K-pop groups have found mixed fortune when trying to carve out success in U.K, with even the most established groups struggling to achieve a significant impact. Chart results, concert attendance and record sales can be as mercurial as the British weather. ATEEZ, however, has always done exceptionally well in the UK. The group, formed of members HONGJOONG, SEONGHWA, YUNHO, YEOSANG, SAN, MINGI, WOOYOUNG and JONGHO have managed to become the first K-pop group to score three UK Top 10 albums in one year.
They also made it to Number Two in the UK charts with ‘The WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW’ and are equally as popular Stateside, having topped the Billboard 200 twice. As Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters has become a runaway global hit, infiltrating global charts, plenty of people are drawing comparison to the Saja Boys and ATEEZ- in particular the characters of Abby with SAN, and Romance with SEONGHWA. One of the hit songs from the soundtrack, ‘Your Idol,’ sounds like it could easily have come from ATEEZ’s discography. Unlike the movie characters, the real-life idols definitely all possess heart and soul.
ATEEZ’ formula for success is a methodical one, ensuring that they have been consistent both sonically and thematically over the years, whilst they explore and evolve their music. They’ve also largely stayed away from more sugary pop, opting for a much grittier and sexier sound. There can be a lot of pressure with Korean idol comebacks (the term for a new album cycle) to completely overhaul the DNA of what makes them a group, changing everything from the foundations of their music to the aesthetics of each member- but ATEEZ has travelled a different route. Like JONGHO’s unwavering hair colour choice, consistency has been key for connecting with their fans (called ATINY.)
There is a fizzing sexiness to their music. Latin and R&B influences are infused with EDM and touches of pop, that anchors their music, allowing them to experiment- often on their lead singles- with explosive, non-linear structured songs that inevitably become ear-worms and TikTok sounds. Their latest English language track ‘In Your Fantasy’ is proof that their strategy works. It charted in the Billboard Hot 100, making ATEEZ just the third K-pop boy band in history to do so, along with fellow powerhouse idol groups BTS and Stray Kids.
‘In Your Fantasy’ has a darker and sexier tone to it, with lyrics that reference the character of fallen angel, Lucifer. YUNHO starts the song singing “I know what you’re into/baby I’m your type. I can be gentle, but that ain’t what you like,” before the chorus instructs you to “come take a seat in your fantasy”. It’s unapologetically sexy, with a cranking baseline, heavy breathing and whispering, as the track careers around from angelic high notes from SEONGWHA, YUNHO, SAN, WOOYOUNG and JONGHO, switching gears down to YEOSANG’s lower tones, completed by HONGJOONG and MINGI’s staccato rap verses.
The Korean idols are currently on their world stadium tour, named after the album. What’s incredibly impressive is the group’s commitment to the bit whilst performing. There is always a devilish twinkle in SEONGHWA’s eyes whenever he appears on the big screen, as he works the choreography and his hips. MINGI actively encourages the barking from the crowd multiple times in the night. During one moment, there is a close up of a panting SAN doing a fairy ending that elicits wild screams from the mammoth crowd at Citi Field Stadium in New York.
ATEEZ concerts are always impossibly impressive, achieved by their synergy with one another. Their ‘eight makes one team’ slogan is in full bloom during their show, as they somehow manage to execute high octane choreography whilst somehow never compromising on their controlled and powerful vocals. ATEEZ’ twelfth mini-album, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition, features solo tracks from each member. During the concert it allows for a more personal, direct connection with the crowd. HONGJOONG channels his BRAT era with a one-song DJ set for his song ‘NO1.’ His electric, hyper-energy performance is contrasted with JONGHO, who slows things down with an emotional ballad ‘To be Your Light’ with him hitting every impossible high note.
The trio, nicknamed ‘Ruby,’ who comprise of SEONGHWA, YUNHO and SAN, carry the torch for album’s more the sensual side. SEONGWHA gives a pulse-racing performance of ‘Skin,’ stripping down to an embellished tank-top, falling to his knees. YUNHO shows off his main dancer credentials as he performs the smooth ‘Slide to Me,’ crooning silkily as he move. Mr. Charismas himself, SAN, performs ‘Creep’ with his trademark dance style, rizz and purring vocals. It’s a fitting touch to let each member have their moment, as ironically, even though their slogan is ‘eight makes one team,’ each member excels on their own in every performance discipline.
There’s plenty of animalistic performance on the stage too. MINGI revved up the crowd with his firework of a performance to ‘ROAR.’ YEOSANG’s rocky emo track ‘Legacy’ is a perfect vehicle to allow him to show off his versatility as a performer (as well as his new buff gym physique.) WOOYOUNG – who appeared to have lost half of his outfit during his solo – belts out his song ‘Sagittarius’ with a shimmering celestial backdrop to an equally sparkling performance.
After peppering in their impressive solo numbers, they slide seamlessly into formation to perform their roaring crowd pleasers such as ‘WORK’ and ‘Ice on My Teeth.’ ATEEZ has a command over the stage and the audience when they perform. ‘In Your Fantasy’ is exactly what you want from a stadium tour- with eight exceptional performers who are perfect in-tune and instep with one another giving you one hell of a show. As they continued on their American leg of the tour, we chatted to the team about their new album, their dynamics within the group and life on tour.
I’m curious to know what kind of direction you take in the overall process. Is it easier to start with a blank canvas on part 1 or harder to think of the original concept? Or easier to build on a theme you have started for part 3, or is it more difficult to keep things cohesive?
MINGI: Starting from scratch like in (Golden Hour) Part.1 can be creatively challenging, because we’re building an entirely new story and direction from the ground up. There’s a lot of excitement and imagination involved, but it also comes with pressure – since that first step shapes the tone for the whole series. On the other hand, by the time we get to something like Part.3, the world and themes are already established, so the challenge becomes keeping things fresh and impactful while staying true to the foundation we’ve built. Both stages have their own difficulties and excitement – they just require different kinds of thought and energy.
Do you have a favourite track from the record?
SAN: My favourite track from this album is ‘Now this house ain’t a home.’ It really captures the emotional side of ATEEZ and lets our vocals shine. The lyrics are beautiful and powerful, and every time I sing it, I find myself completely immersed.
Which are you most excited to perform and why?
YEOSANG: I’m most excited to perform our English Language single, ’In Your Fantasy.’ Since it shares the same name as our tour, it feels even more special. The performance is something very different from what we’ve done before – it’s powerful, seductive, and visually striking. I’m really curious to see how fans will respond, and I’m looking forward to sharing this new side of ATEEZ with them.
What song do you have most fun performing on tour? Are there any songs you have enjoyed performing in the past that you would like to bring back to perform again soon?
SAN: I really enjoy performing ‘The Real’ on tour. It’s the final song of the set, and we get to surprise fans by reappearing on stage – their reactions make that moment so fun and memorable. The energy they give us feels new every time. If I could bring back one past song to perform again, it would be ‘Deja Vu.’ It’s a smooth track that allows for deep focus on expression and detail, and I find a lot of satisfaction in the intensity of the emotions it demands on stage.
You have had incredible popularity in global music markets. Only seven K-pop groups have managed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, and you are also the first K-pop group to secure four consecutive number 10 albums on the UK chart. Can you talk about your new track?
HONGJOONG: ’In Your Fantasy’ shows a different and more seductive side of ATEEZ. Unlike some of our past tracks that were powerful and explosive, this one leans into a darker, more alluring mood. Sonically, it’s a new direction for us, and we wanted to use this opportunity to show how versatile ATEEZ can be. It was a fresh challenge, and we poured a lot of passion into preparing it.
You have travelled to the UK and the US before – what are your favourite memories outside of performing there?
WOOYOUNG: Outside of the performances, my favourite memories are always the small moments I share with the members. Whether it’s grabbing a meal at a restaurant in a new city, laughing together in the hotel after a long day, or exploring somewhere we’ve never been before – those are the things I really treasure. Traveling together has brought us even closer as a team, and I think those moments help make the tour more meaningful.
When you’re on tour, do you find you hang out with certain members more? Like do some members prefer staying in the hotel and resting? Do some prefer to explore the city?
HONGJOONG: When we’re on tour, taking care of our condition is really important, so I usually like to rest in the hotel and focus on preparing for the shows. But if it’s a city I haven’t been to before, I do like to take a short walk or explore nearby spots with the members. Each of us has our own style, some members love to relax in the room, while others enjoy going out and soaking in the local vibe.
What do you enjoy about performing abroad?
SEONGHWA: What I enjoy most about performing abroad is how every place has its own unique atmosphere. The weather, the energy of the crowd, even the air – everything feels different from city to city. It’s exciting to discover how each audience reacts and how they show their love. Outside of the stage, I really enjoy getting to try local food with the members and just taking in the sights, even for a short walk.
Do any of you get nervous before you perform live? How do you work through that?
JONGHO: I still get nervous before going on stage, to be honest. But I’ve learned to manage it through consistent practice and mindset control. I mentally simulate the performance, where I’ll move, how I’ll sing each part, and that helps me stay focused. Once I step on stage and feel ATINY’s energy, everything shifts, and I’m able to fully immerse myself and enjoy the moment.
How do you support each other with the intense world and tight schedule?
MINGI: After spending so many years together, we’ve gotten really good at reading each other – even without saying a word. If someone needs space or rest, we pick up on that and respect it. We also try to communicate often, especially during tours. At the end of the day, I think it all comes down to mutual respect and genuinely caring for each other.
Which member is best to go to for comfort and why?
YEOSANG: When I need comfort, the first member I turn to is SEONGHWA. He’s really good at empathising and always listens with warmth no matter what I say. His advice is thoughtful and sincere, which gives me a lot of strength. Even just a word or a small expression from him feels comforting.
Which member is best to go to lighten the mood and why?
JONGHO: The member who lightens the mood best is definitely WOOYOUNG. He’s so witty that just being around him lifts your spirits.
SEONGHWA: YUNHO is the member who really lightens the mood. He always brings such positive energy, and even the way he talks has a calming, uplifting tone.
Which member is best to go to for advice in a tough situation and why?
YUNHO: Whenever I’m going through something tough, HONGJOONG is the first person I go to for advice. He has a clear, realistic perspective on things. Sometimes what he says can sound strict, but I always realize later how helpful and necessary it was.
Which member is best at checking in on other members, and noticing if someone needs help?
WOOYOUNG: I think the member who’s best at checking in on others is SAN. Even though he’s playful and outgoing, he’s actually really sensitive to how people around him are feeling. He notices even the smallest changes in our moods and quietly checks in on things.
ATINY love when you playfully tease and bicker each other – is anyone currently being a menace and winding up another member and having fun teasing about something?
MINGI: Lately, WOOYOUNG has been the playful one. He’s always quick to pick up on a funny phrase or inside joke that’s trending between us and won’t stop repeating it to tease someone.
What are you most excited for in the second half of the year?
YUNHO: In the second half of 2025, I’m most excited about continuing our world tour. We’ll be visiting so many different cities, and of course meeting the local ATINYs. We’re always preparing something new for the stage, so I believe fans will get to see even more sides of ATEEZ in the months ahead.
