The members of K-pop boy band ATEEZ pose during a press conference for the group's new album release at a hotel in southeastern Seoul's Songpa District, Thursday. Yonhap
Known for its global reach, K-pop boy band ATEEZ is gearing up for a new release, "GOLDEN HOUR: Part. 2," slated for release on Friday. Returning to the scene just six months after its last work, the group says this album will showcase the band's eight members at their brightest yet.
ATEEZ — comprising members Seonghwa, Hongjoong, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho — debuted in 2018, and has been witnessing steady international growth ever since. In 2021, the band's album ZERO: FEVER Part. 3 debuted at No. 42 on the Billboard 200, paving the way for hits like “Crazy Form” and “WORK” that further solidified its global fanbase.
The group's rise led them to a historic milestone last April when it became the first K-pop boy band to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. It also recently concluded the North American leg of the 2024 world tour, "TOWARDS THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER," greeting more than 200,000 fans across the continent.
At a press conference commemorating the new album's release at a hotel in southeastern Seoul's Songpa District, Thursday, the members took time to reflect on their growing international popularity.
K-pop boy band ATEEZ performs onstage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April. Courtesy of KQ Entertainment
"Performing at big festivals has definitely improved our stage presence and reassured us that we're on the right path," Wooyoung said. "I believe our strength lies in our powerful performances and unwavering live vocals, which seem to resonate with audiences globally."
Mingi added that performing internationally has broadened their perspectives. "Watching other artists perform and experiencing different concert cultures helped us realize the unique dynamism of our stage presence," he said.
The new release, the members explained, incorporates lessons learned from their experiences abroad.
"Our aim with this album was to express our pride in our values and identity," said leader Hongjoong. "Standing on these major stages, I found myself wondering if we had fully appreciated our own worth and conveyed that to our fans."
He described this album, particularly the lead single "Ice On My Teeth," as conveying a self-assured message in a style that resonates with modern listeners.
"This was our way of showing pride in ourselves and those who support us," Hongjoong said. "We wanted to express that pride creatively and in a way that feels most genuine."
Hongjoong of K-pop boy band ATEEZ poses during a press conference held to commemorate the group's new album release at a hotel in southeastern Seoul's Songpa District, Thursday. Yonhap
The lead single, a hip-hop song with elegant string elements, adds a flair of coolness to the album, according to the ATEEZ members. The unlikely title references diamonds set in teeth, symbolizing how seemingly mismatched elements can harmoniously coexist when their true value is appreciated.
"The idea of jewels, or ice, in one's teeth might seem odd," said Yunho, "but we wanted to show that it can look stylish and natural when we wear it. We hope listeners enjoy the playful confidence in the lyrics."
The album features a total of six songs, including "DEEP DIVE," "Scene 1: Value," "Man on Fire," "Selfish Waltz" and "Enough" in addition to the title track. Hongjoong and Mingi contributed lyrics to five of the tracks, adding a personal touch to the release.
As ATEEZ approaches its seventh anniversary, a common contract renewal period in the K-pop industry, some fans have become unsure and speculative about the group's future. While Hongjoong avoided specifics, he offered an optimistic outlook for those worried.
"We're in active discussions among ourselves and with the company (about our future)," he said. "All eight of us still have a lot to show and we share a common goal of growing as artists for a long time."
As the group nears this important milestone, the ATEEZ members promised to devote themselves fully to promoting this release.
"Next year is a special one for us and we want it to be just as memorable for our fans," Hongjoong said. "So we'll work hard to make this album's promotional activities a meaningful finale to this year."