Ateez Artistfacts

2018-
Hongjoong
Seonghwa
Yunho
Yeosang
San
Mingi
Wooyoung
Jongho
Ateez are an eight-member South Korean group formed by KQ Entertainment. They made their official debut on October 24, 2018, with the mini album Treasure Ep.1: All To Zero.
Their pre-debut name was KQ Fellaz before becoming Ateez. The name, short for "A TEEnager Z," symbolizes the group's desire to speak for youth.
Kim Hongjoong is the group's leader. He earned his spot at KQ Entertainment by sending the agency a self-made mixtape while balancing school and work. Within the group, he is known for his relentless drive. In fact, producer Eden once tested his commitment by making him memorize 200 music production terms overnight. Hongjoong shocked him by mastering every single one.
Ateez's fandom, Atiny, got its name on November 17, 2018, during a V Live broadcast, making 1117 a meaningful number for both the group and their fans. The name combines Ateez and "destiny"; it reflects how they see their future as intertwined with fans.

"What fills Ateez? Simple. It's Atiny," Hongjoong told Billboard Korea. "We all have our personal goals, and of course we have goals as a group, but at the end of the day, the real drive behind everything comes from Atiny."

That bond is often spotlighted in their diary films and tour documentaries where the group frame Atiny as companions in their story rather than just an audience.
Ateez put a strong emphasis on self-production, especially through Hongjoong and Mingi. Jongho told Billboard Korea they work hard to "break the stereotype that idols aren't artists." He framed their genre-hopping approach as proof that they can take on many styles and still sound like themselves.
Ateez were the first Korean boy group to perform at Coachella, playing the 2024 festival's Sahara stage after being announced on the lineup that January. Wooyoung told Nylon that Coachella was one of the most nerve-wracking stages of their career, but Yunho remembered the mountains and crowd as "so beautiful" that it felt worth the pressure.
Beyond their K-pop success, Ateez have carved out a strong presence on the US albums chart, earning their first chart-topping album with The World Ep.Fin : Will in 2023.
Jongho is Ateez's youngest member and main vocalist, but he is also famous for his strength. His signature party trick is splitting apples with his bare hands while singing.

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