[Edaily Reporter YUN GI BACK ] “Even though we’re celebrating our 8th anniversary since our debut, we’re still aiming higher and will continue to push forward with determination.”

The group ATEEZ has signaled that they will continue to make strides even in their eighth year since debut. Following the expansion of their public recognition with their previous album “BAD,” they are determined to showcase ATEEZ’s true worth by highlighting the group’s strengths: intense music and performances.
At a press conference held on the 12th at the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their 15th mini-album “Golden Hour: Part 6” (GOLDEN HOUR: Part.6), ATEEZ’s Hongjoong said, “At the start of this year, we vowed among ourselves to pull off three successful comebacks,” adding, “This year holds special significance as it’s our first year following our seven-year contract and marks our eighth anniversary with all eight members together.” She continued, “We pondered what kind of powerful stage performance only ATEEZ could deliver at this point,” explaining, “Even though it’s our eighth anniversary, we wanted to convey the message that we’re still aiming higher through a powerful sound and performance that best represents us.”

The title track “UP” embodies the determination to transcend limits without pause or boundaries. San introduced the song, saying, “It conveys our aspiration to reach the highest point—and beyond—with even greater energy and unstoppable passion.”
Seonghwa said, “This song perfectly captures the story ATEEZ has been telling since our debut and our current aspirations,” adding, “I felt confident that our determination to climb even higher hasn’t changed since our debut.”
Min-ki emphasized that the song weaves together the narrative of their eight years since debut. He explained, “There are many elements referenced and borrowed from our debut album ‘Treasure’ all the way through ‘Golden Hour,’” adding, “We even utilized the melody line from our debut song. Our goal is to showcase our stage presence by telling ATEEZ’s eight-year story through the trendiest and coolest song possible.”
ATEEZ also said they’ve noticed a change in their domestic recognition following their previous release, “BAD.” Wooyoung said, “I’m really grateful that the Korean public recognizes us so much,” and laughed, adding, “There have been small changes—like people recognizing us at restaurants and giving us extra service or greeting us warmly.”
San also remarked, “In the past, on variety shows or during interviews, we had to explain how successful ATEEZ was overseas, but now, just mentioning ATEEZ is enough for people to recognize and love us,” adding, “These days feel like a dream. We poured our heart and soul into this album to live up to that love.”

Even after gaining widespread popularity, ATEEZ’s goal remains to prove their presence on stage rather than pursue flashy statistics.
Hongjoong emphasized, “I was truly happy to see ‘Bad’ receive so much love and related videos go viral,” adding, “ATEEZ is a group that wants to create iconic moments on stage and prove ourselves to the public and our fans through good music.” He continued, “Our goal was to showcase ATEEZ’s unique identity in our own way,” and added, “To continue growing and staying steadfast, we must find our essence. I think we’ve captured that well in this album,” he added.
He also revealed his goals for the new album. Hongjoong said, “We’ll be starting a new tour soon,” and expressed his hope that “this album will bring even more excitement to fans awaiting next year’s tour and serve as an opportunity to draw those who haven’t yet seen an ATEEZ concert to the venue.”
He continued, “If people felt through ‘Bad’ that ATEEZ can pull off this kind of music well, I’d like to hear reactions like, ‘ATEEZ has always been a group that puts on stages like this,’ through our ‘UP’ promotions,” adding, “If people become curious about ATEEZ’s live performances, that alone would be satisfying.”
ATEEZ’s 15th mini-album, “Golden Hour: Part 6,” will be released tomorrow (the 12th) at 2:00 p.m.