Rise Ascends to Global Stage with Sold-Out Seoul Concerts and Ambitious World Tour
Rising K-pop group Rise captivated over 31,000 fans across three sold-out nights in Seoul, signaling a major breakthrough for the SM Entertainment-backed act and launching a sweeping 14-region world tour.
The group’s first solo concert, “Rising Loud,” held at the Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium from August 4th to 6th, showcased a dynamic performance and solidified Rise’s position as a leading force in the K-pop landscape. The Seoul concerts, including limited viewing seats, were entirely sold out, demonstrating the fervent anticipation surrounding the group’s debut solo venture.
Before taking the stage, Rise hinted at the energy to come, with one member declaring, “Our poison is crazy.” This promise was delivered through a meticulously crafted five-section performance. The concert opened with “The Beginning of the Journey,” featuring fan favorites like “Ing Girl,” “Siren,” “Odyssey,” and “Combo.” The stage design actively incorporated both the main stage and a protruding platform, maximizing interaction with the enthusiastic audience.
Behind the scenes, members expressed a mix of excitement and nerves. Shotaro shared, “I’m nervous because it’s my last day. I was so excited to hear a lot of cheers from the opening. Please run with me until the end.” Won Bin added, “I was very nervous because it was my last concert in Seoul. I think I put too much energy into my body because I wanted to do better, but I’m going to do it well with sense. I’ll be sexier, cuter, and cooler. Please look forward to it.” Other members echoed this sentiment, pledging to deliver a flawless and unforgettable experience. So-hee vowed to perform “until I pass out,” while Anton expressed confidence, stating, “I think I got the hang of it because I’ve done it twice before.”
The concert’s second section, “The Joy of the Journey,” included performances of “Memories” and Japanese singles “Be My Next” and “Lucky” – both performed in Korean versions, acknowledging and engaging their growing international fanbase. The stage for “Passage” and “Midnight Mirage” featured an air-lifted staircase structure, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. “Hug” and “Love 119” further amplified the excitement with fresh concepts and visually engaging backdrops. A member, Sohee, noted the audience’s enthusiastic response, saying, “Did you hear it? There was a huge chant.”
The third section, “Resistance and Escape,” took a darker turn with performances of “Odisei” and “Talk Saxie.” The choreography during this segment was notably refined, captivating the audience. This intensity was followed by “Impossible,” which featured a glimpse of the members’ physiques, eliciting a powerful reaction. During a mid-performance speech, members interacted directly with fans throughout the concert hall, fostering a sense of intimacy and connection. One member remarked, “So good,” while another confidently declared, “We’re No. 1.”
A standout moment of the evening was Rise’s cover of EXO’s hit song, “Monster.” Despite having fewer members than the original group, Rise delivered a performance that was widely praised for its quality and energy.
The fourth section, “Liberation and Expansion,” shifted gears with an instrumental performance leading into the upbeat “Get a Guitar,” “Boom Boom Base,” and “Fly Up.” Members Eun-seok and Sung-chan offered hints about the group’s future direction, expressing “forever” and “start” respectively. The set culminated in “Another Life.”
Following a resounding encore, Rise concluded the two-and-a-half-hour concert with performances of “The End of Every Day,” “One Kiss,” and “Inside My Love.”
In heartfelt closing remarks, SUNGCHAN expressed his gratitude, stating, “I was so happy. I can’t believe that every single seat is filled in such a large concert hall. I’ve been really looking forward to this day. Now it’s the beginning of my journey. I’m going to do a lot of performances around the world, and I hope I can give you strength and become a rising star who can grow and move forward together.” He added, with visible emotion, “Let’s see each other for a long time. I will only look at the fans and live.” Shotaro echoed this sentiment, thanking fans for their support and promising to “grow and show you a great side in the future.” Other members shared similar reflections, emphasizing the importance of their fans and their commitment to continued growth. Wonbin stated, “I’ll continue to repay my fans, so just follow us. We’ll show you.”
The concert was also broadcast live to theaters in 13 regions globally, including the UK, Germany, Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Taiwan, Macau, and the Philippines, expanding the reach of the performance to an even wider audience.
Rise’s journey is far from over. The group is set to embark on a world tour encompassing 14 regions, building on the momentum generated by their triumphant Seoul concerts and solidifying their position as a rising force in the global music scene. The members’ dedication to their craft and unwavering connection with their fans promise a bright future for this dynamic K-pop group.
