[Dispatch | Istanbul (Turkey) = Reporter Gu Minji] "I never thought I'd actually come to Turkey."

ATEEZ is coming. The fans who heard the news contacted their friends. They said they "absolutely had to go." Fans rushed from all over the world—from a small city called Giresun, England, Australia, and Brazil. To see ATEEZ in person.

The wait had been different for each. Fans in their third month as ATINYs gathered with those who had supported ATEEZ for years. There was a fan who had been supporting since age 9, and a girl who learned Korean because of ATEEZ.

What they were waiting for was not simply "a favorite singer's stage."

"During difficult times when I couldn't see a way forward, ATEEZ became like a ray of light for me."

Their ages, nationalities, and reasons were all different. There was one thing in common. When fans talked about ATEEZ, their answers naturally turned toward their own lives. Music they loved became their daily life, became their courage. Sometimes it was comfort that helped them endure difficult times.

For Belinda and Debi from England, it was difficult to count how many times they had seen them. So far, about 20 times. They sought them out in various places overseas, and this time also flew to Istanbul.

"ATEEZ's energy and power are really different."

From Seoul to Istanbul, about 8,000 km. ATEEZ's music was more than that distance. It had taken a place as part of their lives.

ATEEZ appeared on the 15th at Festival Park Yenikapi for the "Istanbul Festival." Dispatch was with them on stage that day.

"I first found out about ATEEZ when I was 9 years old. I just really loved them. The songs kept making me want to listen because they suited my taste so much. Naturally, I had no choice but to become a fan. I'm so happy to be an ATEEZ fan, and I want to keep liking them for a long time to come. I can speak a little Korean too. Not very well though (laughs). I became interested in Korea, and as I looked into Korean culture this and that, I got even more into it. Korea seems to match me really well. I love it so much! ATEEZ is really popular at my school too. I get along well with those friends. I'll always remain a fan of San going forward. I really love you."

"I'm Belinda. I came from Wolverhampton, England. I first learned about K-pop around Christmas 2021. I learned about K-pop and fell for ATEEZ. After that, I had nothing but ATEEZ in my life. I think I've seen them about 20 times so far. Every time I see them, I really feel how amazing they are. They're the best. Really cool. I just love everything about ATEEZ—their energy, their power, everything. The songs are really good and the performances are amazing too. I've seen many other K-pop groups. They're all good, but they don't seem like as much as ATEEZ to me. ATEEZ is just really the best."

"I'm Debi. I also came from England. I've seen ATEEZ about 11 times. I think ATEEZ's appeal is their stage presence. Really, there's no comparison. It's like their energy is exploding?"

"Right during the coronavirus period, when things were really difficult and I couldn't see ahead, I started listening to K-pop. As I got to know various groups one by one, I met ATEEZ. During that dark time, ATEEZ became like a ray of light for me. I hope all the members stay healthy and happy. ATEEZ fighting!"

"What kind of influence does ATEEZ have on us? I think they give us happiness. Even when I'm in a bad mood, when I see ATEEZ, I can become happy again. Watching their dance and listening to their music makes me feel good, and I get really good energy."

"I'm a 17-year-old ATINY. I learned Korean because of ATEEZ. I've been a fan for a long time. It's been three years. I really love ATEEZ's music. I like it even more because compared to other groups, they have diverse genres. Powerful, sweet…. It's hard to name just a few reasons why I like them. Our ATEEZ is really popular in Turkey too. Everyone loves them!"

"ATEEZ, thank you so much for making my life more beautiful. Thank you so much for being with us, and please be with us for a long, long time. I love you so much! Welcome to Turkey!"

"One of the biggest reasons I love ATEEZ is that they're people who really inspire me. When I compete, I'm inspired by ATEEZ to take the stage. Thanks to that, I've achieved really good results. Oh, I'm so nervous. So nervous! They're a group that gives me a lot of inspiration, and they make me feel so much love. That's why I think I love ATEEZ. San, I love you!"

"I've been an ATINY for about two years. I've been a fan since 'Golden Hour.' I never thought ATEEZ would come to Turkey. I'm so happy. I really want to tell them I love them."

"We usually don't have many opportunities to see ATEEZ. I was so excited. Though it's not an ATEEZ solo concert, I was thrilled like I was going to a solo concert. I came in an excited state. I'm really looking forward to the stage. Especially, I really want to see the dance break part. I want to enjoy it with them while watching in person. I love ATEEZ!"

"Thanks to ATEEZ, I think I've gained a bit more confidence. When I listen to ATEEZ songs, I often think 'I can do this too.' Especially when I'm going through difficult times, listening to their songs has comforted me a lot. I realized music can give people this much strength."

"I never thought ATEEZ would really come to Turkey. I always watched them through videos and thought 'I hope they come to our country someday.' But they really came! When I first saw the news, I contacted my friend right away. I said they absolutely had to go. Just being here today makes me so happy."

"ATEEZ! I hope you'll look kindly at Turkish ATINYs too. We're always supporting from here. I love you so much."

"I've been an ATINY since 2018. ATEEZ really feels like the most family-like group to me. Not only do they communicate with fans, but with every comeback, they've shown perfect songs. They've never disappointed us even once. They always make us happy. I really love you so much. Fighting!"

"My playlist is almost all ATEEZ. I listen in the morning, going to school or work, when I work out. It's good listening to when I'm in a good mood and good listening when I'm struggling. So now it's hard to imagine my daily life without ATEEZ."

"ATEEZ members, let's be together for a long time! I love you!"

I came from a small city in Turkey called Giresun. I rushed here because I wanted to see ATEEZ with my own eyes. I love the dance, the singing, everything. When ATEEZ went on stage, the dance performance, the energetic vibe—I really loved it. (25 Ezel, 18 Eje)

"There's something I really want to say to the ATEEZ members. Thank you for making my life better. I love you so much, and I hope you stay healthy and do lots of activities."

"I really hope they stay healthy. Since we're happy thanks to ATEEZ, I hope the members are happy too. I hope you'll keep making music and performing on stage like you do now for a long time. I'll always support you. I love you!"

"Through liking ATEEZ, I've also met a lot of good friends. So more than just liking music or a singer, I think I've created a lot of good memories in my life."

"My friends all know I love ATEEZ. Because I talk about it so much, now my friends know all the members' names too. (laughs)"

"A word to ATEEZ? First, thank you so much for coming to Turkey. Next time, please stay longer. And please come back for sure. We'll be waiting!"

"ATEEZ means more than K-pop idols."

"Eight makes one team. I'm always grateful, and I love you."

"Come to Turkey again!"

<Photos = Photographer Jung Young-woo>