This is not a drill: SM Entertainment has finally introduced the members of their highly-anticipated new boy group RIIZE!
The agency launched the group’s official Instagram account on Tuesday, August 1, wherein they introduced the official seven members of RIIZE.
#RIIZE choreography by shotaro and wonbin pic.twitter.com/ozdCXlUiIP
— riize pics (@riizepics) July 31, 2023
RIIZE is composed of Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Won Bin, Seung Han, So Hee, and Anton.
Based on the member profiles posted, Shotaro and Eunseok are both 22 years old, Sunchan and Won Bin are 21, while Seung Han, So Hee and Anton are all 19.
#RIIZE members official ages
Shotaro (00) – 22
Eunseok (01) – 22
Sungchan (01) – 21
Wonbin (02) – 21
Seunghan (03) – 19
Sohee (03) – 19
Anton (04) – 19 pic.twitter.com/lzaZcCO0cL— riize pics (@riizepics) August 1, 2023
Shotaro and Sungchan were former NCT members who were removed from the group in May.
SM Entertainment’s CEO Jang Cheol-hyuk explained that the two, together with SMROOKIES Eunseok and Seunghan will be part of a new boy group instead.
RIIZE will be SM Entertainment’s first boy group in seven years following NCT. The agency’s latest group to debut was the female act aespa.
What we know about RIIZE so far
According to SM Entertainment, RIIZE is a combination of the words “rise” and “realize.”
The group is aiming for a September debut, but there’s no final details yet. The agency also said that RIIZE is currently wrapping up the filming of their music video.
Additionally, SM Entertainment earlier revealed that the group’s musical genre will be “emotional pop.” They also teased that RIIZE will write “a new chapter of music history.”
Meanwhile, other photos and information for RIIZE and its members will be unveiled on August 4.
#RIIZE will release more photos & content on August 4th at Midnight (KST)!
“RIIZE is attracting attention as a higher class rookie… The seven members who have different personalities raised interest about their strengths as a team”
🖇️ https://t.co/ISRkLRqdbF#RIIZE #라이즈 pic.twitter.com/ujmxMmXKes
— riize files (@riizefiles) August 1, 2023
Known as one of the leading K-pop agencies, SM Entertainment is also home to acts such as TVXQ, Super Junior, SNSD, SHINee, EXO, and Red Velvet.
Currently, the label will also form the last unit of NCT through the talent competition series NCT Universe: LASTART.
Featured image: SM Entertainment introduces the members for their new boy group RIIZE. Credits: Instagram/RIIZE