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Here Are the Members of SM Entertainment’s New Boy Group Riiize

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 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.

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. 

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

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Shotaro Pens Heartfelt Letter To Assure Fans After NCT Exit

Shotaro has broken his silence following his departure from NCT. The Japanese idol wrote a heartfelt letter addressed to fans assuring him about his future.

SM Entertainment previously issued a statement regarding Sungchan and Shotaro’s status in NCT. The company revealed that the idols, who joined the group in 2020, will join a new group within the agency. This is a new development considering that the two were expected to join the next NCT unit.

Shotaro Thanks Fans For Support Since NCT Departure

Nevertheless, Shotaro is already looking toward the future. The former NCT member took to his Instagram account to share a handwritten letter. It is addressed to fans who have been concerned about Shotaro’s career.

“First of all, I wanted to thank all the fans for cheering me on thus far,” he wrote. “What gave me the biggest strength while promoting as NCT was the existence of you, the fans, itself.”

I was so happy, because you always gave me love and support for all my activities, including the music programs, contents, and performances!”

“Thank you for having watched me promote with such a warm gaze!” Shotaro added. “And, I want to let you know that I thank all my (NCT) members for treasuring me like family ever since I entered the group.”

“I respect the members who showed their best sides when working and in general, and I am so honored and grateful that I was able to promote in such a precious team as NCT.”

 

He continued, “I think I have gained the energy to become an artist in front of you all after learning so much from the NCT promotions. I will try my best.”

Shotaro added, “I will return ‘soon’ with even better sides of me, so please wait just a little bit more!!”

Sungchan Posts Final Update on NCT Bubble

Sungchan also shared a letter on NCT’s fan platform bubble.

“It was a tremendous honor to be with you for these three happy years and I consider it a precious memory. I sincerely thank my members and fans who gifted my lacking self so many memories,” he wrote.

“In the future, I will do my best and seek you out with a good image. Thank you always and I love you!” Sungchan concluded.

Sungchan and Shotaro will debut in a new boy group with SM Rookies Eunseok and Seunghan. The new group will also feature other members of Korean and American nationalities.

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Sungchan and Shotaro Leaving NCT For New Boy Group

Sungchan and Shotaro are moving to a new group. SM Entertainment officially announced that the two newest members of NCT are leaving to promote as part of the agency’s upcoming group.

Sungchan And Shotaro Officially Leaving NCT For New SM Entertainment Boy Group

SM Entertainment issued a statement regarding Sungchan and Shotaro’s status in NCT. The company revealed that the idols, who joined the group in 2020, will join a new group. This is a new development considering that the two were expected to join the next NCT unit.

“As NCT members, SUNGCHAN and SHOTARO have presented wondrous performances,” the statement read.

“However, they will be closing their chapter with NCT and debuting in a new boy group that will launch in 2023,” it continued. “We express our deepest apologies and appreciation for the fans that have been supporting and eagerly waiting for the to debut as part of the new NCT group.”

The statement also revealed new details about the next NCT subunit.

“NCT’s newest group will become the final group to be a part of NCT’s infinite expansion, so we aim to launch one with a distinct worldview that is truly representative of a regional identity,” it read. “In alignment with this, we will be increasing the number of Japanese members, unveiling new members and sharing their debut journey with the fans.

Jung Sungchan and Osaki Shotaro debuted as part of NCT on October 12, 2020. They were featured as part of the group project NCT 2020 and participated in the album ‘NCT 2020 Resonance Pt. 1’. SM Entertainment initially planned for the two idols to become a part of a new NCT unit.

Sungchan and Shotaro’s departure comes shortly after Lucas’ exit from NCT. Earlier this month, Lucas Wong decided to leave NCT and the subunit WayV. Lucas will pursue a career as a solo artist represented by SM Entertainment.

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