Hot off the release of II: The 2nd Mini Album (EP), RIIZE headed to Hong Kong for the second annual 2026 TMElive International Music Awards.
In addition to performing their new single “Do Your Dance” and fan favorites like “Boom Boom Bass,” the SM Entertainment band won the award for trending international group.
Backstage at Kai Tak Sports Park, where TIMA was held from Aug. 22-23, RIIZE sat down for an interview with Billboard. Describing their award win as an “honor,” the group talked about making the “Do Your Dance” video. “There was a dance break in ‘Do Your Dance’ and I think it might be a point to pay attention to,” said SHOTARO, speaking to Billboard in Korean via a translator. “Special dancers choreographed for us this time, and we also had very fun memories while taking lessons.”
When asked what they learned about themselves since debuting as a group in 2023, SOHEE shared that “I like dancing more than I thought. I like it more than when we debuted, and whereas I was quite shy back then, and now I feel like I can enjoy doing it more.”
“Once we officially became a group we obviously started living together and got to know each other’s living habits,” ANTON told Billboard. When asked how the group stays creative, he said digital technology often inspires the six-member group. “These days we’re all on our phones, honestly, and seeing media can end up influencing the way we end up performing or acting. Not just us — I feel like everyone has become more creative. That’s how I feel these days. I feel like all of our members are very creative.”
Considering RIIZE released an album called Odyssey in 2025, Billboard couldn’t help but ask if the band members had seen Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film The Odyssey, even though the two projects are not connected.
“I watched it the day it came out in Korea. I got a ticket for 11 p.m. and it ends at 2 in the morning,” laughed ANTON. “It was definitely worth it. While it was not a direct homage to [Homer’s] The Odyssey, Odyssey, our album, was definitely a story of our journey and it connected to the story.”
Watch more of Billboard’s RIIZE interview as part of our latest episode of Billboard All Access above.
Billboard’s travel and accommodations for the TIMA Honors were covered by Billboard China.