RIIZE Becomes First K-POP Group to Perform at ACL…G-KPOP Festival Takes Place by Han River

The rookie group RIIZE, under SM Entertainment, has established another milestone in K-POP history. They are the first K-POP idol group to perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL), held in Austin, Texas, USA. ACL, one of the largest music festivals in the United States, will be held at Zilker Park, a symbolic landmark in Austin, from October 3–5 and October 10–12 (local time). RIIZE will take the stage alongside international superstars such as Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Hozier, Luke Combs, and The Struts. Since its first edition in 2002, ACL has become a legendary festival in the U.S. music scene, attracting 450,000 attendees each year. Known for their “emotion pop” sound, RIIZE is expected to captivate local audiences with their dynamic setlists that combine vocal prowess and stage charisma. Earlier this year, they became the first K-POP artist to perform at Mexico’s largest pop festival, “Tekkaté Emblema,” and have also achieved success at major international events such as the Busan International Rock Festival, SUMMER SONIC in Japan, and Rolling Loud in Thailand. RIIZE will release their first full-length album, “ODYSSEY,” at 6 p.m. KST on May 19. The album, featuring 10 tracks, will be made available simultaneously on music streaming platforms and in physical formats.

Meanwhile, a large-scale K-POP festival will also be held in South Korea. Gangnam-gu will organize the “2025 G-KPOP Concert” at the Sinsa-Jamwon area of Han River Park from May 24–25. The event will run from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on both days, with performers including STAYC, Dreamcatcher, Nud Connection, Hwang Garam, RAKE, Yoon Soo-il (on the 24th), Kim Taewoo, Jinusean, SpaceA, Lee Ja-yeon, Park Mi-kyung, Park Hyun-bin, and COOL Lee Jae-hoon (on the 25th). Conceptualized as a “music picnic for the whole family,” the event will include concerts, busking performances, fireworks displays, and a picnic zone. Busking performances will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the 25th, followed by fireworks immediately after each performance throughout the two days. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis, with entry bracelets distributed sequentially at ticket booths. The venue is located 15 minutes’ walk from Exit 6 of Apgujeong Station or 7 minutes’ walk from the stops near Gwangnim Church, Hyundai High School, Sinsa Middle School, and Miseong Apartment. Gangnam-gu has advised attendees to use public transportation due to concerns over traffic congestion. Those unable to attend in person can watch the event live via broadcasts on 1theK and the Gangnam-gu Office’s YouTube channel.