ATEEZ is an all-male idol group formed by KQ Entertainment. The group officially debuted on October 24, 2018 with the release of their debut extended play (EP), Treasure EP.1: All to Zero. ATEEZ is composed of eight members — Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho.
2018: Pre-debut
Prior to their debut, ATEEZ was originally called “KQ Fellaz” after their label. They initially promoted under this name until July 3, 2018 when the name was changed to ATEEZ, which stands for “A TEEnager Z”.
On November 17, 2018, the group revealed through a live broadcast on Naver’s V LIVE that their fandom would be called “ATINY,” a combination of the group’s name and the word “destiny”. The idea behind the name is that ATEEZ and their fans are each other’s destiny.
2018: Official debut
While they were still promoting as KQ Fellaz, their agency, KQ Entertainment, released the series “KQ Fellaz 미국 연수기 (KQ Fellaz American Training)” on YouTube.
In the show, the members traveled to Los Angeles, California to train. Through the show, they introduced the ninth member added to the trainee group — Lee Junyoung.
Throughout their training in the United States, the group composed and choreographed a song produced by their leader, Hongjoong. They also trained at the Millennium Dance Complex where member Yunho was once featured in a dance video.
On July 3, KQ Fellaz released the song “From” for the finale of the YouTube series. It was through this release that was announced that Lee Junyoung would be departing from the group.
Following the series, KQ Entertainment announced another reality show for the training group with the release of three teasers.
On the second teaser, it was announced that the official name of the group will be ATEEZ. The new reality show was ultimately called “Code Name is ATEEZ” which premiered on Mnet on July 20.
On October 2, ATEEZ released a teaser photo through the group’s social media account, announcing their debut date set for October 24 in YES24 Live Hall.
On the day of their debut, ATEEZ simultaneously released their first EP, Treasure EP.1: All to Zero, along with the music videos for title tracks, “Pirate King” and “Treasure”. The album peaked at number 7 on the Gaon Albums Chart.
They held their debut showcase in front of 400 people and had their first music show performance on Mnet’s M! Countdown, October 25.
Several weeks after their debut, the group announced their first U.S. tour featuring shows in Brooklyn, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
2019: Treasure Ep.2: Zero to One
On January 2, 2019, ATEEZ piqued the interest of their fans when they released a photo on social media with Morse code as the caption.
The following day, it was confirmed that the group is set to make a comeback with the release of their new EP, Treasure Ep.2: Zero to One featuring the title track, “Say My Name”.
ATEEZ has continued to reach new heights since their early years, establishing themselves as one of K-pop’s most influential 4th generation groups.
2021
The group kicked off the year with their sixth mini-album “Zero: Fever Part.2” featuring title track “Fireworks (I’m The One).”
They followed this with “Zero: Fever Part.3” and the hit single “Deja Vu” which showcased their darker concept.
The group embarked on “The Fellowship: Beginning of the End” world tour, marking their return to live performances post-pandemic.
Their performance of “The Real” at MAMA 2021 became one of their most iconic stages.
2022
ATEEZ continued their world tour across North America and Europe, playing to larger venues than ever before.
They released their Japanese debut EP “Beyond: Zero.”
The group made a powerful comeback with “Guerrilla” from “The World Ep.1: Movement.”
Their theatrical performances and intricate storylines continued to captivate audiences worldwide.
2023
This proved to be ATEEZ’s breakthrough year internationally.
Their single “BOUNCY” went viral globally, expanding their fanbase significantly.
The group achieved their first No. 1 on Billboard 200 with “THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL.”
They completed their “FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL” world tour, including their first Latin American shows.
2024-2025
ATEEZ kicked off “THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER” world tour in January 2024.
They released “GOLDEN HOUR: Part.1” and “Part.2,” continuing their artistic evolution.
The group will conclude their current world tour with two shows in Seoul on March 22-23, 2025.
Member Profiles
Hongjoong (Leader)
- MBTI: INFP
- Hobbies: Producing music, fashion design
- Known for his leadership and creative direction
- Has collaborated with Balmain as their brand ambassador
Seonghwa
- MBTI: ENFJ
- Hobbies: Gaming, particularly Animal Crossing
- Known for his elegant stage presence
- Favorite colors are black, silver, and blue
Yunho
- MBTI: ENFJ
- Hobbies: Gaming, sports
- Has a younger brother named Gunho
- Known for his powerful dance skills
Yeosang
- MBTI: ISFP
- Hobbies: Flying drones, skateboarding
- Former BigHit trainee
- Has a distinctive birthmark near his left eye
San
- MBTI: ISFP
- Hobbies: Collecting plushies, sports
- Has a black belt in Taekwondo
- Known for his intense performance style
Mingi
- MBTI: ENTP
- Hobbies: Writing lyrics, basketball
- Known for his deep voice and rap style
- Close friends with Yunho since pre-debut
Wooyoung
- MBTI: ESFJ
- Hobbies: Dancing, photography
- Has a matching tattoo with San
- Known for his energetic personality
Jongho
- MBTI: ENFJ
- Hobbies: Playing pool, soccer
- Main vocalist with exceptional vocal range
- Known for his signature apple-splitting skill
ATEEZ has consistently pushed boundaries in K-pop with their theatrical performances and complex storytelling.
Their growth from a small company group to international stars demonstrates their dedication and unique artistic vision.
With each comeback, they continue to evolve while maintaining their signature powerful performance style and intricate narratives.
