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ATEEZ
By: ATEEZ article on Wikipedia
South Korean boy group Ateez have released six studio albums, sixteen extended plays and twenty-eight singles. They debuted in October 2018 with Treasure EP.1: All to Zero, marking the opening of the five-part Korean-language Treasure album series. They caught international attention early in their career, which their second EP, Treasure EP.2: Zero
be certified platinum by the Korea Music Content Association. The next EPs, Zero: Fever Part.2 and Zero: Fever Part.3, were both certified double platinum in 2021. Zero: Fever Part.3 and Zero: Fever Epilogue charted at number 42 and 73 respectively on the Billboard 200 main chart in the United States. Ateez have sold over seven million physical albums worldwide. They were the
Kang Yeosang, member of ATEEZ, carries a torch as part of a performance transition at the New York stop of the group’s “In Your Fantasy” tour in summer 2025.
eventually become Ateez’s leader, expressing interest in becoming a trainee at the company. Hongjoong became the company’s first official trainee and would remain the only one until Yunho joined six months later. Over the next year, members Mingi, San, Seonghwa, Yeosang, Jongho, and Wooyoung joined KQ Entertainment as trainees. Many had previous training experience at other companies: Mingi at Maroo Entertainment, Jongho at TOP Media, and Yeosang and Wooyoung at Big Hit Entertainment. They were known as “KQ Fellaz” prior to debuting.
In late 2017, Hongjoong, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho competed on the survival reality show Mix Nine, placing 42nd, 63rd, 72nd, and 43rd out of all male contestants, respectively. On May 18, 2018, KQ Entertainment released the YouTube video “KQ Fellaz Performance Video I”, which featured all eight Ateez members together for the first time, dancing to the song “Pick It Up” by rapper Famous Dex. Shortly
after, the group premiered their pre-debut web series, KQ Fellaz American Training, showcasing the eight members in Los Angeles, California, training at The Millennium Dance Complex. For the finale of the web series, KQ Fellaz released the music video of “From”, a song composed and produced by Hongjoong.
KQ Entertainment announced a debut reality show with a set of three teasers. The second teaser, released on July 3, 2018, revealed the official name for the group: Ateez. The name, short for “A TEEnager Z”, symbolises the group’s goal to represent everything about teenagers, from A to Z. The show, Code Name Is Ateez, premiered on Mnet on July 20.
On October 24, 2018, Ateez released their debut EP, Treasure EP.1: All to Zero, alongside music videos for the two lead singles “Pirate King” and “Treasure”. Their debut showcase was held on the same day. The album peaked at number seven on the weekly Gaon Albums Chart, selling 23,644 copies in 2018.
By: ATEEZ article on Wikipedia
APERFORMERS
ccording to Rolling Stone India, Ateez blends hip-hop, trap, dubstep, and pop to craft their signature sound.
From Middle Eastern flavours, traces of indie pop, tropical house, synthwave, and trapinfused slow jams they have created a strong singular identity without sacrificing creativity and variety. Their B-side tracks explore and present several sides of the group. The group makes sure to be deeply involved in the songwriting, production, and conceptualisation of each album. Most of their lyrics are
motivational and revolve around teamwork, success, togetherness, and confidence. Their lead singles tend to be anthemic and incite a sense of euphoria in their audiences.
According to Forbes, Ateez’s multifaceted artistry is reflected in their style and youth-focused messaging. Their lyrics delve into the growth and decision-making process that humans experience during adolescence. Earmilk describes the group’s discography as a powerful combination of hip-hop and electronic trap. And that it is dark-tinged and of bold musicality. USA Today describes the group’s music as having a
“varied nature”, which highlights their versatility and adaptability.
Rolling Stone India wrote that Ateez gained attention for their clean choreography and strong facial expressions. The article noted that, instead of relying on a specific debut concept, the group focused on performing well on stage. It added that they showed confidence, good stage presence and a clear team dynamic, and that their music had a strong, defined style. The review also said that their work follows the K-pop industry’s use of cinematic
production and hidden narrative elements, with much of the meaning expressed through their movements. Their choreography was described as precise, detailed and well-coordinated.
Consequence described that the group tends to explore various genres but excels in explosive, theatrical performances. Their group concept incorporates pirate imagery. The “Ateez” style of music and dancing stands out from that of many of their peers in the industry. While precise choreography has typically been the industry standard, the members of the group aren’t afraid to let their individual strengths shine onstage.
Billboard noted that the group was known for honing its intense choreography and showmanship during performances. According to USA Today, Ateez are known for their powerful performances and concepts. They bring high energy with a flair of cool.
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The Clash Music report on Ateez’ Towards the Light: Will to Power world tour in Washington D.C talks about the storyline that is woven into each project and performance which adds to the worldbuilding experience for the audience. The report notes that performing is their way of “rebelling” against the real-life industry that had little faith in them, and the fictitious oppressive government in their storyline. Anarchy and mutiny appeared to be the dominant themes in their narrative. 1883 Magazine elaborates on the comprehensive concept where the group members exist as pirates in search of their treasure. They’ve created an expansive universe that explores themes of fixation, discovery, being outcasts, ambiguous morality, and obsession, all of which transcend language barriers to resonate with people worldwide.
Article text from ATEEZ and ATEEZ Discography Wikipedia pages.