The group emphasizes performance, unity, presentation for upcoming release
Ateez is back with new music just seven months after their previous release, marking their first comeback since renewing their contract with KQ Entertainment in July. The highly anticipated return showcases the group’s dedication to their craft and their loyal fanbase.
“Golden Hour: Part 4” releases on Friday, continuing the “Golden Hour” series, which the members consider a central part of Ateez’s identity. This new installment places a stronger emphasis on stage presence and visual presentation, promising a captivating experience for viewers.
“Through ‘Golden Hour’ Parts 1 to 3, we experimented a lot musically and on stage, and each of us went through changes in our individual characters,” member Hong Joong said at a press conference in Seoul on Thursday.
“Based on those experiences, we didn’t want to end the ‘Golden Hour’ series here. After renewing our contract, we wanted to keep going together with Atiny.” Atiny is the name of Ateez’s devoted fandom.
The EP features five tracks, including the title track “Adrenaline.” This high-energy song highlights Ateez’s powerful performance style, described by the members as a roaring engine at full throttle. The unanimous selection of “Adrenaline” as the main track underscores their commitment to delivering a dynamic stage performance.
Yun Ho described the song as “impressive for its powerful EDM sound,” adding that it allows Ateez to fully demonstrate their performance strengths. Min Gi emphasized the track’s significance because of its unanimous selection by all eight members.
Another track, “Choose,” a pre-release dedicated to Atiny, dropped on Nov. 17. This special song expresses gratitude for the time the group and their fans have spent together and promises a continued journey forward.
“As the word ‘Choose’ suggests, it’s about how we chose Atiny and Atiny chose us,” Hong Joong explained.
When questioned about the secret to renewing their contracts as a complete group, the members highlighted their strong teamwork and open communication.
“The most important thing we agreed not to forget during the renewal was maintaining the team — all eight of us together,” Woo Young stated. “Our teamwork comes from constant conversation. We talk a lot in the waiting rooms, about our vision, our concerns, and we give each other feedback in real time.”
The group also addressed their plans regarding mandatory military service while simultaneously focusing on their future as a team.
“As Korean citizens, we will fulfill our obligation to serve,” Seong Hwa said. “The timing will depend on each member’s situation, but since we renewed our contracts this year, we are also thinking beyond enlistment.”
Meanwhile, Ateez has continued its global ascent.
In 2025, the title tracks from their 12th EP, “Golden Hour: Part 3,” and its repackage, “Golden Hour: Part 3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition,’” debuted at No. 69 and No. 68, respectively, on Billboard’s Hot 100. These consecutive entries marked Ateez’s return to the chart within a month and established a new peak ranking for the group.
The group was also recognized in five categories on Billboard’s 2025 year-end charts, with both their 12th EP and its previous release, “Golden Hour: Part 2,” which dropped in November 2024, charting, highlighting Ateez’s enduring popularity.
Ateez successfully completed their 2025 world tour, which began in Incheon and spanned 12 cities in North America and three cities in Japan. Fueled by continued global support, the group will resume the tour this year with additional dates in Asia and Australia, including their first-ever solo concerts in Jakarta, Indonesia; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Macao.
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