Ahead of RIIZE's official debut in September, SM's upcoming boy group is garnering attention for their goal to introduce a new concept outside the company's "KWANGYA" worldview. What is "emotional pop" all about?
What Is 'Emotional Pop'? Here's What Makes RIIZE Different from Existing SM Groups
After seven years since NCT debuted, SM Entertainment is gaining attention after announcing the debut of its new boy group outside the large-scale global team.
RIIZE members have been introduced to the public, and the septet will consist of Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Seunghan, Sohee and Anton.
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The group name combines the English words, "Rise" and "Realize," which means "a team that grows together and realizes dreams."
Starting with their live broadcast via SNS on August 8, the company is raising the debut fever by introducing performance videos and various teaser content one after another, including their performance clip for "SIREN," released on the 6th.
Unfortunately, after watching it, there are divided opinions if RIIZE will be no different from NCT due to their concept and genre.
However, SM Entertainment has been hinting at what will be RIIZE's differences from its existing boy groups.
First, RIIZE will be SM's first group that will shy away from the KWANGYA worldview concept after its launch.
In particular, this metaverse world follows futuristic concepts and sounds as well as narrative.
Rather, RIIZE is attempting to showcase a new concept called, "Emotional Pop." This is explained as an independent genre of music that expresses the members' various emotions in the song. This will also allow them to incorporate their daily lives and personal experiences through their music.
Although limited information is known about "emotional pop," SM raised fans' expectations by describing it as a "unique genre that will write a new history in K-pop."
Another difference is that contrary to Super Junior, EXO, NCT and aespa, netizens noted that there are no Chinese members in RIIZE. Except for Japanese member Shotaro, six people are Korean.
In the past, SM under the baton of its founder and former SM General Producer Lee Soo Man used to debut China-born idols with the goal of targeting the Chinese market but since he left, SM has undergone a major change.
RIIZE To Drop Prologue Single 'Memories' Ahead Official Debut in September with 'Get A Guitar'
Meanwhile, RIIZE, ahead of its entry into the music scene, will first introduce a prologue single, "Memories," on August 21.
In particular, "Memories" is described as an impressive song with synthesizers and guitar sounds that seem to evoke nostalgia for past time.
The company explained that while cherishing the memories of preparing and practicing together with the same dream, the lyrics contain the excitement of pure youth that takes the first step toward the bigger world. The song was written, composed, and arranged by hitmaker KENZIE.
On September 4 then, RIIZE will finally release its first debut single album, "Get A Guitar" which theme reminisces the time the members spent during their debut preparations.
It contains two songs, the title track "Get A Guitar" and the prologue single "Memories" and this album will open the beginning of RIIZE's own genre, "Emotional Pop."
READ MORE: SM Presents Exciting Plans for New Boy Group RIIZE — See Official Statement Here!
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