K-pop group Riize unveils a new persona in 'Fame'

Members say tracks like 'Something's in the Water' expose emotions they once kept hidden

LOS ANGELES:

For the Korean boy band Riize, recording their second studio album 'Fame' offered an opportunity to step into a new musical persona, as the group sought to show a different side of themselves that had not been revealed before.

Anton, the Korean-American member who grew up in New Jersey, said the tone of the new songs marks a move away from the recurring theme of growth that shaped their earlier work, adding that he is curious to see how fans respond.

'Fame', released this week, blends the soulful R&B of 'Something's in the Water' with the upbeat 'Sticky Like' and the hip-hop title track 'Fame'.

Sohee, who was born in South Korea, said the album's track 'Something's in the Water' captures a darker tone and exposes elements the group would usually keep hidden. He contrasted the shift with the brighter mood of their first album 'Odyssey', which was released in May 2025 by SM Entertainment and featured the high-energy single 'Fly Up'.

Riize, formed in 2023, derives its name from the words "rise" and "realise", reflecting the members' shared journey of ambition and fulfilment. The group includes Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee and Anton.

The band performed at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater on November 11 during their 'Riizing Loud' tour, a showcase centred on 'Odyssey' and a milestone for the members. They recalled debuting at the same venue in 2024 during their 'Fan-Con' tour.

Anton said Los Angeles feels like a second home for Riize because they filmed their debut music videos in the city, making their return especially meaningful. The US leg of the 'Riizing Loud' tour ended on November 14 and will continue in Jakarta, Manila, Singapore and Macau in early 2026.