[Kfans Reaction] RIIZE Label ‘WIZARD’ Faces Mixed Reactions After ‘RIIZE as Influencer’ interview Viral over 2.6 M views

[Kfans Reaction] RIIZE Label ‘WIZARD’ Faces Mixed Reactions After ‘RIIZE as Influencer’ interview

Fans criticize the ‘influencer idol’ concept, questioning group direction

Following a recent interview shared in a viral X (formerly Twitter) post, WIZARD—the SM Entertainment in-house label managing RIIZE—has faced backlash from fans over their creative direction. In the interview, label staff explained that RIIZE was conceptualized as “influencers in real life,” aiming for a natural, non-traditional idol image. While this approach was designed to contrast with SM’s previous powerful, high-concept groups, the reception has been divisive.

A tweet summarizing the interview, including insights from the team led by executive producer Sangmin Lee, has surpassed 2.6 million views. The post explained that the concept was meant to reflect “the kind of upperclassmen we used to admire,” sparking intense fan debate. According to the tweet, WIZARD described RIIZE as “the first boy group in seven years” and introduced their concept as “the seniors we used to admire.” Executive producer Lee Sangmin reportedly defined RIIZE’s image as “real-life influencers.”

While the tweet itself was simply a summary of the interview, the high view count has drawn a wave of mixed and mostly negative responses from K-pop fans, particularly RIIZE’s own fandom.

롱블랙 위저드 프로덕션 인터뷰

7년 만의 보이그룹, 컨셉은 ‘그 시절 우리가 좋아했던 선배’

✔️이상민 총괄이 기획한 라이즈의 컨셉 ‘현실 속 인플루언서’

이유
1. SM 최근 그룹들이 강한 컨셉이다보니, 반대로 과하게 자연스럽게 가는 게 새로울 것이라 생각
2. 각 멤버들 서사와 느낌이 매력적 pic.twitter.com/zVXPOOlt1B

— 겨울²⁵ᵗʰ🧋🎧🦦 (@itswinter25th) June 29, 2025

Kfans question artistic direction and label competency

Many RIIZE fans BRIIZE criticized the “influencer” concept is not best concept for the group, especially considering the members’ artist-level skills and visuals. Some expressed frustration over what they saw as a mismatch between RIIZE’s potential and WIZARD’s approach.

@riize_230904
“I’m just so f*cking frustrated I have to say something. I won’t even go into the album—despite some flaws, critics praised it and it was objectively well-made. But after that dogshit promo, this kind of interview? The more I think about it, the more ridiculous it is.”

@whyIsohee
“They’re not bad at synchronized dancing, so why the f*ck are they being directed to all dance in their own way under the excuse of blending individuality? Turns out the whole thing was because they wanted ‘natural influencers,’ not tight idols. F*cking hellㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ No wonder RIIZE looks better covering other groups’ songs than performing their own.”

@jyelibeen
“You’ve got Wonbin—literally a cheat code, Sohee—a f*cking insane main vocal, and Shotaro—both dance talent and experience. With just those three, you could build a top-tier idol group. But influencer idols? F*ckㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ It’s not even like you posted trending Reels or anything. What exactly did you do?”

@readyornottts
“Be real—Fly-Up was the worst center era among all comebacks. Fans didn’t want to say it out loud because the RIIZE members worked their asses off, but I’m still mad. Your bullshit promo ruined all of that effort.”

https://twitter.com/readyornottts/status/1939527620657615224

In addition to disagreement over the group’s conceptual direction, fans have also pointed out serious issues with WIZARD’s promotional efforts. Some feel the label has consistently failed to give RIIZE the momentum they deserve.

As of now, a gap seems to remain between the label’s vision and fans’ expectations—particularly when it comes to how RIIZE is being presented to the public.

Previous article about RIIZE members > [OVERVIEW]RIIZE Fly Up with 1st Full Album ‘ODYSSEY’? The Showcase