ATEEZ Achieves Long-Term Global Success with 'BAD' and Releases New Japanese Single

ATEEZ's 14th mini-album, 'GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5', continues its global long-term success with four consecutive weeks of entry on the Billboard 200. Alongside this achievement, in-depth interviews with member San and news of a new Japanese single release are boosting fan expectations.

ATEEZ is setting new personal bests on domestic music charts with their title track 'BAD' from the 14th mini-album 'GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5', released on the 26th of last month. The song reached number 6 on the YouTube Music weekly chart (July 17-23) and number 17 on the Melon daily chart on the 27th. San stated, "I think getting good results on the music charts means that many people are enjoying ATEEZ's music. I am happy to feel that ATEEZ's music is reaching many people."

'BAD' is a Brazilian funk track themed around the process of gradually synchronizing with someone you are instinctively drawn to. At the center of the song's popularity is the killing part choreography performed by member San. San captivated K-pop fans by performing a key move at the center position, where he leans his body diagonally and forcefully bounces his upper body. His performance, backed by solid physical strength, and his expression with a languid yet provocative gaze stood out.

San shared his thoughts, saying, "It was truly amazing and I felt great gratitude seeing many senior and junior singers, as well as the public, try to copy the 'BAD' performance." He added, "The reaction that 'I keep replaying San's part' is the most memorable to me. I tend to pay attention to every single movement to convey the song's emotion well, so I was truly grateful that they noticed those efforts."

As the popularity of 'BAD' continues to dominate various short-form platform algorithms, San is receiving the hottest spotlight since his debut. Online, the narrative of San, who was once worried about whether he could do well as an idol during his trainee days, is being re-examined as he has grown into an artist with excellent performance skills and physical capabilities through hard work.

San reflected, "Looking back, the words I heard back then made me stronger." He continued, "I approached my daily practice with the mindset of wanting to prove it through results and doing my best so that I wouldn't have any regrets." He added, "Even now, rather than thinking it is complete, I consider every stage a learning process."

ATEEZ, a group under KQ Entertainment, has successfully built a solid global fandom since their debut in 2018 by leading with intense music and performances. They wrote a legend by overcoming the limitations of idols from mid-sized agencies and reaching the top of the Billboard 200. When asked about the team's secret to growth, San said, "Rather than having a special secret, I think it is the result of the time spent steadily running towards the same goal with the members." He explained, "We tried to do our best in every stage and album, and thanks to 'ATINY' (the fandom name) who believed in our sincerity, we could get here."

ATEEZ has now secured their third consecutive number one spot on the Billboard 200. Regarding this, San said, "The result of being number one on the Billboard 200 is always truly grateful and meaningful to me because it means that many people resonate with and love ATEEZ's music."

Finally, San strengthened his resolve for activities, stating, "I step onto the stage with the mindset that this stage could be the last one. Thanks to that mindset, I focus more on each moment and can do my best without regrets."

At the same time, ATEEZ is expanding its presence in the Asian market through the release of a Japanese single. By providing special content for Japanese fans and expanding its activities locally, the group is solidifying its status as a global star. ATINY feels great pride in the team's steady growth and San's individual achievements, vowing to continue supporting ATEEZ's music and performances.