Group Rise will leap forward as the representative singers of 2025 with their first full-length debut album.

On the 19th, a press showcase was held to commemorate the release of Rise’s(Anton, Sohee, Wonbin, Eunseok, Shotaro, Seongchan)first full-length album[ODYSSEY].

Eunseok said on this day, “Because it was our first full-length album, we had to work on more songs and the genres were diverse, so it was difficult.However, we did well with the help of those around us.” Wonbin said, “It was difficult because we had to digest many genres.I like R&B and ballads.I like hip-hop, but it felt difficult, so I received a lot of help while actually working.” Sohee said, “It was difficult, but I think we became a better Rise because we got a chance to grow.”

[ODYSSEY(오디세이)] is an album that contains the ‘nonstop growth story’ of RISE, who are running again for a leap forward befitting their 2nd debut anniversary in 2025, and is comprised of a total of 10 tracks including the title song ‘Fly Up’.

Anton introduced the new album by saying, “We are releasing our first full-length album in 11 months.We are looking forward to it.As a team that does emotional pop, it is composed of songs and performances that truly showcase our genre.” Sohee added,“ ‘Real Time Odyssey’ is the direction we have been pursuing since our debut.It is an album that contains our footsteps and stories of growth.”

Eunseok said, “This is an album that we put a lot of effort into.I could feel the full support from our agency, SM Entertainment.The fact that there are music videos for all the songs is really great,” showing off the extraordinary scale.
The title song ‘Fly Up’ is a dance song reminiscent of the 1950s Rock and Roll style.The lyrics describe the six members gradually becoming closer to and enjoying themselves together with people in the wider world without prejudice or boundaries through music and dance, and hint at the new growth momentum gained from RISE’s experience traveling around the world since their debut.

Won Bin expressed his confidence by saying, “When I first heard it, I thought, ‘Wow, this is really good.’ ‘This is done.’ It reminded me of the feeling I got from ‘Get A Guitar.’ I think it will go well.Please look forward to the choreography as well.”

Sohee continued, “It’s a song that means everyone should become one and enjoy the music of Rise,” and added, “I feel like I’m receiving energy from the song while performing on stage.It gets more exciting as it goes on.”

Sungchan introduced, “The performance has a musical structure.Each member has a killing point in their movements, so your eyes will be busy watching the stage.There is also a choreography that involves jumping upwards, just like the song title ‘Fly Up’.” When Shotaro said, “We worked with the choreographer who worked on Super Junior’s ‘Sorry Sorry’ and EXO’s ‘Growl’, “ Leeteuk, who was in charge of hosting, added, “He is the choreographer who was in charge of Michael Jackson’s right side,” raising expectations.

The lyrics of this album fully reflect the emotions felt by the members, starting with the first track “Odyssey” which tells the mindset of facing the start of a new chapter, followed by the hip-hop song “Bag Bad Back” which lets you feel Rise’s vision as a team, the intense dance song “Ember to Solar” which contains the team color of overcoming adversity and soaring toward the goal, and the youth cheer song “Show Me Love” which is Rise-style and has an attractive sing-along section.

The instrumental piece ‘Passage’, which music producer Yoon Sang participated in, becomes an emotional turning point in the album, and the album also includes the fairytale-like atmosphere of ‘Midnight Mirage’, two fan songs, the lyrical ballad ‘The End of the Day’ and the retro-feeling pop ballad ‘Inside My Love’, as well as the 10th track ‘Another Life’, which contains Rise’s aspirations and determination.

Regarding this, Shotaro said, “This is an album that challenges various genres.It also aligns with the identity of the group Rise.” Anton shared behind-the-scenes stories about the album, saying, “Since the album has various genres, I think we needed instrumental pieces that would connect them.My father, Yoon Sang, participated.Although it’s short, I think he did a good job of connecting the songs.I was positively surprised when he said he would participate.I even listened to the songs in advance.The members didn’t know.I was curious about their reactions.”
RISE’s first full-length album is released today(the 19th), and RISE has confirmed their first solo concert tour starting in Seoul in July and will travel to 14 regions around the world.In October, they will be the first K-pop idol to appear at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in the United States.

Shotaro expressed his excitement ahead of his first world tour, saying, “The number of songs has increased.I’m already excited about enjoying it with fans from all over the world.We’ll create our own space.”

Finally, the group challenged themselves to a three-line poem with “Fly Up” and “Rise.” Seongchan said, “Fly Up, ‘’Rise,’ ‘This Time Too,’ ‘Up Up Up, Let’s Fly.’” Eunseok showed his wit by saying, “‘ Rise, ‘’This Album,’ and ‘Jeuungmal was good.’ “Sohee said,” I’m grateful that our songs have been on the charts so far.I am confident and believe that the songs from our regular album will be on the charts for a long time as well.”Anton said,” I hope people think of Rise’s album when they think of 2025.”Wonbin expressed his bold goal by saying,” I want to become a team that symbolizes 2025.”

Reporter Jeon Hyo-jin, Donga.com jhj@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.