A Sleepless Prelude: RIIZE Teases a New Era with “Insomnia”

On October 26, 2026, RIIZE × About group RIIZE RIIZE (라이즈) is a South Korean boy group under SM Entertainment. The group is known for its “emotional pop” musical identity and has built a strong international fandom known as BRIIZE. Tap again to view profile → Close released a new digital single titled “Insomnia.” This marks RIIZE’s first dip into a new genre: acoustic pop. “Insomnia” is the prologue to the 2nd studio album set to be released next year. The rhythm combines emotional storytelling, acoustic guitar, and expressive vocals shaping the narrative on how worrying thoughts can become sleepless nights.

RIIZE “Insomnia” MV Symbolism

Fans can take a closer look at the meaning of “Insomnia” in RIIZE’s new MV. Throughout the video, each member has their own story and every member is represented by a dreamy, pastel color. As the video continues, the colors grow more intense and vivid, representing the subtle, dreamlike state of being attached to someone. Then there’s a sudden spike in color, symbolizing how that once dreamlike person can make you wonder if their feelings are truly real.

Using fast camera work, running shots, flashing lights, and fire, the video visually highlights how anxious thoughts become sleepless. Each element blends from beauty into chaos, and in the last shot we see a member alone in the woods, exhausted and defeated by their insomnia.

“Insomnia” Promotions Schedule & Recent Activities

RIIZE did a release experience performance on October 26, 2026, for “Insomnia”. The performance was called “RIIZE Into Insomnia.” Fans who attended were able to hear “Insomnia” live for the first time, along with other songs like “Honestly.” Promotion wise, RIIZE is scheduled to perform “Insomnia” for three music shows as follows:

·       October 30, 2026: KBS2 Music Bank

·       October 31, 2026: MBC Show! Music Core

·       November 1, 2026: SBS Inkigayo

Additionally, RIIZE released a new live vocal performance of “Insomnia” on October 29, 2026 for 1theKlive. The performance showcases each member’s unique vocals, highlighting RIIZE’s new venture into acoustic pop and developing their skills further.

Play Insomnia Sheep Game: A Mini-Game for Fans

Ahead of promotions for the new digital single, RIIZE released a mini-game for fans on October 21, 2026. The game is called Insomnia Sheep Game. Each member has their own character, which fans can pick from. The game starts as a five-minute challenge to count as many sheep as possible with the goal to make it to dreamland. 

Obstacles in the game include jumping over alarms and coffee, which can slow down the character. According to OppaStoreNews (2026), if a player reaches “fever time” by filling the character’s sleep gauge, fans can unlock an exclusive message from that specific member. SM Entertainment reports that around 70,000 fans began playing the mini-cartoon game within an hour of the release.

RIIZE’s Anton × Artist bio ANTON Real name: Lee Chan-youngPosition: Vocalist, Performer, MaknaeNationality: Korean-AmericanBirthday: 2004-03-21Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, United States ANTON is the youngest member of RIIZE and a vocalist and performer. Thoughtful, creative, and musically curious, with an international background. Tap again to view profile → Close Starts a Podcast: TON-AIR

To further promote RIIZE’s new theme related to insomnia, RIIZE’s Anton’s released a new Spotify Podcast called TON-AIR, which began October 20, 2026. The podcast is set to release six full episodes. The first episode, “This Moment,” is out now and fans get to feel like their having a cozy chat with Anton and his beautiful soft voice.

What To Expect

With performances on music shows soon, fans can expect more promotions for RIIZE’s new digital single “Insomnia”, along with new episodes for Anton’s podcast TON-AIR.

Give “Insomnia” a listen and discover RIIZE in the new genre of acoustic pop! What do you think of their new sound?