RIIZE Honors TVXQ! with a New Rendition of “Hug”


RIIZE releases a fresh take on TVXQ!’s 2004 single “Hug,” part of SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
RIIZE welcomes 2025 with “Hug,” a heartfelt tribute to their legendary labelmates, TVXQ!. Released via SM Entertainment, the single reimagines TVXQ!’s 2004 debut track in a Y2K-inspired style, blending nostalgia with RIIZE’s contemporary sound.
“Hug” is included in SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary album, which features classic hits from the label’s iconic catalog, reinterpreted by its current and senior artists. This unique project celebrates SM’s three decades of shaping K-pop’s global success.
The celebrations continue with the SMTOWN LIVE 2025 Tour, beginning with two Seoul concerts on January 11 and 12, before heading to Mexico City, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo.
RIIZE had an extraordinary 2024, with their debut album RIIZING earning critical acclaim from Billboard, GRAMMY, and Stereogum, alongside major award wins like Best Male Group at the Melon Music Awards. Their new rendition of “Hug” reflects their ability to honor K-pop’s past while pushing its boundaries.
With this release, RIIZE cements their role as torchbearers of SM Entertainment’s unparalleled legacy, blending timeless artistry with fresh perspectives.