RIIZE Wraps First World Tour with 420,000 Fans

RIIZE Wraps First World Tour with 420,000 Fans

RIIZE, the rising K-pop boy group, concluded its first world tour with a spectacular finale performance in Seoul. The tour, which lasted eight months, came to an end on the evening of the 8th at the KSPO DOME (formerly the Olympic Gymnastics Arena) in Songpa-gu, Seoul. This was the third and final show of the RIIZING LOUD tour, following performances on the 6th and 7th. The event featured a unique setlist, live band performances, new choreography, and conceptual staging that captivated fans.

Under SM Entertainment, RIIZE achieved remarkable success since their 2023 debut, selling over one million albums. Their first full-length album, Odyssey, topped Korean music charts, QQ Music’s digital album sales in China, and LINE MUSIC’s real-time and daily album charts in Japan. The group also earned recognition at year-end awards, winning three titles at the Melon Music Awards (MMA), three at the Asia Artist Awards (AAA), and two at the MAMA Awards.

The world tour began in July last year in Seoul, with performances in 21 cities across the globe, including Hyogo, Hong Kong, Saitama, Hiroshima, Kuala Lumpur, Fukuoka, Taipei, Tokyo, Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, Singapore, and Macau. The tour included a special edition show at the Tokyo Dome, where RIIZE became the fastest K-pop boy group to perform there, drawing 120,000 fans over three days. The finale performances from the 6th to 8th sold out, attracting 32,000 attendees. In total, the first world tour drew 420,000 fans.

The 8th performance, which closed the tour, embodied RIIZE’s Odyssey. Inspired by the ancient Greek epic poem, the show reflected the group’s journey through a setlist and VCRs. The performance opened with Bag Bad Back, which had the venue erupting as fans chanted “Bag! Bag! Bag!” in unison. This was followed by Siren and Ember to Solar, showcasing the group’s charisma. The Ember to Solar stage recreated the dance break that gained attention at last year’s AAA Awards, featuring a movie-like fight scene with slow-motion effects.

Odyssey and Another Life, rearranged as band versions, offered a fresh feel. Footage of the group’s past activities played during Odyssey, allowing fans to reflect on their journey. After the opening performance, members shared their aspirations for the finale. Shotaro, with cherry-red hair, said, “This is the last show, so I’m especially determined. I hope you enjoy it without regrets.” Sungchan remarked, “Thank you for coming today. Let’s spend a happy time together.” Eunseok added, “An ending paves the way for a new beginning, so don’t be sad. We’ll give it our all until the end, so please enjoy.”

Wonbin, in his signature Gyeongsang dialect, said, “You came again~” and promised, “I’ll be sexier, cooler, and cuter tonight. Expect it.” Sohee declared, “I’ll perform until I collapse,” while Anton vowed, “With no schedule tomorrow and no need to preserve energy, I’ll pour everything into this.” They also greeted global fans watching via V LIVE and Weverse in multiple languages.

Shotaro then shouted, “I have something to say. Thank you and love you for the past three days!” This led into Be My Next, accompanied by “Riraze” (Little RIIZE) dolls designed by the group. Members posed with the characters, showcasing cute chemistry. Lucky and Show Me Love highlighted RIIZE’s charming side. The Show Me Love stage, which previously featured confetti with handwritten messages, was decorated with four-leaf clover confetti.

During Midnight Mirage, members sang atop cloud-like structures while fans’ phone flashes created a dreamy atmosphere. The Honestly stage, unseen at Tokyo Dome, featured standing microphones, emotional vocals, and modern-dance-inspired choreography. New stages included the Korean version of All of You, released in Japan last month. Sungchan participated in writing the Korean lyrics, and the performance incorporated a dancer with a trombone. Something in the Water used translucent screens to create the illusion of members confronting themselves underwater.

During 9days and Impossible, the venue transformed into a dance club. Anton’s mix of the two tracks drew thunderous cheers. Fame, introduced by Wonbin’s powerful vocals, featured a “crown of thorns” structure, circular stages, and laser lights, creating an overwhelming atmosphere. Fan chants amplified the immersion.

Band-enhanced tracks like Get A Guitar (with hand mic choreography) and Boom Boom Bass (extended chant sections) energized the crowd. The refreshing Memories followed, leading into Fly Up, which combined acting and musical elements. The performance felt like a grand festival, electrifying the audience.

The band members—Lim Mingi (guitar), Song Geun-ho (bass), Jo Seong-tae (keyboard), and Song Guk-jung (drums)—shone as performers. During introductions, Song Guk-jung played drums blindfolded, astonishing the crowd.

The finale included a card section event and fan chants. RIIZE responded with an encore of Combo, performed live. The stage, designed like a blue galaxy, evoked emotional cheers. The group extended the encore, sharing bittersweet moments with fans.

RIIZE proved worthy of its “growth and realization” tagline. Over three hours, they demonstrated live singing skills and polished performances. Sungchan said, “Returning here after a global tour is deeply grateful. Though six stand onstage, many staff made this possible. We’ll continue to work hard, so please support us.”

Shotaro, the oldest member, asked, “Did you enjoy it? Are you happy to see us?” He added, “I’m also happy. I’m grateful to have completed this first world tour.” Removing his in-ear monitor, he listened to fan chants and said, “I never imagined performing in front of so many people. Thank you for always supporting us.”

Eunseok reflected, “This will be a memorable moment. It’s still surreal that so many Breeze came to see us. I’ll work hard to be someone you’re proud of.”

Wonbin exclaimed, “Ah~” before saying, “Coming to support someone isn’t easy. Thank you for coming. The tour helped us grow. I think we showed our most mature selves tonight. Without Breeze, we’re nothing. We haven’t repaid you yet, but let’s keep going together.”

Sohee shared, “Every time I say ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you’ after performances, I mean it. Seeing the venue felt unreal. That these people came for us, spending so much time—it’s like a comic or movie, yet real. Thank you for creating this tour with us for eight months. We truly need Breeze.”

Anton, the youngest, choked up while saying, “After releasing Odyssey, we toured the world like the album’s hero. The journey feels like a movie. We’ve grown a lot as a team.” He joked, “I thought I wouldn’t cry because I was so tired,” then added, “Thank you all. I love you.” The members linked arms and shouted, “We worked so hard! RIIZE and Breeze are rising!” Some members teared up as they left the stage.

Fans lingered, taking photos and savoring the aftermath. The linked cheering sticks, glowing in rainbow colors, allowed fans to carry the performance’s vibrancy home.

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