Riku

Biography

Riku is a Japanese rapper and singer based in South Korea. He is a member of the South Korean boy band NCT and its Tokyo-based sub-unit NCT WISH, which is managed by SM Entertainment and Avex Trax. Riku debuted with NCT WISH in February 2024 following his participation in the survival program NCT Universe: LASTART.

Early Life and Background

Maeda Riku was born on June 28, 2003, in Fukui, Japan. He grew up in Fukui and has two older sisters, one of whom he cites as a personal role model. Riku’s family background includes ties to the entertainment industry: his cousin is Japanese singer and former Morning Musume member Takahashi Ai.

Before his official entry into K-pop, Riku appeared in a visual advertisement for the cosmetics brand Aimmx in 2021. He passed the SM Global Audition in 2022 and trained with SM Entertainment for approximately one year before competing on NCT Universe: LASTART.

Career

NCT Universe: LASTART and Selection (2023)

In 2023, Riku participated as a contestant on the SM Entertainment survival reality show NCT Universe: LASTART. During the series, he competed against peers for a position in SM’s upcoming NCT sub-unit. Riku ultimately finished at the top of the final rankings, securing his spot in the new group.

Debut with NCT WISH (2024–Present)

Riku debuted as a member of NCT WISH on February 28, 2024, when the group released their official debut single Wish in both Japanese and Korean versions. NCT WISH is the sixth sub-unit of NCT and features a Japan-based concept, promoting actively in both the Korean and Japanese music markets.

Within NCT WISH, Riku serves primarily as a rapper and performer, known for his stage charisma, rhythmic delivery, and charismatic energy in group choreography and live performances.

Discography