One word to describe the past weekend? Adrenaline. K-pop group ATEEZ brought the house down with their electric performance, marking Singapore as a stop in the Asia and Australia leg of their In Your Fantasy world tour.
They were a definite lived reality for the throng of devoted fans, collectively named ATINY. Known for their explosive, high-energy discography, the eight-member group did not disappoint with live renditions of their popular tracks like ‘Ice In My Teeth’, ‘Bouncy (K-hot Chili Peppers)’ and ‘Work’. The group tracks seamlessly transitioned into a solo spotlight, with each member leaning into their artistic strengths, from Hongjoong’s DJ set to San’s sultry performance. Backed by a live band, the group raised the energy through the roof for nearly three hours, proving their prowess as one of K-pop’s biggest names currently.
It seems it’s only been upwards for ATEEZ. In 2024, they became the first male Korean group to perform at Coachella. They clinched magnanimous achievements last year as the group swept awards at the Asia Artist Awards ceremony. Meanwhile, their newest album Golden Hour : Part.4 earned them a top spot on Billboard charts, being one of the only three K-pop groups (alongside BTS and Stray Kids) who have made it into the Hot 100.
Hot off the stage, Vogue Singapore speaks to Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho on the world tour, their creative journey as artists and what they’re looking forward to in this next chapter of their career.
Welcome to Singapore! What are you most looking forward to doing while in town?
Yunho: It’s been a while since we last came back so we’re really excited to see our fans again. The last time we were here, Jongho couldn’t be with us but now he finally gets to feel the energy from our Singapore ATINY too. We always love connecting with ATINY during the show and feeling your energy in person. Whenever we have some free time, I enjoy walking around the city at night and taking photos.
San: The food here is amazing. Everyone kept recommending the Singapore chilli crab, and I ended up eating so much because it was that good. Honestly, everything we tried tasted great. Seeing our ATINY, enjoying good food, and making new memories together. It’s been really special.
From Treasure to The World and now Golden Hour, ATEEZ’s sound has grown darker yet more refined. Can you tell us about how the group’s sound and vision has changed since your debut in 2018?
Hongjoong: We explore many different themes through our albums and the series we create, and each one reflects a story we want to tell. What keeps us grounded is the vision of having a sound that’s uniquely ours. Since the music comes from us, that feeling naturally comes through but we still keep it in mind whenever we work on new songs. We’ve grown through the experiences along the way of the years that have passed, and each series reflects that growth. The Golden Hour era especially shows where we are right now. We also like to try different genres and styles and turn them into something uniquely ATEEZ.
Seonghwa: Back then, we were running with everything we had, and we still are now. But as ATINY gives us new achievements and moments, our vision keeps growing and we find ourselves reaching higher. We’ve had the chance to stand on such big stages and every time we do, we want to show the sound that makes us different. The core of the ATEEZ sound hasn’t changed, but like us, it keeps evolving. It finds new styles and new ways to connect with people.
ATEEZ albums feel more like chapters, rather than standalone releases. Are they reflective of ATEEZ’s growth as musicians, and how does this impact the group’s approach to music-making?
Hongjoong: Our albums are part of a series, and each one reflects a part of our lives we want to share. The albums and songs are a reflection of our growth and the experiences we’ve had. As we evolve and change as people, our music will grow with us, but the foundation—our ATEEZ sound—won’t change. At the same time, it gives us the freedom to explore new directions and new things musically.
Mingi: Everything we release reflects who we are as a group at that moment in time. Sometimes the inspiration comes from a movie we’ve watched that captures the vibe we want for a song, or from something in our daily lives that we turn into lyrics. Each series carries its own message through the tracks, but it still holds a sound that’s uniquely ours. Personally, I’ve become more interested in the texture and finer details of each track—the small elements that really shape the overall feeling of the song.
Tell us more about Golden Hour : Part.4. How does it enter the Golden Hour universe—and how does it differ from previous parts?
Yeosang: With this album, and especially the title track ‘Adrenaline’, we really wanted to show a stronger side of ourselves—the part of us that wants to push the limit and go all out. There are many different sides to Golden Hour, whether in our lives or in the stories we tell. For Part.4, we wanted to capture that intense energy and the rush that comes with it.
Are there any genres in music that the team wants to explore more of in the near future?
Mingi: We’ve tried so many different genres already but there are many more I want us to explore as a group. I think we’re a team that can take in many styles and make them our own with a unique stamp. Next time, it would be fun to do something that makes people want to dance too.
Jongho: We’ve touched on it before but it would be cool to lean back into that rock element. Something like ‘Guerrilla‘, because it’s always amazing to see a track like that come alive on stage.
You are recognised for your powerful stage presence and intense choreography. How does dance and performance play into the ATEEZ universe?
Yunho: Dance is another part of the story we’re telling. Performance is where the concept comes to life, and the choreography carries a lot of emotional weight. The fashion, make-up, choreography, and the song itself all come together to create the performance. Dance is such a vital part of the visual experience.
San: This time I was able to partake in the choreography, so I had a lot of fun making it. I felt so happy and honoured to see the members performing it well and really capturing the effect I was going for in performances. It’s such a vital part of the song in that it’s a visual portrayal of the track and our message.
What does your dream collaboration—whether in K-pop or beyond—look like?
Jongho: I would love to collaborate with an artist who has a completely different style from ours. Maybe Bruno Mars? I love his music and it’d be such an honour.
Wooyoung: I had the chance to collaborate with Gallant. It was a really meaningful experience and a true honour to work with an artist like him. There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with so it’s hard to name just one dream collaboration, but I do have a role model I really look up to—both in life and as an artist—and it’s Taeyang. He is a huge inspiration to me and I’d love to work with him someday.
In 2024, ATEEZ became the first male K-pop group to perform at Coachella. How does it feel to be recognised for your artistry on global stages—and what have you learned about yourselves as artists whilst touring?
Yeosang: The time we spend with ATINY, whether it’s on tour, at festivals, or at other events, is always special. They’re the reason behind our achievements because every step we take, we take together. The opportunities we’ve had to stand on global stages are possible because of the recognition and support ATINY give us. Their love opens new doors for us, and it’s something we truly feel in every show and every moment we share.
Wooyoung: It’s an honour to be recognised and to stand on such big stages around the world. We know it’s not something to take for granted so we’re grateful for every single moment. Coachella was a huge milestone for us, and with every tour we continue to grow as performers. It’s given us so much experience and I’ve learned that no matter the stage or the size of the venue, sincerity is what truly connects us with our fans. ATINY are our biggest support, and touring isn’t only about what we learn about ourselves, it’s also about what we share and gain together with ATINY who spend their time with us.
