The 2025 MAMA Awards, held at the Hong Kong Kai Tak Stadium on November 29, proved to be a pivotal night for K-pop group RIIZE , whose performance of their recently released song “FAME” created a massive viral moment.
The electric stage quickly translated into significant commercial success, catapulting the song to the pinnacle of South Korea’s music charts and demonstrating the immense real-time power of a viral awards show moment.
The Catalyst: A Viral, High-Energy Live Performance
RIIZE’s performance of “FAME” was immediately hailed by viewers and critics alike as one of the highlights of the night.
Unlike the mixed reactions received by some other performers, RIIZE’s stage was universally described as “full-on live,” characterized by infectious energy and exceptional synchronization.
The members delivered the complex, full choreography without faltering, showcasing powerful group formations and flawless execution that captivated the large arena crowd and the global broadcast audience.
This display of high-octane performance skill, combined with the raw, high-energy stage lights and camera-synced chorus moments, successfully amplified the song’s emotional pop vibe.
The sheer professionalism and palpable excitement of the group created a memorable, high-impact moment that instantly went viral across various social media and discussion platforms.
The performance wasn’t just a routine awards show stage; it was an undeniable showcase of their capability as live performers, justifying the immediate wave of online buzz that followed.
Instantaneous Chart Domination and Popularity Boost
The commercial impact of RIIZE’s viral MAMA Awards performance was both rapid and substantial.
Within just hours of the group taking the stage on November 29, their song “FAME” began an aggressive climb across South Korea’s most crucial music ranking platforms.
RIIZE (Credit: YouTube)
This chart surge was particularly noteworthy because “FAME” had been released only five days prior to the MAMA Awards, meaning the performance served as a powerful “second popularity boost” rather than a debut launch.
On the physical sales front, the album containing the track quickly saw massive returns. “FAME” reached the #1 spot on the influential Hanteo Album Chart, and while it stabilized slightly, it remained highly ranked at #2 in the immediate aftermath, indicating strong purchasing power driven by the performance.
Beyond physical sales, RIIZE witnessed significant growth on digital and streaming platforms.
The song showed a sharp increase in trajectory on major domestic streaming services, successfully “rising” on both Melon’s Top 100 and the Bugs chart, which are critical indicators of public listening habits in South Korea.
The momentum also translated to global platforms, with the track securing the #23 spot on Spotify and the #21 spot on Apple Music in South Korea, cementing its status as a newly essential track in the market.
Netizen Praise and Broader Award Recognition
The success of “FAME” was a direct result of the positive reactions from the public. Discussion forums immediately began “buzzing with conversation” about RIIZE, focusing on the high quality and excitement of their performance.
The virality of the stage created a new wave of interest, drawing in casual listeners and non-fans who were impressed by the group’s live presence and skill.
The general sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, validating the group’s reputation as stellar live performers.
Adding to their triumph at the 2025 MAMA Awards, RIIZE also secured the prestigious Fans’ Choice award (Bonsang).
Accepting the trophy calmly and gracefully, the members used the platform to express deep gratitude to their dedicated fanbase for their support, noting the honor of receiving such a valuable award early in their career.
The combination of winning a fan-voted award and delivering a stage that garnered immediate, explosive commercial returns underscores RIIZE’s position as a quickly rising, high-impact group in the competitive K-pop landscape.
The MAMA effect on “FAME” serves as a textbook example of how a compelling live performance can instantly reshape a song’s commercial trajectory.
The rising seven-member K-pop group WHIB has achieved a significant milestone in their career by successfully completing their first-ever solo fan concert to a completely sold-out audience, just two years after their official debut.
The highly successful event, held on November 30 at Sungshin Women’s University, was titled ‘2025 WHIB 1st Fan Concert ‘AnD : New Chapter” and featured two fully sold-out shows—one in the afternoon and one in the evening.
This dual success underscores the group’s accelerating popularity and solidifies the dedication of their growing fanbase, known as AnD.
The Triumph of ‘AnD : New Chapter’
The concert’s title was carefully chosen to signify a fresh beginning and a deeper connection between WHIB and their fandom.
Serving as the group’s first official event presented as a complete seven-member unit with their dedicated fanbase, the full-house attendance at both performances is a strong metric of WHIB’s rapidly increasing appeal and their ability to mobilize their supporters.
Selling out both shows at a major university venue, two years into their career, confirms their strong commercial viability and potential for rapid growth within the competitive K-pop landscape.
The show was structured to be a dynamic celebration of their journey so far and a promise of what is to come.
The opening was a high-energy spectacle, featuring tracks like “BANG OUT” and their debut single, “DIZZY.” The comprehensive setlist included other fan favorites such as “Rush of Joy,” “Play,” “KICK IT,” and “BANG!”
Exclusive Content and Engaging Stages
The highlight of the concert for many fans was the exclusive content WHIB prepared. The group treated the audience to a surprise performance of an unreleased song titled “Make it,” creating significant buzz and giving fans an intimate, forward-looking glimpse into their new music.
Beyond their original tracks, the members showcased their versatility and stage presence through impressive special stages.
These included a synchronized dance cover of “Sweaty” and a full-group rendition of ENHYPEN’s “Outside,” a performance that drew particularly loud cheers from the energized audience.
The concert was not just a showcase of musical talent; it was a testament to the members’ strong teamwork and engaging personalities. Interactive segments, including lively talk and game sections, allowed the members to connect with AnD on a more personal level.
They shared trainee stories, highlighting their journey, and took on entertaining K-pop challenge missions, fostering a sense of community and closeness.
Surprise Comeback Announcement and Global Plans
The emotional climax of the evening occurred during the encore, where WHIB performed the track “Still typing.. (subtitle: blank).”
In a heartfelt closing, the members expressed profound gratitude to their fans for their unwavering support and encouraged them to “keep writing new chapters together,” signaling their long-term commitment.
This powerful sentiment was immediately followed by the night’s biggest piece of news: a surprise announcement that WHIB will make a highly anticipated comeback in January of the new year.
This swift return to the music scene signals an aggressive and confident strategy to build on the momentum generated by the sold-out concert and quickly solidify their standing as a group to watch in the next generation of K-pop.
Following this successful domestic milestone, WHIB is not slowing down. The group plans to continue their global tour, taking their dynamic performance to international fans.
Confirmed upcoming stops include major cities across Asia, such as Tokyo, Bangkok, Osaka, and Taipei.
The triumphant sold-out ‘AnD : New Chapter’ concert in Seoul serves as a powerful and successful launchpad for this broader global outreach, confirming that WHIB’s appeal is resonating strongly both at home and internationally.
The group’s dedication to consistent music production and engaging live fan experiences promises a busy and exciting path forward into 2026.
