Ateez had such a tumultuous 2024 that K-pop superstars didn’t get a chance to reminisce about their success. Instead, they are more focused on what comes next.
Catching up with PEOPLE in December, after the release of their new mini-album The Golden Hour Pt.2, the group’s eight members — Hongjoong, 26, Seonghwa, 26, Yunho, 25, Yeosang, 25, San, 25, Mingi, 25, Wooyoung, 25, and Jongho, 24 — are getting sentimental about their recently concluded US tour and have best appearance in a music video for their latest single, “Ice on My Teeth.”
Billboard Music Awards 2024: See the full list of winners!
The video for “Ice,” which was released Nov. 15, features the 2024 Billboard Music Award nominees in suits and breaks them down among ballerinas wearing ballet flats in the ominous setting of a castle that is part Peaky Blinders, part Saltburn.
The members swapped their “pirate king” alter ego for some dandy and gangster fashion choices in the video. Yunho tells PEOPLE, “I’m really excited to show the concept with the new ‘Yunho’ and share an even wider range of looks and vocal tones.”
The others were somewhat envious of the distinctive accessory of one member.
“I thought Seonghwa’s wide-brimmed hat was really unique and suited him well. It also went perfectly with the vibe of ‘Ice On My Teeth,’ and it made me think that I’d like to try wearing that hat one day,” says Yeosang, before Wooyoung playfully interjects, “I think I stand out the most, but the other members’ styling is also very well done.”
Atheism.
And of course they were watching how their fans, known collectively as “ATINY”, reacted to the song and the album.
“We are very grateful to all the fans who showed so much love for the catchy tunes and those who enjoyed watching us take on new challenges,” says Jongho, the group’s youngest member. “Every one of their reactions has been so wonderful and their support has been truly amazing. It only makes us want to work harder to deliver even more diverse music and show different sides of ourselves in the future.”
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Ateez in April 2024.
Frazer Harrison/Getty
“Ice on My Teeth” is the latest in a recent string of genre-bending hits for Ateez, including the release of their viral single “Bouncy” in 2023, followed by the infectious “Work” in May 2024. Both blew up on TikTok and earned the group plenty of new fans outside of the K-pop world.
But Hongjoong, the group’s leader, sees their success as a much bigger picture. Asked about their last two years, he explains, “It’s not so much the changes after a period of time, but the continuous efforts we’ve put in and the love and support we’ve received from ATINY coming together.”
He adds, “Because of that, I believe we’ve been able to present music and performances that resonate with even more people. I’m forever grateful for that, and I have a strong desire to consistently present new and meaningful works.”
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Ateez in April 2024.
Frazer Harrison/Getty
In August, the group wrapped up the American leg of their “Towards the Light: Will to Power” tour, including 13 shows in 10 cities, and will embark on the European leg in January.
“Our first world tour was actually in the US and it holds so many memories,” Mingi says of their 2019 visit to the United States, when they played to around 1,000 fans in theaters and clubs. Today they are baseball stadiums and arenas. Still, he says, “Whenever we go there, I can’t help but remember where we started and it always reminds me to stay humble.”
One American date in particular turned out to be more dramatic than expected. When asked what was his favorite memory from the tour, he chose a dream performance that, due to seriously extenuating circumstances, might not happen.
“I would probably pick the show at Citi Field as one of my favorite memories from this tour. The conditions weren’t ideal, but we pulled through thanks to everyone’s love and support, so it left a big impression on me.”
Extreme heat followed by showers and thunderstorms delayed the Mets’ home game by two hours. However, fans took cover or simply got wet while waiting out the inclement weather, and Ateez was finally able to safely take the stage around 9:30pm as Hongjoong reassured the fans, “New York, thank you so much for waiting so long. A little the rain can’t stop us,”
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Atheism.
With 14 more concert dates on the horizon, Seonghwa tells PEOPLE, “I’m both nervous and excited to meet Europe’s ATINY after such a long time. It’s exciting to know that we’ll be meeting more ATINYs in 2025 and sharing even more great music with them. ”
Golden Hour: Part.2 is out now.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education