South Korean boy group ATEEZ makes a triumphant return to the charts this summer, thrilling fans and listeners worldwide with the release of their 9th mini album, “THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW”. Debuting in October 2018 with a seafarer concept, the eight-member group consists of captain Hongjoong, as well as members Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho.
True to their concept of musical storytelling, the new six-track album sees the octet take on the role of rebels – or outlaws – determined to go their own way and break the walls put up by a highly controlled society. The title track ‘BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS)’ is an exhortation to the wild and free spirit of youth, its catchy chorus and fun choreography showing how only a group like ATEEZ can perfectly serve up “a different kind of spicy, (the) Cheongyang chilli pepper vibe”.
Main rapper and main dancer Mingi, who participated in the production and songwriting process, said that he had paid a lot of attention to detail with the lyrics. “I wanted straightforward lyrics with impact in each word,” he added.
The title track’s music video (MV) has racked up more than 80 million views on YouTube so far, and is the group’s fastest MV to achieve this milestone. The video is an exhilarating jaunt into a dystopian world reminiscent of a Spaghetti Western, with the ATEEZ members showing off their acting chops (and immaculate visuals) as cowboys/outlaws (Hongjoong and Mingi), bikers (Seonghwa and Yeosang), mechanics (Yunho and Jongho), and a fighter and his fixer (San and Wooyoung).
Following their comeback, ATEEZ has embarked on the Asia leg of the ‘THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL’ World Tour, which has taken them to places such as Taipei, Hong Kong, Jeddah, and Bangkok. What keeps them going despite such a hectic schedule?
Said main vocalist and maknae (the youngest) Jongho, “The moment I find most enjoyable is being on stage and performing in front of our fans. When we see our fans, we get a lot of energy and are really thankful to ATINY for that.”
For leader and main rapper Hongjoong, the best moment is when he is able to communicate with ATINYs on stage, especially when they sing along and he can feel that they are enjoying the concert.
Echoing similar sentiments, lead vocalist and main dancer San admitted that it was difficult at times, but he was empowered by the energy and love from fans. Vocalist and visual Seonghwa shared that he is also motivated by how the ATEEZ members learn from one another and strive towards their goals.
What’s Next for ATEEZ?
Come 9 September 2023, ATEEZ will make their voyage to Singapore’s shores for the first time and play to a sold-out audience at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. ATINYs can look forward to ATEEZ’s signature theatrical stages and powerful performances, as well as a setlist featuring fan-favorites like ‘Hala Hala’, ‘Say My Name’, ‘Wonderland’, ‘Halazia’ and ‘Guerrilla’.
Meanwhile, the rising stars are looking ahead for the rest of the year. Asked about the group’s plans for the latter part of 2023, Seonghwa said, “My ambition is to reveal more facets of ATEEZ and engage our fans, ATINY, with enhanced performances.”
“We have a few events for ATEEZ’s birthday (on 24 October) and our fans ATINYs’ birthday (on 17 November) in 2023. There will be many happenings in the upcoming few months, so please wait for that!” teased Hongjoong.
If you have not done so, don’t forget to check out ATEEZ’s 9th mini album, “THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW”.
