ATEEZ is marking their 9th year since debut this year.
February, June, November 2026.
They released three albums this year alone.
They could have eased up, but instead chose "strong strong strong."
"Eight years have passed, but we are still looking upward. We wanted to prove it with the music and performance ATEEZ does best."
ATEEZ made their comeback on the 13th with their mini 15th album "GOLDEN HOUR : Part.6". The title track is "UP". It embodies the determination to push beyond limits and move toward higher places.
"UP" attacks from the start. The intense sound is accompanied by relentless performance. There is a succession of intense choreography including group formations with large-scale dancers. They don't ease up for a moment, throwing their whole bodies into it.
They did not settle for the success of "BAD". They chose to change once more. They brought back the pirate concept. They added the depth built up over nine years. They raised the standards they set for themselves one level higher.
Dispatch visited ATEEZ's "UP" music video shoot in October. The members exuded overwhelming charisma, then quickly became lively. We captured their true charm.
As soon as the teaser for the new song "UP" was released, fans stirred.
"Mm, o-e-o"
That's because they sampled the debut song "Pirate King" (2018). Over the familiar melody, they added eight years of growth.
"At this point, I thought about what kind of intense stage only ATEEZ could do. I wanted to show that 'these are the kids who did that kind of thing originally.'" (Hongjoong)
ATEEZ's gamble paid off. The public praised them saying "they dance without holding back," "you can feel the effort in the strong performance and solid live vocals," and "the song and stage most like ATEEZ."
"From TREASURE to GOLDEN HOUR, they killed it huh?" (Mingi)
Now the full-scale shoot for "UP" began.
After the wardrobe change
Ready to set sail
Captain Hongjoong has weighed anchor.
This is the depth of year nine
A single OK is called out.
"ATINYs, do I look like a Doberman now?" (Yeosang)
The members immediately rushed to the monitor. Even for brief moments, they continuously shared opinions. Feedback was immediately reflected.
"Time to flip everything"
"Going crazy 'Bout to go UP"
The shoot continued into late hours. But the members' focus did not waver. They didn't overlook a single scene.
A brief break
This ship is noisier than expected.
"Leave it. They're ATEEZ"
Even the captain can't resist being cute
When eyes meet
Aegyo comes out first.
Even the poodle grand duke appeared.
The black cat cannot be left out either.
"Wow, awesome stuff"
"How do we look?"
The youngest member Jongho's contribution cannot be overlooked. He previously drew attention for his four-octave high notes. In this "UP" as well, he added thrill with explosive vocal power.
"Sailors to your positions"
With their previous album, ATEEZ claimed their third-ever top spot on the Billboard main album chart "Billboard 200". Breaking 1.88 million in initial domestic sales, they became a million-seller for the seventh time.
They are maintaining momentum with the new album. The new album has reached the top in various countries and regions. They swept the top, including taking first place on Hanteo's real-time album chart and Circle Chart's real-time retail album chart.
ATEEZ is beginning their full-scale comeback activities. Their true worth can be confirmed on stage.
"There is no return voyage. Our ship only goes one way."
<Written by Reporter Gu Min-ji>
<Photos by Reporter Jung Young-woo>
