[Exclusive]A narrative of growth on stage... The true beginning of Rise: "Let's soar high" [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

• Interview with Rising, recipients of the AAA 2025 Grand Prize for Performance of the Year, Motive, and Best Artist

The group RIIZE is preparing for a new leap. Aiming to become a team that receives the evaluation that "you must see a RIIZE concert at least once," the members have shown their determination to prove their unique color and competitiveness not only through their performances but also through the music itself. Building on the experiences and growth accumulated through their world tour, RIIZE is now ready to write the next chapter not just as a "performance-type idol" but as a full-fledged artist.

RIZE won the 'Performer of the Year' award at the '10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025' (10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025, hereinafter 'AAA 2025'), held at the Kaohsiung National Stadium on December 6 last year, establishing themselves as a legitimate 'Grand Prize' artist. In addition, they secured a triple crown by also winning in the 'Best Artist' and 'Imotive' categories, proving their presence.

RIZE continues to solidify its position as a "performance artist" through strong performances and steady growth. In particular, the members have promised a more diverse musical and stage experience with this comeback, expressing confidence in the new changes. Having further clarified the group's identity over time, attention is now turning to RIZE's future moves.

At 'AAA 2025', he swept three awards, including the Grand Prize 'Performance of the Year', 'AAA Immersive', and 'Best Artist'. If there are any acceptance remarks you wish you could have added, what would they be?

▶ANTON=I received the award, and I was grateful for receiving three awards. Most importantly, it was impressive to receive the award at a stadium. I hope we can perform there someday. It feels like I have one more goal. It was really good, and the atmosphere on that day seemed wonderful. Since it was nighttime and outdoors, the performance was dazzling and even more magnificent. Since I received the performance award, I want to continue showing what it means to be a 'performance hotspot' in the future.

▶ Shota-ro = In an era where every time new artists appear and deliver wonderful performances, I am truly honored to receive the Performance Award symbolizing 2025. We must continue to deliver performances worthy of our name, and we are constantly making new attempts. I want to show that when you watch us, Rise is the representative performance team that people will say, "As expected of a performance team," or "Only Rise can do this." Beyond just performance, I hope we can continue to study and diversify our stage experiences. I will recover my leg quickly and return soon with a great appearance.

-'AAA 2025' was your first time attending. How did you enjoy the atmosphere at the scene?

▶So-hee=I have wanted to go to 'AAA' for a long time. It was great to see other artists and attend the awards ceremony. The venue was huge and offered a 360-degree view. I worked hard in the large venue to reach the audience with energy, and while I'm not sure if it reached them, I was happy just for the experience itself. Someday, if we work hard and Rise does well, I think it would be a dream to hold our own concert at a stadium.

▶ Eun-seok = It was an honor to watch the stages of various artists.

▶ Antone=Since the venue was large, it must have been difficult just to move around, but what stands out is that we were able to greet fans while riding in a moving vehicle. At first, it was funny and fun. Without the moving vehicle, how could we have visited such a large venue? It was very good.

At the time, the 'Ember to Solar' and 'Fame' stages at 'AAA 2025' became a hot topic. The explosive energy and immersion on stage were impressive; is there a secret to Rise's performance?

▶ Eun-seok = This style of dance break is the first since my trainee days. There were falls and many twists and turns, but thanks to the support from Seong-chan and Anton, I was able to perform well.

▶ Sung-chan: He prepared a dance break as a trump card for the 'AAA 2025' performance, and later had the opportunity to showcase it again at a concert. He remembers that fans were happy to see him perform it once more in front of them.

-'AAA 2025' Attending LINE Up: Was there any actor, singer, or stage you really wanted to see?

▶ Eunseok=U-KISS senior Lee Jun-young. I was impressed by you as an actor when I saw your acting works, but seeing you showcase your main profession as a singer was new and wonderful. You performed hip-hop dance, and it was truly stylish.

▶At the 'AAA 2025', it was an honor and a pleasure to experience for the first time the atmosphere where singers and actors support each other.

▶ Sung Chan = I enjoyed watching the drama "All of Us Are Dead." It was a pleasure to meet senior IU at "AAA 2025." I remember her comments at the time, saying, "Although I received an award for my acting work, watching the singers on stage made me want to focus on my main profession," and "It was amazing." I look forward to and support both her acting and her main profession.

▶So-hee: "I went to an interview after the 'AAA 2025' awards ceremony, and I got to meet senior artist Yoon-ah. Even though it was a short time, she took good care of us and even took a photo with us. She looked so beautiful. I never get to be with seniors at such award ceremonies, so it was even more surprising that I got to meet her in Kaohsiung."

After just three years since their debut, they must have had unique feelings upon receiving the award. Have you had a moment where you truly felt, 'Our team is receiving so much love'?

▶ Shota: I went to 'Lollapalooza,' and there aren't many opportunities to travel to the other side of the Earth, are there? Actually, when I went to the site in person, I saw that an enormous number of people filled the venue, and the cheers were so loud that they pierced through my in-ear monitors, and I thought they might break. I was grateful for the energy they sent my way. I felt that there were many fans cheering for us even on the other side of the Earth. I also felt this strongly while on the world tour. It was great to see fans I don't usually get to see. If given the chance, I would like to meet even more diverse fans.

▶Won Bin = It was amazing that fans on the other side of the Earth were able to sing along with our songs in Korean. We truly felt that we are receiving a lot of love. Also, on the way to the venue by car, many Breeze fans were waiting for us. Even though it was raining heavily, we were moved to see so many people waiting for us.

Since last year, they have been busy with various activities. Looking back on their activities so far, what do you feel is the area where the members have grown the most?

▶Won Bin = It seems that stage experience accounted for more than 80 percent of the activity, so I feel much more at ease when performing. When I took the stage at 'Lollapalooza,' it was a foreign environment, and the language barrier was also difficult, so I was very worried. However, by directly facing it, I gradually adapted. As a result, I feel even more at ease on stage, and I believe I have grown significantly in that regard.

▶ Antone: I had previously attended Thailand's Songkran Festival. It was an honor to take the stage as the headliner for the first-ever 'K2O Songkran Music Festival.' I was initially worried because there was more water on stage than I expected, but as I gradually adapted to the situation, I believe I was able to conclude the performance well. Through this diverse experience, I feel I have grown even more.

▶ Shota-ro = Even when difficult situations or unexpected variables arise, I feel like we have learned to enjoy those moments as well. In that regard, I feel that I have grown significantly myself. I believe we will be able to show an even more grown-up version of Rise in the upcoming performances. Of course, there were parts that were regrettable and areas where we fell short, but the members continuously deliberated and strived to move forward in a better direction. We are still preparing intensely to present even better stages and appearances.

-As you continued your world tour for a long period, there must have been many moments when you relied on each other. Especially, if there is a member who was your greatest source of strength or someone you relied on the most, who would that be?

▶Won Bin = He became a source of support for everyone. Performing for about three hours is not easy, and thinking about doing it alone would be dizzying. It seems he was able to do it because he had the members.

-RIIZE concluded its eight-month journey with the finale of the '2026 RIIZE Concert Tour 'Rising Loud' in Seoul' in March. At that time, Anton was seen shedding tears during the performance. What was the meaning behind those tears?

▶ Andong = I wanted to give the fans a touching moment (laughs). Actually, as I was talking, I felt overwhelmed. It was as if I suddenly realized something had hit me. Just like there are moments when you get choked up while listening to good music, I felt a similar emotion then. It was also the final stop of the tour, and thinking that we had successfully concluded such a long journey together with the members brought up various emotions. Although the members teased me a lot, I believe that standing on the stage at Tokyo Dome was truly an incredible experience. As the thought "we are doing well" came to mind, emotions naturally welled up inside me.

Now that the world tour is over, we are curious whether there have been any changes in what the members consider to be Rise's unique strength.

▶Won Bin = While on stage, it is hard to fully realize, but looking back, I feel that the performance truly fills the stage. From a directorial perspective and with the performance continuing without a break, the stage is utilized extensively. In that sense, it seems to be a strength that there is enjoyment in watching the stage of "Rise."

▶ Antone=It is good that viewers can feel various charms through the stage. Since each member has a distinct color, I want to naturally convey various emotions and atmospheres on stage.

▶Sohee=I think the fact that the song itself has a very diverse color is a major strength. It seems that the fun of enjoying the performance is greater because we can present various genres and atmospheres in Rise's unique style.

-Recently, he has also demonstrated positive influence by making donations under the name Breeze. It seems he has a special affection for his fans, but when is the moment he feels most that he is growing together with them?

▶ANT=It is truly wonderful that fans are creating a natural culture of making donations in the names of LYZ and Breeze. I believe that having the opportunity to help someone is meaningful in itself. I also learn a great deal from Breeze. Even though each member of Breeze is living a different life, I am always grateful that they support LYZ from their respective positions.

▶ Eunseok = Even on a special day like a birthday, they made donations in the names of Lyze and Breeze. Seeing that, I felt proud that we, as idols, are conveying a positive influence.

He is preparing for a comeback in June. We are curious about what aspects he has focused on in preparing for this activity.

▶ Shota: We are also preparing a new style of dance break that we have not shown before. We believe it will allow us to showcase RIZE's cool charm more naturally.

▶ANT=Is not Rise known for its powerful performance? This time, it was more than expected.

▶So-hee = As you can see, those who enjoy a 'talk sexy' atmosphere will like it.

What records would you like to write anew or what goals would you like to achieve during the remaining time of 2026?

▶ Shota-ro = I want to show you more diverse sides through new songs. Especially, I hope I can properly release the experience points and energy I have accumulated while on the world tour in this comeback. Since there are many fans who have waited for a long time, I want to show you a more grown-up side and various charms than before.

▶Won Bin = I hope we can continue our good momentum and soar even higher. Through this activity, I want to show that kind of image for sure. I want us to become a team that not only fans but also the general public feel is 'definitely worth seeing at least once' for the 'Rise' performance. Our goal is to become artists recognized not just as an idol group, but for the performance itself.

▶Ants=The same applies musically. We want to become a team that can showcase Rise's unique style and competitiveness not only through performance but also through the music itself.

-Finally, if there is anything you would like to say to Breeze (the fandom name)?

▶ Eun-seok = I love you. Thank you for always being a source of strength and support by my side, and I will repay you with good deeds, so let's meet soon.

▶ Shota-ro = I am truly grateful to you for supporting and cheering for us beyond what words can express. I want to continue creating happy times together with the Breeze, who are looking forward to the next appearance of Rise. I will work hard to recover my leg quickly so that I can show you an even better side, so I hope you will look forward to it. Thank you always, and I love you.

▶ Sung-chan = From the time of our debut until now, thank you for continuously supporting us in every activity, believing in us, and cheering for us until the end. In the future, we will work even harder so that we can be a source of strength, even a little, in the daily lives of Breeze, so please keep watching. Let's watch each other for a long, long time.

▶Sohee = We are so grateful that Rise has helped us carry out many performances, including concert tours. We cannot do without Breeze. We will work hard, so please stay by our side.

▶Won Bin = I believe that the very existence of fans involves both expectation and waiting. I am truly grateful that you always wait for us and have such high expectations. Since I will be appearing soon, I will do my best to meet those expectations. I love you. I will repay your love.

▶Antone=I am preparing each day with excitement, thinking that I will be able to show something new after a long time. There are those who have been with me since my debut, and there are also those who have recently become my briz, and I am truly grateful that you have always supported us, even from places unseen. I am spending each day thinking about my briz. I will work hard so that I can do well with this comeback as well, so thank you for your continued support. I will surely repay that love. See you soon. Love you. (laughs)

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*This content was translated by AI.