"Continuing to reach new heights even in our 8th year": ATEEZ aims to follow the success of "BAD" with their limitless "UP" [Comprehensive Report]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The group ATEEZ previewed a more solidified musical identity and a new leap forward. Having expanded their public recognition with their previous work "BAD," they are determined to once again prove ATEEZ's unique color and stage dominance through their new album, "UP."

ATEEZ (Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeseong, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, Jongho) held a press conference on the afternoon of the 12th at the Novotel Ambassador Gangnam in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to mark the release of their 15th mini album, "GOLDEN HOUR : Part.6."

On this day, Hongjoong shared his thoughts on the comeback, saying, "It feels like I am always nervous every time we release a new album. It is an exciting moment. It seems that more people are looking forward to it, so we will strive to repay them with a wonderful activity."

"GOLDEN HOUR : Part.6" is an album that captures ATEEZ's long-accumulated musical identity, worldview, performance, and energy in their most intense form. Rather than staying within familiar methods and frameworks, the group boldly confronts the limits that have defined them, revealing ATEEZ's unique color even more clearly.

Yunho introduced, "We have incorporated our identity heavily into the performance and music video. It will be an album for Ateeny, who have loved us until now."

This album includes a total of five tracks: the title song "UP," "ANEMIA," "Drip," "FAITH," and "Hollow Victory."

The title song "UP" is a track that embodies ATEEZ's determination to surpass even their own limits without pause or boundaries. Intense brass and explosive bass blend together to convey heightened energy and unceasing heat. It also captures ATEEZ's ambition to move toward the highest point, and beyond.

Hongjoong explained, "When we started this year, we promised ourselves that we would make three comebacks. Our 8th anniversary holds deep significance. It is also the first year since our contract renewal after seven years, and with eight members, it was meaningful in many ways." He added, "We thought a lot about what kind of stage ATEEZ can show, a stage unique to ATEEZ. Although it has been 8 years, we captured the fact that we are still aiming upward in an intense song and performance."

Seonghwa revealed confidence in the concept of this album, stating, "I think we have well captured the story we have continued since our debut. I was convinced that we are no different now than we were then."

In particular, this new album is expected to build on the achievements of the previous work. ATEEZ achieved their third overall No. 1 spot on the "Billboard 200," the main album chart of the U.S. Billboard, with their 14th mini album, "GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5," released in June last year. The album also ranked No. 1 in Sony Music Entertainment's ranking for contribution to record and digital music sales, proving its global influence.

Most notably, the previous title song "BAD" secured a top spot on domestic music charts, expanding their public recognition. Since ATEEZ has impressed the domestic public with their music beyond the achievements they have accumulated in overseas markets, expectations for this activity are also rising.

San said, "Before 'BAD' came out, there were many times when I had to explain how well we did overseas, but now it feels like a dream that many people recognize us without us having to say anything." He added, "I think we must strive to become people worthy of that popularity. We will show you our hard work and dedication in our activities."

The pre-released track "Drip" also demonstrated its presence on global charts. "Drip" entered at No. 190 on the U.S. Billboard "Global 200" chart (dated November 7). Mingi hinted, "If 'UP' is a song that shows ATEEZ's narrative, 'Drip' is a track that contains the trendiness ATEEZ can show." He added, "When you listen to it, you will naturally find yourself nodding along."

Through this album, they also revealed their determination to look back on the narrative they have continued since debut while showing a new musical direction. Mingi explained the lyric-writing process for the title song "UP," saying, "I considered how we could capture ATEEZ's narrative of running endlessly and without limit." He added, "We tried to incorporate the story of the past 8 years by utilizing lyrics from our debut album through 'GOLDEN HOUR.'"

There was also discussion about the future direction of the "GOLDEN HOUR" series. Wooyoung said, "It is not that we decide on a series and then make it. Personally, I think it would be good to move on to the next series."

In response, Hongjoong stated, "For some series, we set the number of parts in advance, but it seems to change depending on the songs or concepts." He continued, "When we started 'GOLDEN HOUR,' we tried various musical concepts and I think we broadened our base. Songs that many people in Korea would know also came out. Although it has been long, on one hand, I have a feeling that I hope it does not end. Ultimately, I think the big message is what matters most. If a message we want to convey arises, we might boldly end it and move on."

ATEEZ is determined to continue moving forward without losing their own direction. Hongjoong conveyed, "We are grateful that we can show global achievements. ATEEZ's goal was to show our appearance in a way that is true to us. It seems important to show an unshaken attitude regardless of the continuing flow. I think such a look is well captured in this album as well."

Following this, Hongjoong, who described ATEEZ as an "upward-trending group," said, "We are about to start our tour. Since it is a tour that will begin after a short break, we hope you will look forward to the tour we will conduct next year with excitement after listening to this album. We also hope it becomes a good opportunity for those who have not yet come to see ATEEZ."

He added, "'BAD' received much love, and I heard stories that it conquered algorithms. By pre-releasing 'Drip,' we wanted to continue that love." He concluded, "I would like you to think of ATEEZ as a team that originally makes this kind of music."

Meanwhile, ATEEZ's 15th mini album, "GOLDEN HOUR : Part.6," will be released at 2 p.m. on the 13th through various online music sites.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original