SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - SM Entertainment’s veteran duo TVXQ and rising boy group RIIZE have been recognized by the South Korean government for their contributions to the global expansion of K-pop.
At the 16th Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards held Thursday, TVXQ — also known as Tohoshinki in Japan — received the Presidential Commendation, the nation’s highest honor in the cultural field. The six-member RIIZE earned the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award for its role in amplifying the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, across younger audiences.
This year marks TVXQ’s 20th anniversary since debuting in Japan, a milestone underscored by their record-breaking performances at the Tokyo Dome and other major venues. In their acceptance speech, the duo expressed gratitude to fans and vowed not to become “complacent,” pledging to continue contributing to Korean culture as they enter their 22nd year on stage.
RIIZE, often described as SM’s new-generation powerhouse since 2023 debut, has gained international attention with its distinctive “emotional pop” sound. The group’s debut album recorded three consecutive million-seller milestones, and it is currently embarking on its first world tour.
The recognition of both TVXQ, K-pop’s trailblazers, and RIIZE, its new torchbearers, highlights the enduring and evolving influence of Korean pop music across generations. TVXQ will hold a fan event in Japan in November, while RIIZE is set to release a new single on Nov. 24, continuing their busy global schedules.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
