Exclusive: ATEEZ calls GOLDEN HOUR. Part. 3 era ‘bold and playful'; message to Indian ATINYs

India Today

30-06-2025

From sold-out stadium tours to chart-topping albums, K-pop group ATEEZ has cemented their place on the global music scene, especially with their recent Billboard Hot 100 entry, where their title track Lemon Drop from GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 made history. The song debuted at No. 69, making ATEEZ only the third K-pop boy group, after BTS and Stray Kids, to break into the chart. Now in their seventh year, the group continues to defy expectations with fearless creativity and unshakable synergy.advertisementIn an exclusive chat with India Today, the members of ATEEZ opened up about their evolving artistry, the significance of GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3, and the unspoken language that binds them on and off-stage.A NEW DAWN IN GOLDEN HOUR ERAWith every comeback, ATEEZ rewrites its narrative. But this time, there's a shift, not just in sound, but in spirit. GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 feels like a cinematic turning point, a more mature reflection of who ATEEZ has become.
"With GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3, I felt a deeper sense of maturity, not just in the music, but in how we approached the entire process," says YUNHO, main dancer and vocalist of ATEEZ. "We've had so many incredible moments lately, but with that comes a strong thirst to keep growing and showing something new. Creatively, we took on more challenges, tried different sounds, and focused on expressing more detailed emotions."advertisementTheir latest hit, Lemon Drop, is a radiant title track with edge and effervescence. SAN, lead dancer and vocalist, explains, "Lemon Drop has this cool and refreshing energy that we felt really fit the mood of this moment in our journey. It's bright and uplifting but also has a bit of a mature edge in how we deliver the emotions. We wanted to show that ATEEZ can be fresh and playful, but still grown, and this song balanced that perfectly." THE BOLD, THE BRAVE AND THE BEAT DROPSATEEZ's genre-bending reputation stems from one thing: being fearless. As captain and creative anchor, HONGJOONG elaborates, "For every comeback, we have a lot of discussions with each other and with our team. Everyone brings their own thoughts and ideas to the table, and we're not afraid to challenge one another. I think that's what makes our music stronger. The bold direction ATEEZ takes is really the result of that collective energy and trust."WEATHERING STORMS- BOTH ON AND OFF STAGEPerformance is core to ATEEZ's DNA. But sometimes, the best stories come from the most difficult stages."One of the most challenging but unforgettable performances for us was our New York concert at Citi Field last year," shares WOOYOUNG, main dancer and vocalist. "Because of the weather, there was a two-hour delay, and since we had to respect the curfew, we performed the entire setlist without any breaks. But the energy from both us and the fans was so strong that we didn't even feel the rain or exhaustion. It was a tough show, but one we'll never forget. We're so excited to return to Citi Field for this year's concert."
ATEEZ members in a promotional poster for GOLDEN HOUR: Part 3. Credits: KQ Entertainment
Their synergy? Not luck—just years of practice and patience. YEOSANG, a rapper, vocalist and performer, adds, "I think our synergy on stage comes from spending so much time together. Over the years, we've got to understand each other's movements, timing, and energy almost instinctively. But at the same time, it's something we're always working on. We constantly communicate, give feedback, and discuss how to make each performance better. There's a lot of consideration and teamwork involved."INSIDE ATEEZ'S MOOD BOARDAsked to visualise the group's energy in symbols, SEONGHWA, a key vocalist in the group, paints a vibrant picture: "If ATEEZ had a mood board right now, I think it would include fire, to show our passion, because we're always trying to pioneer our own path. And some splashes of color throughout. Those color splashes probably take up more of the mood board, standing in for at least two of the words, to represent the individuality and bold colors each member brings. Right now, our energy is about moving forward with confidence while staying true to who we are."[] Pre-save/add GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 'In Your Fantasy Edition'!Pre-save ATEEZ's new album on your library!Pre-save/add : https://t.co/lu8M8U3jrFALBUM RELEASE 2025. 07. 11 1PM#ATEEZ ##GOLDENHOUR pic.twitter.com/zirfDyOF5n— ATEEZ() (@ATEEZofficial) June 30, 2025advertisementPRE-SHOW RITUALSHow does a group known for powerful performances prep behind the scenes?"Before we go on stage, we don't really have a strict routine," says MINGI, main rapper and one of the creative anchors of the group. "It's more about relaxing and preparing mentally. Sometimes we stretch together or talk casually to ease the tension. Each of us just finds our own way to focus and get in the right mindset before the show. The goal is always the same, to go on stage feeling ready, give our best, and just enjoy performing."ATEEZ'S MANIFESTATION BOARDAs the world watches their rise, the members remain grounded and future-focused.advertisement"If I could manifest one dream for ATEEZ in the next year, it would be to challenge ourselves musically even further," says JONGHO, the maknae of the group and main vocalist of the group. "To keep pushing our limits and trying things that help us grow as artists. I also hope we can visit more countries and meet fans we haven't seen yet. And personally, I truly wish for everyone's health, especially the members. When the people you care about are healthy, everything else becomes even more meaningful."[] ' 100 ' KQ, " "https://t.co/L1jGt2veUS#ATEEZ ##GOLDENHOUR #GOLDENHOUR_Part3 #LemonDrop— ATEEZ() (@ATEEZofficial) June 26, 2025When asked what GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 would look like in a film, YUNHO has a vivid metaphor ready: "I think it would be that moment when the characters are running through an open field under the sun, laughing and catching their breath, like everything feels fresh, bright, and full of possibility."ATEEZ is currently in their seventh year together. Looking back, YEOSANG reflects on the memories that define them: "Looking back on our 6-year journey, I think the moments that define ATEEZ the most are when we're on stage with ATINY—whether it's a comeback stage, a fan-meeting, a festival, or one of our concerts. There's something about feeling the energy from the fans in real time that reminds us why we do what we do."advertisementTO INDIAN ATINYs, WITH LOVE ATEEZ's fanbase in India has grown exponentially, and the group feels the love."To our Indian ATINYs: We know you've been waiting patiently for a long time, and we're truly thankful for your love and support from afar," says WOOYOUNG. "We see all the messages, the energy, and the passion you send us. It means so much to us, and we hope we can see you soon!"And that gives hope to Indian ATINYs to watch their favourite group perform in India in the coming years.Their 12th mini-album GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3 is currently streaming on all platforms. The five songs on the EP, including 'Lemon Drop,' 'Masterpiece,' 'Now this house ain't a home,' 'Castle,' 'Bridge: The Edge of Reality,' give a closer glimpse of their discography, that is widely unique and powerful.The group will soon be embarking on their fifth world tour [IN YOUR FANTASY] that will kickstart in July this year. The group will also drop an extended album titled GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3 [In Your Fantasy] edition. It drops on July 11, 2025.- Ends