RIIZE, the rising boy group making waves in 2024, shared behind-the-scenes stories about their explosive performances at recent award shows.
Since their debut, RIIZE has been on a relentless journey, starting with their single Love 119, the title track Boom Boom Bass from their first mini-album RIIZING, their 10-region fan concert tour RIIZING DAY, and the special 1st-anniversary single Combo. Their hard work culminated in an impressive haul of nine trophies at major music award shows in November, including the KGMA, MAMA AWARDS, and MMA.
Their high-quality stages at these award shows further solidified their "top-tier" status. As a result, expectations are soaring for their upcoming year-end performances. RIIZE will appear on several prestigious stages, including Japan's Fuji TV FNS Music Festival on December 11, KBS2TV's Music Bank Global Festival on December 19, SBS's Gayo Daejeonon December 25, and Japan's TV Asahi Music Station Super Live on December 27. Fans eagerly anticipate the group's continued dominance.
◆Here's a Q&A about RIIZE's year-end award show performances.
Q. Were there any moments you were particularly excited or nervous about during your year-end performances?
Sohee: When I was told I would start the MMA stage solo, singing the highlight of Combo a cappella, I felt both excited and nervous. Looking back, it was a big challenge for me and an opportunity to grow. Thanks to the support of my members and Briize, I pulled it off.
Anton: For MAMA, we went with a "pop star" concept, and for MMA, it was "rock star." Performing at the iconic Dolby Theatre in the U.S. for MAMA was nerve-wracking in itself. At MMA, I had a solo bass-playing section, which I prepared intensively in a short time. It was exciting, and now I even know how to play bass!
Q. Any memorable moments or behind-the-scenes stories from practice?
Shotaro: At MAMA, Wonbin and I performed the intro together, where I had to flip him forward while standing back-to-back. It wasn't working at first, so we asked our choreographer for advice. They told us to focus on "holding on tight and channeling energy," so we practiced shouting out loud like in a Taekwondo class—it was hilarious!
Eunseok: The MMA stage had a lot of variety. After Anton's bass solo, Sungchan and I performed a duet, followed by Shotaro, Wonbin, and Sohee's performance. Initially, we practiced separately in smaller groups of one, two, or three, but when we finally brought it all together, it felt like fitting the pieces of a puzzle. It was so satisfying!
Q. How did you prepare mentally, and how do you feel now that the stages are complete?
Sungchan: We've been busy all year, and I wanted to give back to not only our fans who supported us but also everyone who has shown us love. We worked hard to deliver a great performance, and I'm glad we finished without mistakes. Please look forward to our remaining year-end stages!
Wonbin: Last year's year-end performances are still vivid in my memory. I felt both pressure and excitement about how to surpass them this year. I'm relieved and proud that we wrapped things up successfully.
Q. How do you think you or the group grew personally or as a team through these performances?
Shotaro: Performing with American dancers taught me a lot about vibe and power. I also feel I've grown in expressing emotions to our fans.
Eunseok: I think RIIZE expanded its spectrum. We tried something new with a performance that had a "Michael Jackson" vibe.
Sungchan: As a team, we feel stronger than ever, and I believe we've become more united with our fans.
Wonbin: Compared to last year, I think each member's individual charm came through more on stage. Everyone has grown.
Sohee: I feel we've grown in how we support each other as a team.
Anton: RIIZE's "confidence." There was pressure to outdo ourselves, but with the experience we've gained over the past year, we felt more assured in our ability to deliver a great performance.
Q. Any goals for 2025 or a message for Breezers?
Shotaro: I hope we can prepare well for our next album and show Briize new sides of us. I'd also love to hold another concert and meet more Briize. Above all, I wish for everyone's health!
Eunseok: RIIZE will continue "rising" in the new year. I'll work hard to create more good memories with Breezers. Let's stay healthy and have fun together!
Sungchan: I'll keep it short and impactful—RIIZE and Briize will soar in 2025!
Wonbin: If 2024 was a year of learning, I want 2025 to be about showing what we've learned. Briize, keep looking forward to what's next!
Sohee: To Briize who've been with us through 2023 and 2024, thank you so much. Please continue to watch RIIZE grow in 2025!
Anton: My goal is to keep growing and show you more great music and performances. I also want to focus on self-improvement. In 2024, we experienced our first fan concert tour; in 2025, I hope to put on larger-scale performances and create Briize all over the world!
