MANILA, Philippines – A lot can happen in a year.
In the world of K-pop, a calendar year might be marked by: two to three comebacks for a seasoned artist, reaching the midway point for an idol in military service, or the training duration for a promising young artist prior to debut.
Despite only debuting less than a year ago, 5th generation sensation RIIZE has achieved numerous milestones. These include releasing their cohesive first mini-album, securing prestigious brand endorsements from luxury label Louis Vuitton to Filipino casual fashion line BENCH, which sponsored the Manila leg of their inaugural fan concert, RIIZING DAY, held at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, July 14.
Thousands of RIIZE fans – BRIIZE, pronounced as “breeze,” packed the concert venue to catch a glimpse of Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton (with Seunghan currently on hiatus), showcasing the group’s remarkable and rapid ascent to fame within less than a year since their debut.
Soundcheck showmanship
A couple of hours prior to the show proper, the group treated select BRIIZEs to a 3-song soundcheck. Each member took the time to introduce themselves, treating the audience like newfound friends more than fans.
Shotaro, exuded friendliness, ensuring he engaged fans from every angle: left, right, and directly in front. Eunseok, with a good head of hair in chestnut brown, eagerly responded to fan-banners, graciously offering heart signs to every piece of banner with his name. Sungchan, towering and full of playfulness, dashed energetically from one stage edge to the next, radiating joy and eagerness to make new friends.
Raven-haired Wonbin, playfully teased by his fellow members for his sinewy physique, ensured to connect with fans by making eye contact and waving enthusiastically to as many as possible. Sohee ignited the stage with his fiery red hair and explosive energy, serving as the audience’s spirited hype man. Meanwhile, Anton, the youngest member of the group, communicated directly with fans in English, exuding a gentle demeanor throughout while blowing kisses to the audience.
The members performed “One Kiss,” “Siren,” and “Love 119” to which they broke out into choreography – it was as if the audience was already treated to an actual show!
A concert, a fan meet, and a spectator sport all in one
The show kicked off with a high-octane performance of ‘Siren,’ setting the tone and energy level for the rest of the night. Throughout the concert, RIIZE seamlessly transitioned between energetic performances and heartfelt ballads, demonstrating their versatility as artists. Songs like ‘One Kiss’ and ‘Love 119’ showcased their vocal prowess and emotional range, captivating the audience with each note.
Watching RIIZE perform isn’t just a concert experience, it’s a spectator sport. The athleticism in choreographies such as ‘Impossible,’ and their latest single ‘Boom Boom Bass’ was matched only by the group’s infectious energy and stage presence. Shotaro led with his signature charisma, effortlessly commanding the stage with smooth moves and magnetic charm. Eunseok’s dance lines were sharp and precise, each gesture filled with emotional depth that resonated throughout the venue.
Wonbin’s stage presence was a mix of playful antics and intense focus, his dancing showcasing both power and finesse. Sohee’s explosive energy electrified the audience, his moves mirroring the intensity of the music and drawing loud cheers from the crowd. Anton, the group’s youngest member, won everyone over with his heartfelt interactions with fans, proving himself a rising star in his own right.
Beyond their musical talent, RIIZE’s interactions with fans highlighted their genuine appreciation and affection. They took moments between songs to express gratitude, play games (including a dance-off to the tune of P-pop hits ‘Salamin Salamin’ by BINI and ‘Gento’ by SB19), sharing personal anecdotes such as Sungchan’s previous visit to the Philippines with his family and Anton’s summer outfit dare, and thanking fans for their unwavering support.
As the concert drew to a close with an encore performance of their debut song ‘Memories,’ the energy in the arena reached its peak. Confetti rained down as fans waved lightsticks in unison, creating a spectacle of unity and celebration – at some point, the fans chanted “RIIZE IS 7,” a resounding clamor to have Seunghan back from hiatus.
RIIZE’s ‘RIIZING DAY’ in Manila was more than just a concert; it was a testament to their rapid rise and undeniable talent. With each performance, they proved themselves deserving of the ‘monster rookie’ tag, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what the future holds for this promising group. As the lights dimmed and the cheers echoed throughout the venue, one thing was certain – RIIZE had indeed arrived, and their journey was only just beginning.
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