MUSIC
The reason why RIIZE’s emotional pop hit the music charts
1) ‘Emotional Pop’ growing with RIIZE
'Emotional Pop' is RIIZE's unique music genre that expresses the members' various emotions. At the time of RIIZE's debut in September 2023, SM Wizard Production general director Kim Hyeong-guk said, "SM has led the new era of K-pop by introducing groups with differentiated colors every time, and we had the same concerns during the planning stage of Rise. After intense discussions, the basis of RIIZE's differentiation was, of course, 'music'. SM's sincerity to deliver good 'music' and RIIZE's core keyword of 'growth' met. I thought about incorporating the various experiences and emotions that the members experience as they grow into music. “This is the beginning of ‘Emotional Pop,’” he said.
RIIZE made a powerful statement before debut with the performance of 'Siren', the refreshing vibe of 'Memories', which sang a heart-pounding beginning, and the funky 'Get A Guitar', which created a boom in choreography challenges with guitar playing and foot stomping, drawing attention to the opponent. From 'Talk Saxy' delivered through a powerful performance to 'Love 119', a refreshing portrayal of first love, narrative was given to all elements surrounding Rise beyond the music.
The whole world was enthralled by RIIZE's courageous spirit, perfectly executing the concept, vocals, and performance to the changing music in each activity. By their side, there was 'emotional pop' that went beyond easy listening, growing together with the members and settling into listeners' playlists with its sometimes rough and sometimes gentle charm.
On the Melon chart, 'Get A Guitar' soared to 80th place in September and 16th place in October and has remained a 'chart fixture' to this day, while 'Love 119' ranked 3rd on the TOP 100 chart (as of the 23rd) and on the weekly chart. It broke its own highest ranking at 10th place, and 'Talk Saxy' has also been increasing its ranking every day since it recently entered the chart. In this way, RIIZE showed an unusual rise on the music charts as a rookie.
Isn't the fundamental reason why a rookie with '4 months since debut' received a good response on the charts is because of the music? Accordingly, Lee Sang-min, general director of SM Wizard Production, explains that the popularity of 'Emotional Pop' is due to "honest music, clear concepts, and the charm of the artist who expressed all of this."
Additionally, “‘Emotional Pop’ contains the artist’s experiences and emotions, so how much empathy it evokes is important. ‘Does it feel like a story from RIIZE or the same generation? Can it be expressed as a risedown concept? And will many people agree with that?' These became the standards for producing, and as a result of these concerns and efforts, thankfully, we were able to create music that was loved by many people.”
Furthermore, regarding the reason why such music was possible, he said, “I agree with the statement that the good qualities of SM’s senior artists can be seen in ‘Emotional Pop.’ “Thanks to the members who have made K-pop a global genre at SM, they are helping all artists, including RIIZE, grow based on SM’s legacy and know-how accumulated in the process,” he said. “By producing diverse and attractive music, we are supporting the growth of artists.” “It is the power of SM music that drives growth,” he added.
In the end, RIIZE's appearance goes beyond the success of 'Emotional Pop' and is an example that proves the 'power of SM music'. Therefore, attention is being paid to the expansion of SM's music spectrum, which has given wings to RIIZE and 'Emotional Pop' by consolidating the musical know-how accumulated since its founding, as well as Rise's discography that will continue along with the history of 'Emotional Pop'.
Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr
