On January 8, 2025, RIIZE, the rising group of Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton, dropped a fresh 'Hug' stage video on the SMTOWN YouTube channel. Following their success with 'Emergency Room'" the group recreated the nostalgic emotions of the early 2000s once again with 'Hug.'

Their new single 'Hug' was released on various music platforms at 6 PM on the same day. The track serves as a pre-release song for SM Entertainment's 30th-anniversary album, and it’s a remake of TVXQ's iconic debut song, originally released in 2004.

Before the release, the members of RIIZE shared their excitement through the agency, saying, "Since this is a legendary track by our respected seniors TVXQ, we wanted to do it justice."  

Their heartfelt commitment shines through in the remake, with 'Hug' perfectly capturing the emotional essence of the early 2000s. From the smooth a cappella opening to the ad-libs, the members manage to faithfully recreate the original track, sparking warm smiles. The blend of Y2K nostalgia and trendy sounds creates a unique newtro vibe, further enhanced by the members' fresh vocals, offering an enjoyable listening experience.

SEE ALSO: RIIZE gears up for their full-length album, comeback set for May