RIIZE's Debut Style Sparks Heated Debate— Are We Witnessing a Fashion Revolution or a Major Fail?

SM Entertainment's latest addition to the K-pop scene, RIIZE, made their highly-anticipated debut at an official media showcase on September 4, 2023, leaving netizens divided over their unique styling.

Embracing the Y2K concept, the members of RIIZE donned baggy pants and loose-fitting tops, a nod to the fashion trends of the early 2000s.

Mixed Reactions to Styling Choices

In addition to their retro-inspired clothing, the group sported hairstyles that paid homage to the past, further cementing their commitment to the Y2K aesthetic.

While some contemporary elements like Seunghan's football uniform top and Wonbin's racer jacket added a modern touch, Y2K itself has been gaining traction in South Korea's fashion scene.

Despite the group's effort to stay on-trend, not all netizens were pleased with the overall look. Criticisms ranged from observations about hairstyles featuring flat 5:5 hair parts to Sohee's choice of pants, which created an illusion of multiple layers of underwear.

Netizens voiced their disappointment in various ways, with some questioning the stylist's choices and others humorously pondering if the "beggar look" was suddenly in vogue.

Many lamented the missed opportunity to showcase the members' natural handsomeness and questioned the need for such elaborate styling.

Netizens' comments:

• "What's up with those pants that look like they stuck swimming trunks to jeans? The stylist is too much."
• "We should support them and supply them funds to have a decent haircut and have actual clothes fr"
• "Are they re-enacting "Firetruck..." What's up with the stylist? They gave Wonbin fried curly hair."
• "I thought that they only debuted babies these days, but this group doesn't look all that young."
• "They'd look pretty and fancy even in a white tee and jeans... Why did the stylist do that?"
• "Reminds me of NCT's "Firetruck" LOL."

In light of RIIZE's undeniable talent and charm, fans couldn't help but wish for a more favorable presentation that would fully highlight the group's potential. As the group's debut continues to be a topic of debate, it remains to be seen how their unique Y2K-inspired style will shape their future in the K-pop industry.

Meanwhile,SM Entertainment's upcoming K-pop boy group RIIZE has finally dropped their prologue single "Memories" and its official music video on YouTube. The pre-release track "Memories" is included in their forthcoming debut single album "Get A Guitar."

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Cassidy Jones wrote this.