K-Pop Group Riize Explores “Dark Side” in New Album ‘Fame’

K-pop boy band Riize has released their second studio album, “Fame,” this week, which the group describes as a departure from their previous bright concepts, offering fans a look at a “different side” of the members.

The group, whose name is a combination of “rise” and “realize,” previously released their first album, “Odyssey,” in May 2025, which focused on themes of “growth.”

Exploring a New Persona

Members of Riize explained that “Fame” allowed them to explore a darker, more hidden musical persona:

• Anton (Korean-American member who grew up in New Jersey) stated: “This next chapter is sort of us showing a different side of ourselves that we haven’t really shown before.”
• Sohee highlighted one specific track: “In this album, you can see in the trailer as well, but there’s a piece called ‘Something’s in the Water,’ and it really shows our dark side and things that we would want to hide,” contrasting it with the brighter mood of Odyssey.

Album Tracks and Sound

Fame features the hip-hop title song, “Fame,” and other tracks that channel the group’s signature “emotional pop” sound:

• “Something’s in the Water” (a soulful R&B song)
• “Sticky Like” (an upbeat song)

RIIZE’s Connection to Los Angeles

Riize, which formed in 2023 under SM Entertainment, recently concluded the U.S. leg of their “Riizing Loud” tour:

• The band performed at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on November 11, calling it a “full-circle moment.”
• Member Anton noted that Los Angeles is “sort of Riize’s hometown in a way because we shot our debut music videos in this city” in 2024.

The “Riizing Loud” tour will continue with performances in Jakarta, Manila, Singapore, and Macau in early 2026. The group consists of six members: Shotaro (Japanese), Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton.

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