R1SE
R1SE was a Chinese boy band formed through the reality television survival show Produce Camp 2019 on Tencent Video.[1] The group, consisting of eleven members, debuted in 2019 and quickly gained popularity in the Chinese music industry, selling 1.5 million digital copies of their debut album on its first day of release.[1][2] Active for a planned two-year period under Wajijiwa Entertainment, R1SE released four extended plays (EPs) and contributed songs to various soundtracks during their tenure.[2] The members included Zhou Zhennan, He Luoluo, Yan Xujia, Xia Zhiguang, Yao Chen, Zhai Xiaowen, Zhang Yanqi, Liu Ye, Ren Hao, Zhao Lei, and Zhao Rang, with the group's fandom known as "Twelve."[2] Following the expiration of their contract, R1SE held a farewell concert on June 13, 2021, and officially disbanded at midnight on June 14, 2021, after releasing their swan song "Goodbye My Old Friend."[2]Background
Name origin
The name "R1SE" is an acronym derived from four key elements symbolizing the group's ethos and aspirations. The "R" stands for "Running," representing the relentless pursuit of dreams and continuous effort.[3] The "1" signifies "Number 1," embodying the ambition to achieve leadership and excellence in the industry.[4] The "S" denotes "Sun," evoking brightness, warmth, and positivity.[5] Finally, the "E" represents "Energy," highlighting vitality, dynamism, and the driving force behind their performances.[6] The group's name was officially announced on June 8, 2019, during their debut showcase at the finale of the survival program Produce Camp 2019, which emphasized themes of youth and aspiration.[5] This reveal coincided with the release of their debut single, also titled "R.1.S.E.," marking the formal launch of the 11-member ensemble under Wajijiwa Entertainment.[4] Overall, "R1SE" encapsulates the members' commitment to rigorous training and upward momentum, reflecting their collective goal to rise as China's premier boy band.[3] The name's structure underscores a narrative of perseverance and innovation in the Chinese idol landscape, positioning the group as trailblazers in a competitive field.[6]Formation and concept
Produce Camp 2019, also known as Chuang 2019, was a Chinese reality survival television series produced by Tencent Video, serving as the second season of the Produce 101 China franchise. The show premiered on April 6, 2019, and ran for 10 episodes until its finale on June 8, 2019, featuring 101 male trainees from various entertainment agencies across China.[7] These trainees competed in performance evaluations in group battles, position evaluations, and concept challenges, with rankings determined by a combination of mentor assessments and real-time public voting through Tencent's platform.[7] A distinctive element of the program was its selection of the top 11 trainees—rather than the more common nine for similar survival shows—to debut as a boy group, emphasizing a broader representation of talent.[5] On June 8, 2019, during the live finale broadcast, the final rankings were revealed, officially forming R1SE from the highest-voted participants.[5] The trainees had undergone intensive pre-debut training in vocals, dance, rap, and performance skills throughout the program, with episode broadcasts including teaser performances of original tracks and covers to showcase their progress and generate fan engagement.[7] R1SE was conceptualized as a temporary project boy band under Wajijiwa Entertainment, with operations limited to a two-year period to capitalize on the survival show's momentum.[8] The group's theme highlighted youthful energy, diversity in member origins and skills, and dynamic, high-impact performances, drawing from trainees affiliated with several different agencies to foster a multifaceted idol image.[6] This approach aligned with the show's energetic motif, as reflected in the name R1SE, symbolizing "Run, No.1, Sun, Energy."[5]History
2019: Pre-debut and debut
R1SE officially debuted on June 8, 2019, during the live finale broadcast of the Tencent Video survival program Produce Camp 2019, where the 11-member lineup was announced based on public voting results. The group, managed by Wajijiwa Entertainment, performed their debut single "R.1.S.E" for the first time on stage, marking their entry into the Chinese idol scene as a limited-time project boy band set to promote for two years. This debut performance immediately garnered widespread attention, with center and leader Zhou Zhennan securing the top rank with over 37 million votes.[5][4] Following the finale, R1SE engaged in initial promotional activities, including a debut fan meeting integrated into the event, where members interacted directly with fans and expressed gratitude for their support. In the subsequent weeks of June and July 2019, the group received extensive media exposure through interviews, behind-the-scenes content from Produce Camp 2019, and early variety show appearances that highlighted their formation journey and individual talents. These efforts, tied closely to the survival show's momentum, helped establish their presence in Chinese entertainment media, with "R.1.S.E" serving as a promotional tie-in for the film's Men in Black: International release in China.[5] On August 6, 2019, R1SE released their first extended play, Going to Powerfully Burst (就要掷地有声的炸裂), featuring the lead single "None Should Be Stingy" (谁都别吝啬). The EP achieved commercial success, selling over 3 million copies in China, which underscored the rapid growth of their fanbase, officially named "Twelve" (小十二). This release solidified their early momentum, with promotions including a dedicated album fan meeting and music video unveilings that further engaged supporters. On December 15, 2019, they released their second EP, Boom! Rhapsody! (炸裂狂想曲), continuing their initial promotional activities.[9][10][11]2020: Rising popularity
Building on the momentum from their 2019 debut, R1SE experienced significant growth in 2020, marked by key musical releases and adaptations to the global COVID-19 pandemic.[11] The group released their third EP, Sunr1se (曜为名), on June 12, 2020, through Tencent Penguin Film Culture and Wajijiwa Entertainment.[11] The EP, part of their "Burst Trilogy," featured five tracks, including the title song "SUNR1SE" and "Mama Told You to Stop Crying" (妈妈叫你别哭了), blending pop elements with energetic performances.[12] It achieved commercial success, selling over 554,317 copies in China, reflecting the group's strengthening domestic fanbase.[13] The single "Mama Told You to Stop Crying," a highlight from the EP, showcased R1SE's ability to produce relatable, upbeat content amid challenging times.[14] In response to COVID-19 restrictions, R1SE shifted to online events, including the virtual concert SUNR1SE Premiere (曜为名首唱会) on September 23, 2020, which allowed fans to experience live performances digitally.[15] The year also saw expanded commercial opportunities, with increased brand endorsements and cross-promotions; for instance, leader Zhou Zhennan served as a brand ambassador for Red Bull's "Ni Zhen Niu" campaign, boosting the group's visibility through celebrity tie-ins.[16] R1SE gained growing international recognition via streaming platforms, with their music becoming available on global services like Qobuz, attracting listeners beyond China and contributing to C-pop's broader appeal.[17]2021: Final releases and disbandment
In early 2021, R1SE released their final album, We, Sunrise Stars (我们，破晓星辰), on April 29, serving as a farewell project that included tracks like "ZOOM" and "Beyond the World" (彼方世界) to mark the conclusion of their activities.[18] The album was produced under Wajijiwa Entertainment and Tencent, encapsulating reflections on their two-year journey.[17] On June 2, 2021, Wajijiwa Entertainment announced that R1SE would officially disband at midnight on June 14, 2021, following the expiration of their two-year contract from the Produce Camp 2019 survival show.[19] This confirmation aligned with the group's time-limited formation, which had been anticipated since their debut. To bid farewell to fans, R1SE held a series of "Farewell Concert Limited" performances, including shows in Shanghai on May 2–3, 2021, and final concerts in Beijing on June 12–13, 2021, featuring medleys of their hits and emotional speeches. The Beijing events, particularly the June 13 finale, drew significant attendance and were streamed on Tencent platforms.[20] Following the disbandment, R1SE issued a collective Weibo statement expressing deep gratitude to their fandom, "Twelve," for the support over two years and emphasizing the irreplaceable memories formed together.[2] The members conveyed optimism about pursuing individual careers while cherishing their time as a group, with no further major collaborative activities undertaken since June 14, 2021.[21]Members
Profiles and roles
R1SE was composed of 11 members selected from the top rankings of the survival show Produce Camp 2019, each contributing distinct skills in vocals, rap, and dance that defined the group's dynamic performances and stage presence. Their diverse backgrounds, ranging from international traineeships to prior group experiences and underground artistry, allowed for a balanced lineup capable of executing complex choreographies and multilingual tracks during their active years from 2019 to 2021. The members' roles were assigned based on their strengths demonstrated in the show, with leadership and creative input fostering cohesive group chemistry.[4] The following profiles outline the members' birthdates, primary positions, affiliated agencies at debut, pre-R1SE backgrounds, and key contributions to R1SE's activities:| Member | Birthdate | Position(s) | Agency | Pre-R1SE Background | Key Contributions (2019–2021) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhou Zhennan | June 21, 2000 | Leader, Center, Rapper | Wajijiwa Entertainment | JYP Entertainment trainee (2014–2017) | Served as group leader, handling MC duties and guiding performances; ranked #1 in formation show.[4][22] |
| He Luoluo | May 4, 2001 | Main Dancer, Vocalist | Original Plan Entertainment | Leader of youth musical group Yi An Musical | Led dance formations in live stages and music videos; contributed vocals to title tracks like "R.1.S.E."[4][22] |
| Yan Xujia | September 23, 2001 | Rapper, Maknae | Wajijiwa Entertainment | Member of pre-debut group XNINE | Delivered fast-paced rap verses in songs such as "Endless Voices"; youngest member adding youthful energy to fan interactions.[4][22] |
| Xia Zhiguang | January 4, 2000 | Main Dancer | Wajijiwa Entertainment | Intensive dance training; XNINE member | Excelled in high-energy dance breaks during concerts like "We Are R.1.S.E."; enhanced group's visual appeal with acrobatic elements.[23][22] |
| Yao Chen | March 23, 1998 | Main Rapper, Dancer | Fanling Culture | JYP Entertainment trainee | Provided powerful rap lines in tracks like "Going to Powerfully Burst"; co-choreographed select routines, leveraging K-pop training.[4][24] |
| Zhai Xiaowen | May 28, 1999 | Main Vocalist | Wajijiwa Entertainment | Studies in computer science and arts | Anchored high notes and harmonies in EPs such as "SUNR1SE"; supported vocal stability in live broadcasts.[4][22] |
| Zhang Yanqi | July 2, 1998 | Rapper | Attitude Music | Underground rapper; local rap competition winner (2017) | Infused hip-hop flair into group raps for singles like "No Rules"; contributed to creative direction in variety show appearances.[4][22] |
| Liu Ye | November 15, 1993 | Lead Dancer | Pelias Entertainment | Member of boy group SWIN-S | Brought mature dance precision to formations; mentored younger dancers in rehearsals for tours.[4][22] |
| Ren Hao | July 17, 1995 | Dancer, Vocalist | White Media | Member of hip-hop group ZERO-G (debut 2015) | Performed versatile dance-vocal hybrids in medleys; drew from prior group experience to aid subunit collaborations.[4][25] |
| Zhao Lei | January 1, 1999 | Vocalist | Wajijiwa Entertainment | Studies in musical theatre | Delivered emotive vocals in ballads from "Burst Rhapsody"; enhanced emotional depth in fan concerts.[4][22] |
| Zhao Rang | April 24, 2001 | Lead Dancer | SDT Entertainment | FNC Entertainment trainee | Executed sharp dance synchronization in music shows; incorporated trainee-honed techniques for group's dynamic staging.[4][22] |
Post-disbandment activities
Following the disbandment of R1SE on June 14, 2021, the group's eleven members pursued individual careers across music, acting, variety shows, and endorsements, leveraging the visibility gained from their time in the group. Many transitioned to solo endeavors under various entertainment labels, with several crediting their post-group opportunities to the foundational exposure provided by R1SE's promotions and fanbase.[26] Zhou Zhennan, formerly the group's leader and main rapper, shifted focus to variety appearances starting in 2022. He starred as a regular member in the youth-oriented TV show Zhou Zhen Nan 21-22, which documented his personal growth and career milestones, and performed at the Goose Gala 2022, marking his continued presence in entertainment events. By 2025, Zhennan continued participating in variety shows such as Deep into the Wild Season 3 and Shining Summer Season 2.[27] Xia Zhiguang, known for his dance skills during R1SE's active period, pivoted to acting and variety shows post-2021, with a notable uptick in projects from 2023 onward. He took on lead roles in several television dramas, transitioning fully from music to screen work by 2020 but accelerating after disbandment. In 2025, Zhiguang maintained a steady schedule of variety recordings, business events, and upcoming drama releases, including participations in shows like Run For Time where he showcased competitive gaming skills.[28][29][30] Yao Chen, R1SE's main rapper, established a prolific solo music career under JYP Entertainment China, releasing multiple albums and singles from 2023 to 2025. His discography includes the studio album YAOCHEN in 2023, followed by Better With You in 2024 featuring tracks like "L.I.V.E." and "Rum Tonight," and the 2025 single EYES ON YOU. These releases highlighted his versatile style, blending pop and R&B, and achieved commercial success through streaming platforms.[31][32][33] Zhai Xiaowen, R1SE's main vocalist, diversified into acting and brand work post-disbandment. He starred in the 2025 youth drama Always Home, portraying a high school character in a nostalgic coming-of-age story alongside actors like Zhou Keyu. Additionally, Zhai secured endorsements and performed at major events, including the Yuanqi Forest Music Festival in Beijing and Super Mango Music Festival in Shanghai in May 2025, capitalizing on his youthful image for commercial partnerships.[34][35] Zhang Yanqi, the group's rapper, remained active in music and promotions, with a 2025 campaign explicitly referencing his R1SE roots as the "original musician" in energetic performance videos. He featured in brand endorsements, such as a promotional video for AirAsia as their Brand Friend in April 2025, and delivered live performances like 假面 at the 2025 Shining Night event. Yanqi also participated in gaming streams and variety lineups, including the Zhengzhou stop of SUPERLIVE in October 2025.[36][37] He Luoluo pursued acting and music, starring in dramas like The Best Day of My Life (2022) and releasing solo singles such as "Youth" in 2023. By 2025, he appeared in variety shows including Keep Running Season 12 and continued dance-focused endorsements.[38] Yan Xujia focused on acting, debuting in Ashes of Love spin-offs and leading in youth dramas like Link Click Season 2 (2023). In 2025, he starred in Eternal Love adaptations and participated in fashion events. Liu Ye transitioned to solo music and acting, releasing EP Light in 2022 and appearing in web dramas. As of 2025, he performed at indie festivals and hosted dance workshops.[22] Ren Hao engaged in acting and variety, with roles in The King's Avatar (2024) and music releases under White Media. In 2025, he joined Sisters Who Make Waves Season 5 as a mentor.[39] Zhao Lei pursued musical theater and acting, starring in stage productions and dramas like Novoland: Pearl Eclipse (2023). By 2025, he released ballad singles and appeared in holiday specials.[22] Zhao Rang focused on dance and modeling, joining brands like Adidas in 2022 and acting in short films. In 2025, he choreographed for events and competed in dance battles.[22] No official R1SE reunions have occurred as of 2025, respecting the group's time-limited structure, though fan-driven nostalgia persists through social media nods and cameos. Several members, including Yanqi and others from the Produce Camp lineage, appeared at the Tencent Awards 2025 in a "Chuang Family Reunion" segment, evoking group memories without formal collaboration. This event highlighted ongoing fan support for individual paths while subtly nodding to their shared history.[40] Collectively, the members' post-disbandment achievements—such as album releases exceeding millions of streams and drama roles garnering high viewership—have been widely attributed to the platform R1SE provided, enabling sustained careers in China's competitive entertainment industry.Discography
Extended plays
R1SE's debut extended play, Going to Powerfully Burst (就要掷地有声的炸裂), was released on August 6, 2019, through Wajijiwa Entertainment and Tencent Music. The EP included seven tracks, with the lead single "R.1.S.E" serving as the group's debut song, which peaked at number 16 on the Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) UNI Chart and garnered significant streaming attention shortly after release. The album's title track emphasized themes of energy and determination, aligning with the group's dynamic concept, and contributed to its commercial success, selling 3,083,134 copies in China, marking it as one of the top-selling releases of 2019.[9] The group's second EP, Boom! Rhapsody! (炸裂狂想曲), arrived on December 15, 2019, featuring collaborative tracks that highlighted interactions with other artists and showcased R1SE's versatility in pop and hip-hop fusions. Key highlights included the upbeat title track, which incorporated explosive production elements to reflect the group's rising momentum, though specific sales figures were not widely reported, emphasizing its role in building fan engagement through digital platforms.[11] In 2020, R1SE released Sunr1se (曜为名) on June 12, blending electronic and vocal-driven sounds across six tracks, with the title track "Sunr1se" standing out for its anthemic chorus and motivational lyrics about perseverance. The EP achieved solid commercial performance, selling 554,317 copies in China and ranking among the year's notable digital album releases.[13] R1SE's final extended play, Before Sunrise (我们, 破晓星辰), was issued on April 29, 2021, serving as a thematic closure to their two-year tenure with ten tracks that retrospectively chronicled their journey from formation to growth. Highlights included the reflective title track and "Goodbye My Old Friend," capturing emotional farewell tones; while exact sales were not detailed in major charts, it underscored the group's legacy before their disbandment later that year.[41]Singles
R1SE released numerous digital singles during their two-year tenure, often as standalone tracks, promotional releases, or contributions to soundtracks for television series and films. These singles helped sustain their visibility between extended play releases and were frequently tied to variety shows, events, or collaborations, showcasing the group's energetic pop style and vocal harmonies. Many achieved notable streaming success on platforms like QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music, reflecting their strong domestic fanbase.[8] The debut single "R.1.S.E," released on June 8, 2019, marked the group's official entry into the music scene and served as the promotional theme for the Chinese release of the film Men in Black: International. It highlighted the members' synchronized choreography and youthful energy, quickly gaining traction among fans of the survival show Produce Camp 2019.[8][42] Subsequent singles in 2019 included "Shout My Name" (喊出我的名字), a high-energy anthem encouraging self-expression, and "Be Yourself," which emphasized individuality and was promoted alongside fan engagement activities. "World World World" followed, capturing a sense of global adventure, while "Twelve (十二)" reflected on the group's formation from twelve original trainees. "Going To Powerfully Burst (就要掷地有声的炸裂)" and "Have Fun" rounded out the year's releases, both featuring upbeat rhythms suited for live performances. These tracks were distributed digitally via Tencent Music and streamed extensively on QQ Music.[8][42] In 2020, R1SE continued with singles like "Jue Er Wu Da Xiao (角儿无大小)," a motivational piece about equal contributions, and "Madman (瘋子)," exploring themes of passion and intensity. "Never Surrender" promoted resilience, tying into the group's rising popularity phase. Other releases included "Stars Soaked In Rice (星星泡飯)," a playful track, "Sheng Sheng Bu Xi (聲聲不息)," focusing on perseverance, and "Chasing Light Barefoot (赤腳追光)," evoking freedom and pursuit of dreams. "Mama Told You to Stop Crying (妈妈叫你别哭了)," released on June 12, 2020, featured a nostalgic, comforting melody performed by select members and was promoted as part of anniversary celebrations, peaking at number 12 on the TME UNI Chart. These singles often charted within the top tiers on QQ Music's daily and weekly rankings, contributing to the group's streaming milestones.[8][14] Several singles doubled as original soundtracks (OSTs), expanding R1SE's reach into media. "Glory Battlefield (荣耀的战场)" served as the theme for the anime The King's Avatar in 2019, blending electronic elements with rap verses. "Juvenile" was released in 2019 as a digital single, while "Innocent (无愧)" was featured in the film Shanghai Fortress, underscoring themes of bravery and redemption. These OST contributions were well-received on NetEase Cloud Music, where user playlists and comments highlighted their emotional depth.[8]| Title | Release Date | Promotional Context |
|---|---|---|
| R.1.S.E | June 8, 2019 | Debut single; theme for Men in Black: International (China) |
| Shout My Name (喊出我的名字) | 2019 | Standalone digital release; fan engagement track |
| Be Yourself | 2019 | Promoted self-empowerment theme |
| World World World | 2019 | Adventure-themed single |
| Twelve (十二) | 2019 | Reflective on group formation |
| Going To Powerfully Burst (就要掷地有声的炸裂) | 2019 | Energetic promotional single |
| Have Fun | 2019 | Upbeat track for live events |
| Glory Battlefield (荣耀的战场) | 2019 | OST for The King's Avatar |
| Juvenile | 2019 | Standalone digital single |
| Innocent (无愧) | 2019 | OST for Shanghai Fortress |
| Jue Er Wu Da Xiao (角儿无大小) | 2020 | Motivational standalone |
| Madman (瘋子) | 2020 | Intensity-themed release |
| Never Surrender | 2020 | Resilience anthem |
| Stars Soaked In Rice (星星泡飯) | 2020 | Playful digital single |
| Sheng Sheng Bu Xi (聲聲不息) | 2020 | Perseverance track |
| Chasing Light Barefoot (赤腳追光) | 2020 | Freedom and dreams theme |
| Mama Told You to Stop Crying (妈妈叫你别哭了) | June 12, 2020 | Anniversary promotional single |