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Ri-Soo

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Ri-Soo at a music awards show

Ri-Soo (Korean: 리수) is a South Korean singer and performer formerly affiliated with the music label Indigo Velour. Known for her intense stage presence and emotional performances, Ri-Soo gained widespread attention following the Indigo Velour bombing, which resulted in the death of her younger sister, Yuna, and triggered a series of controversial media appearances that led to her departure from the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Career

Ri-Soo trained under Indigo Velour’s idol development program and debuted as part of the company’s alternative performance lineup. She was recognized for her powerful stage charisma and was considered one of the most technically skilled rappers in the label’s roster.

Her career was marked by high-profile performances despite a smaller international fanbase. She was known for her intensity both on and off stage, often described by fans as “possessed” during live shows.

Indigo Velour Bombing

On the day of a major Indigo Velour hosted musical performance, a bomb was detonated at a cultural center in Seoul by a fan who had become parasocially obsessed with various idols, possibly including Ri-Soo herself. The attack killed multiple people, including Ri-Soo’s younger sister, Yuna, who was present near the stage.

Ri-Soo was not physically harmed but was deeply affected by the incident. Her subsequent behavior, including public outbursts and confrontational interviews, drew significant media attention and controversy.

Media Controversy and Departure

Following the bombing, Ri-Soo embarked on a series of media appearances in which she criticized Indigo Velour, the idol industry, and fellow performers. Her most infamous appearance occurred on a British talk show, where she made inflammatory remarks about her former label and AfterDark idol Hyeon, who was present during the interview, including personal insults and accusations of exploitation.

The broadcast ended with Ri-Soo knocking over a camera mid-interview. The clip went viral internationally and sparked widespread debate about mental health, trauma, and the pressures of idol culture.

Indigo Velour later confirmed that Ri-Soo was no longer affiliated with the company.

Ri-Soo’s statements were met with mixed reactions. Some fans and commentators viewed her as a whistleblower exposing the darker aspects of the industry, while others criticized her for being unprofessional and insensitive.

Korean media and netizens were largely critical, with hashtags such as
#RiSooOut and #RespectTheStage trending in response.

Later Career and Legacy

Ri-Soo remains a polarizing figure in K-pop history. Her performances are remembered for their emotional intensity, and her post-bombing media presence continues to be cited in discussions about idol mental health, parasociality, and corporate accountability.

Her departure from the industry marked a turning point in public discourse surrounding the treatment of idols following traumatic events.

Discography

Extended Plays (EPs)
• The Night Carnival – First solo EP

Singles
• BREAKOUT! – From ZL3Y3RZ's ZZ album; collaboration song
• Blackwing – From ZL3Y3RZ's ZZ album; collaboration song

• BLACKHEARTED (Ri-Soo Cover) – From Ji-Yeon's BLACKHEARTED EP; cover song

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