RIIZE’s Shotaro Was Given A Unique Role Upon Meeting His Future Members As Trainees

RIIZE is an SM Entertainment boy group who made headlines pre-debut when their initial member lineup was revealed. Two members, Sungchan and Shotaro, were from NCT. The latter was even a professional dancer prior to debuting in the K-Pop group.

The two later debuted again, this time in RIIZE, in 2023. In the 19th episode of “WE RIIZE,” the group recounted their first experience meeting Shotaro as trainees. It happened when they were in the middle of being evaluated for their performances by the SM Entertainment teachers.

We performed individually in trainee evaluations. And then [Shotaro] watched us sitting with the training team, didn’t you?

— Anton

Wonbin added that he remembered the exact moment this happened. Shotaro made such a big impression on them that he still remembers what the idol was wearing that day.

You watched us then. When trainees were practicing, our seniors sometimes come to see us. When we were practicing singing and dancing, Shotaro came in wearing a mask and a bucket hat. He didn’t say anything in particular, he was just looking at us while sitting with the training team, weren’t you?

— Wonbin

He joked that Shotaro gave off the impression that he was internally saying, “I’m an artist and your senior.”

Shotaro added his version of the story right after. He emphasized that he did not go there to randomly judge his future members or to power trip on them. It was apparently not the first time an SM Entertainment staff member asked him to evaluate the trainees and give his opinion.

I remember. I’ve been to the trainee floor a few times. Someone told me to check them out. I remember I was asked to come. I’ve watched you practice several times…I thought, ‘Wow, they are so good.’

— Shotaro

It did not surprise fans that Shotaro was personally asked to give his comments on the trainees’ performances. They knew that with his level of expertise, his every judgement would be valuable in building them up to be better.

It is not surprising the SM training team would ask Shotaro to take a look at the trainees' dance. They know how much of a valuable asset he is, he is a pro dancer after all and had attained success when he first debut. I can imagine Shotaro observing them with a critical eye. https://t.co/xk9RXS5EVP

— Taro Milk Tea🧋BRIIZE 🍃🧡 (@LutrinaeTaro) April 17, 2024

so SM asked Shotaro to look over the trainees and monitor them instead???? omg that's why the choreographers called him Shotaro-ssaem 😳 pic.twitter.com/SqWhvxLQE8

— shoo 🧋 (@osakishoo) April 17, 2024

Check out the full video below to learn more about RIIZE.