Debuted on 24th October 2018, ATEEZ is an 8-member South Korean boy band comprising of Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho. As rookies, Ateez were recipients of the Next Generation Award at the 2019 Golden Disc Awards, as well as being named Worldwide Fans' Choice at both the 2019 and 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA).
ATEEZ were also dubbed "4th Generation Leaders" by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and are official global ambassadors for Korean culture and tourism, often referred to as "Global Performance Idols" by the Korean media. As of March 2021, Ateez has released six Korean-language EPs, one full-length album, and three Japanese albums.
The releases –
1. Treasure EP.Fin: All to Action,
2. Treasure Epilogue: Action to Answer,
3. Zero: Fever Part.1 and
4. Zero: Fever Part.2
have all topped South Korean album charts, with Zero: Fever Part. 1 becoming the group's first album to be certified platinum on the Gaon Albums Chart. To date, Ateez has sold over one million physical copies of their releases in South Korea.
I started stanning ATEEZ after listening to their song ‘Wave’ that was released at the beginning of 2019. The beats, the lyrics and the tune floored me and so did the visuals. Later in the year, they also released their first full album, Treasure EP. Fin: All to Action with their title track being, ‘Wonderland’. That is when I truly learned their names and I am here to share a little information about them with all of you :)
Kim Hongjoong
"Trust yourself. And just do it. If it's not very perfect. That's ok. It’s meaningful that you try already"
Born on 7th November 1998, the leader of ATEEZ is the one and only Kim Hongjoong. He is the leader and rapper of the group. He also composes most of ATEEZ’s songs along with his fellow member, Mingi.
He was born in Anyang, a city in the Gyeonggi Province of South Korea. His name means “to be the centre of the broad world”. Hongjoong is an affectionate leader, a compassionate supporter, and a beautiful human being. He supports the Polished Man Campaign; an organization that works towards preventing child abuse, along with his group.
Minions are Hongjoong’s favourite characters, and he owns several minion plushies and cartoon figures. He is also nicknamed “Korean Big Minion” by his members and fans. His dream for the future is to perform at Super Bowl.
I like Hongjoong’s ideals and his hardworking nature. He is caring towards his members and treats them right, supporting them in every step because of which he is considered as the strict but dorky ‘dad’ of the group. I admire his work and his passion for music. After all,
Park Seonghwa
"Please remember that ATEEZ is always by your side. I always pray for your happiness"
Born on 3rd April 1998, Park Seonghwa is the vocalist of the group. He was born in Jinju city of the Gyeongnam province of South Korea. Some of his nicknames are Angry bird, Mars and Toothless. (You will see it later)
His name means “star” or “to be a star”, something that I believe is true. Seonghwa shines bright like a star in the group; caring for his members like a mother, hence the term ‘mom’ of the group associated with him. Many fans believe that this is his first life because of the way his eyes sparkle at anything that interests him.
He was initially positioned to be a rapper in the group, however, because of his calm and caring nature and that beautiful voice, he decided his role of a vocalist. Seonghwa loves cleaning and is also bullied a lot by his members, playfully of course.
Seonghwa cannot drink or eat bitter things which makes sense seeing how sweet he is. Being the oldest of the group, he pampers his members and takes care of them when they need it. I admire his caring nature and the beauty of his eyes.
His wish for the group’s future is to perform in South America as they never really received a chance to do so.
Jeong Yunho
"Cheer up please! Always beside of you. Don't worry! Be happy"
Born on 23rd March 1999, Jeong Yunho is the group’s performer and vocalist. He is from Gwangju Province in South Korea. His nicknames are ‘Yunhogizer’ and ‘Golden Retriever’ because of the bustling energy that resonates with him and the puppy-like features that make fans swoon over his sweet nature.
Yunho loves Harry Potter! He bought a wand due to his love for the series in Japan during his regular visits. U-know from TVXQ (A 2nd generation K-pop group) inspired ATEEZ’s Yunho to become an idol. I really admire Yunho’s passion for music and dance and love his bubbly nature. According to his group members, Yunho is the definition of perfection! (Honestly, all of them are.)
Yunho can also imitate Doraemon, and fans have pointed out that he looks a bit like the famous Korean actor, Lee Dong Wook. Yunho’s favourite character from the Marvel Universe is Spider-Man and he wants to visit Universal Studios in LA.
Kang Yeosang
"If it's hard, you can rest for a while. I'll always cheer you"
Born on 15th June 1999, Kang Yeosang is the vocalist and performer of the group. He was born in Pohang, South Korea and some of his nicknames are ‘Speaker of facts’ because of his brutal honesty and sarcasm and ‘Hehet mon’ – the cute laugh that won over many hearts.
Yeosang and Wooyoung have been best friends for several years and were also former Big Hit trainees (The company under which our beloved BTS works). Yeosang is a loyal friend and a compassionate group member who loves to fly drones and skateboard.
Yeosang has a red birthmark on his left eye that he used to feel insecure about but has come to love because of his fan’s requests and the members’ appreciation. Yeosang’s favourite actress is Emma Watson, and he absolutely adores her. His name means “sound resonating from a high place” and his vocals do justice to it.
I admire Yesoang’s subtle sarcasm that comes into play when Wooyoung cooks or during reality shows when he tries his best to uncover the other members’ habits. He is a kindhearted person with great visuals. Yeosang loves to eat Chicken and tends to order them when Wooyoung cooks – precaution of course!
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