comeback. Interestingly, the idol group will be dropping new music just two months after the release of “Talk Saxy”!

RIIZE Confirms First Comeback in 2024 Just 2 Months After ‘Talk Saxy’ Release

SM Entertainment‘s rookie boy group, RIIZE, is set to make a comeback early next year. According to reports on December 6, the group is also slated to release a new single on January 5. The news was later confirmed by SM Entertainment.

“RIIZE will be making a comeback next year with a new single on January 5. Please show lots of interest,” the agency said.

The upcoming comeback will mark RIIZE’s return after approximately two months since their last release, “Talk Saxy,” which came out in October. RIIZE debuted in September with the song “Get A Guitar,” garnering attention for their musicality and performance skills.

However, there has been a recent development in the group’s lineup. In November, SM Entertainment announced that member Seunghan would be taking an indefinite hiatus. As a result, RIIZE will also continue their activities with the remaining six members. This means that their upcoming comeback will be the first featuring Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton.

The anticipation for RIIZE’s comeback is high, as fans are eager to see the group’s growth and musical direction in their new single. With their unique blend of talents and the backing of SM Entertainment, RIIZE also has the potential to make a significant impact in the K-pop scene, and their January comeback is eagerly awaited by fans and the industry alike.

In related news, RIIZE and ZEROBASEONE secured the prestigious New Artist of the Year award at the 2023 Melon Music Awards. The achievement marked a significant record for SM Entertainment as RIIZE became the third group under the agency to clinch the title. The award was also previously given to SHINee in 2008 while Super Junior first took the honor back in 2006.

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RIIZE Wins New Artist of the Year at 2023 Melon Music Awards

RIIZE just won their first award as a rookie group and it’s a fitting one for the new idols. After all, it has been 15 years since an SM Entertainment act clinched the New Artist of the Year award at the prestigious Melon Music Awards.

RIIZE Achieves Record-Breaking Win for New Artist of the Year at 2023 Melon Music Awards

In a historic moment at the 2023 Melon Music Awards, SM Entertainment’s rookie boy group RIIZE, along with the project group ZEROBASEONE, secured the prestigious New Artist of the Year award. The achievement marked a significant record, as RIIZE became the third group under SM Entertainment to clinch the title, following in the footsteps of K-Pop trailblazers SHINee and Super Junior.

Notably, SHINee, another iconic group from SM Entertainment, had previously won the New Artist of the Year award at the Melon Music Awards in 2008. This marked the second time that an SM Entertainment group had received this honor, with Super Junior securing the title in 2006.

The win not only celebrated RIIZE’s remarkable debut but also served as a touching moment of continuity within the SM Entertainment family. SHINee, present at the awards show, witnessed RIIZE’s victory, creating a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation to the next. The camaraderie between the senior and junior artists added an emotional layer to the achievement, emphasizing the legacy and influence of SM Entertainment in shaping the K-Pop landscape.

RIIZE’s win not only signifies their impactful debut but also underscores SM Entertainment’s continued success in nurturing and introducing talented artists to the K-Pop scene. As the group takes its place among the distinguished New Artist of the Year recipients, the future looks promising for RIIZE as they contribute to the rich tapestry of SM Entertainment’s musical legacy.

RIIZE debuted in September 2023 with the single album ‘Get a Guitar’ and is currently promoting their new single “Talk Saxy”.

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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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