K-pop powerhouse ATEEZ is ready to captivate audiences once again with the release of their highly anticipated 11th mini-album, “GOLDEN HOUR: Part. 2.” Slated to drop this Friday, the group promises that this new record will showcase the eight members—Seonghwa, Hongjoong, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho—at their absolute brightest.
Just six months after their last release, the global sensation is wasting no time in treating fans to more of their signature sound. Debuting in 2018, ATEEZ has steadily built an impressive international fanbase, solidifying its status as a formidable force in the K-pop sphere.
Last year, the group’s album “ZERO: FEVER Part. 3” debuted at No. 42 on the Billboard 200 chart, highlighting their rapid rise and paving the way for hit tracks like “Crazy Form” and “WORK” that further solidified their global appeal.
ATEEZ’s growing popularity also led them to reach a historic milestone in April, becoming the first-ever K-pop boy band to perform at the prestigious Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
The members recently concluded the North American leg of their 2024 world tour, “TOWARDS THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER,” which saw them greet more than 200,000 fans across the continent. At a press conference in Seoul on Thursday, the ATEEZ members reflected on their remarkable journey and the lessons they’ve learned from their international experiences.
“Performing at big festivals has definitely improved our stage presence and reassured us that we’re on the right path,” member Wooyoung shared. “I believe our strength lies in our powerful performances and unwavering live vocals, which seem to resonate with audiences globally.”
Fellow member Mingi added that exploring different concert cultures has broadened their perspectives. “Watching other artists perform and experiencing diverse concert cultures helped us realize the unique dynamism of our stage presence,” he said. The new album, the members explained, incorporates these valuable insights, with the aim of expressing ATEEZ’s pride in their identity and values.
“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.”
Hongjoong described the lead single, “Ice On My Teeth,” as a self-assured message that resonates with modern listeners. “This was our way of showing pride in ourselves and those who support us,” he said. “We wanted to express that pride creatively and in a way that feels most genuine.”
The hip-hop track, with its elegant string elements, adds a touch of cool confidence to the album, according to the 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.”
As ATEEZ approaches its seventh anniversary next year, 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 new release, hoping to make it a memorable finale to the year.
“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.”