[SINGAPORE] RIIZE Brings Back Memories as Their Fame Continues to Rise

It was a day to remember for BRIIZEs as RIIZE brought their concert [RIIZING LOUD] to Singapore on 24th January. This marked their second time in our country since their previous fan concert in 2023. 

With show-stopping performances, smooth ballad stages and a whole lot of fun, RIIZE showed us why they are one of the most iconic fifth-gen K-Pop groups, and that they will continue rising to success. 

Passionate Opening Stages

RIIZE is known for the SMP genre (SM Music Performance), a performance style that combines powerful group choreography and heavy beats. While senior groups like H.O.T and TVXQ pioneered the popularity of the genre, RIIZE brought a fresh interpretation of SMP with today’s music trends. 

There was no better way to kick off their concert than with Ember to Solar, a classic SM Music Performance song from their 1st album, ODYSSEY. Dressed in polished white jackets, the six members breezed through the next song like Siren despite its famously difficult choreography. Shotaro shined in this section with his dance moves that combined power and detail. 

The following stages continued the momentum with easy-listening tracks like Combo, Be My Next, and Lucky. The starting notes of Memories, their first-ever single, had the crowd singing along in nostalgia. While the members have a more mature look compared to their debut appearance, the hopeful lyrics and youthful beats felt timeless. The mid-song transition to Sungchan and Shotaro’s rap section shifted the energy in Singapore Indoor Stadium, bringing a powerful end to this section. 

Y’all want BTO with RIIZE? 

After a short VCR, RIIZE returned to the stage in cute sailor-inspired outfits. Main vocalist Sohee crooned his iconic opening line in Midnight Mirage, followed by Wonbin, who complemented the verse with his unique vocal colour. It is no SM concert without elaborate stage sets, as the members were split into two groups for Hug, sitting on pastel beds. 

Shotaro held a sign saying “Y’all want BTO with me?”, eliciting roars of laughter and surprise from the crowd. For those unfamiliar with this concept, he was proposing to the whole crowd, inviting everyone to get a house with him.

In Singapore, BTO, otherwise known as Built To Order, is a housing development scheme whereby one is able to acquire their first property. It is a common trend for couples to apply for a BTO flat prior to their marriage, thus the uproar when Shotaro put up his sign.

The members also kept Singapore fans smiling all night, even turning their ment into a playful showdown over who spoke the best Singlish.

“Hoseh boh? Swee? Shiok?”

Sohee professed his love for the fans as well, saying he loved BRIIZEs more than pepper crab. 

An Impossible Ending 

RIIZE sustained their energy and stage presence throughout an almost three-hour concert, and no exhaustion was seen on their faces even as they ended the show with some of their most intense title-tracks. “Give me that beat!” Their popular House genre title track, Impossible, was remixed with EDM beats, which had both the members and fans jumping together in unison. 

The boys also paid homage to their seniors in SM Entertainment, EXO, with a perfect cover of Monster. They continued the fiery energy with Bag Bad Back, a rap-heavy track with an addictive chorus that you can’t help but chant along with. RIIZE also delighted fans with a performance of their newest title track Fame. While it was a shift from their previous title tracks, the strong beats and the members’ stand-out performances showed RIIZE’s versatility, never confining themselves to a singular genre. 

Taking a break in between songs, the member also did an aegyo battle. Calling themselves “Aegyo Monsters”, RIIZE challenged each other with a variety of puppy, cat ear, and heart poses. Eunseok won the crowd over with his cool and nonchalant version of aegyo. Their competitive nature shone through again as they flexed their muscles, showing off their efforts from being in the gym. Sohee even proved how athletic he was by doing an additional five push-ups on stage.

Well, no one would be surprised if they join Hyrox Singapore next year!

Next was their music-inspired section, where Anton and Wonbin brought rockstar energy with an electrifying electric guitar performance. This section is reminiscent of High School Musical, as the members wore red varsity jackets and channeled their inner Troy and Gabrielle with playful tracks like Get A Guitar, Boom Boom Bass and Fly Up. 

Before the concert came to an end, the youngest member, Anton, professed his admiration for the crowd who reciprocated RIIZE’s energy the entire night.

“Can I be honest? You guys honestly blew me away tonight. I’m so happy I got to share tonight with you and you guys made the show so special.”

Wonbin echoed the same sentiments.

“I understand why Singapore is near the end of our tour, because the energy is just so amazing.”

 

It was truly a night to remember as RIIZE concluded their concert with the emotional ballad Inside My Love. Despite this being their first full-length concert, the group truly defined their identity of “emotional pop” while blending their individual personalities in one of the most cohesive performances we have ever seen. In the words of Anton in the song Bag Bad Back, RIIZE will continue to rise. 

Thank you iMe Singapore for the invite!

Written by: Angelina
Photos by: SM Entertainment

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