ATEEZ are charging into 2026 with incredible energy. Shortly after launching their 13th EP, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4, on February 6, the eight-piece act is currently touring Asia and Australia for their In Your Fantasy run, further deepening the complex narrative that has anchored one of their most triumphant periods.

The ensemble—featuring HONGJOONG, SEONGHWA, YUNHO, YEOSANG, SAN, MINGI, WOOYOUNG, and JONGHO—made their formal bow in October 2018 with Treasure EP.1: All to Zero. Their formation by KQ Entertainment followed the staff's discovery of a handwritten note and a mixtape from HONGJOONG expressing his desire to refine his craft at the agency. As their first trainee and appointed leader, he was soon joined over the following year by other members, many of whom brought prior experience to the table.

Initially known as KQ Fellaz, they participated in the reality competition Mix Nine and starred in the pre-debut digital series KQ Fellaz American Training, where they polished their skills in Los Angeles and dropped the preliminary track “From.” Since then, they have earned a stellar reputation for their immersive storytelling, high-octane stage presence, and a versatile musical style developed in partnership with the long-standing production unit Eden-ary.

Ever since the arrival of GOLDEN HOUR: Part.1 in May 2024, that sonic identity has become even more focused. They landed at the top of the Billboard 200 with 2023’s THE WORLD EP.FIN : WILL and marked their first Billboard Hot 100 entry with last year’s hit “Lemon Drop.” Despite a string of million-selling hits and global breakthroughs, Part.4 delves into something more introspective: pure grit.

The GOLDEN HOUR series was crafted to showcase the diverse facets of the band at every turning point of their journey. “Every release within this series captures a unique side of who we are right now—our own version of a ‘golden hour,’” SAN explains to Genius. “With Part.4, our goal was to emphasize our unwavering resolve. We wanted to demonstrate our best work, but with total sincerity and complete dedication—there’s no holding back.”

The EP begins with “Ghost,” an atmospheric fusion of trap and R&B that feels hushed and cinematic, like tension waiting to be released. This subtlety quickly transitions into the project’s main attraction, the high-energy anthem “Adrenaline.” Powered by driving electronic beats and relentless momentum, the track exudes urgency and a forward-moving spirit.

“For ‘Adrenaline,’ those bold, driving rhythms truly define the soul of this record and our overall musical character,” MINGI shares. “Generally speaking, this collection feels more intense and visceral compared to Part 3, which embraced a more effortless, laid-back confidence.”

For JONGHO, the single signals a new ignition. “It’s a rush that reflects our inner drive and the total certainty we have in pushing forward with all our might,” he remarks. “That’s exactly the feeling we want our listeners to experience from the very first beat. It’s like firing up an engine and letting the passion ignite once more. It really sums up the essence of this particular phase of our golden hour.”

Halfway through the record, “NASA” pivots toward themes of ambition and reaching further. Anchored by hip-hop pulses and modern, futuristic tones, the song suggests limitless potential, highlighted by the striking line, “Shoot for the stars like NASA.”

SEONGHWA recalls immediately seeing the song's potential. “When we first heard the early version, so many vivid images flooded our minds,” he notes. “We were instantly drawn to the track because it sparked such a wave of inspiration. That was the moment we knew we had something special on our hands.”

The band leaned into that cinematic energy, eventually rolling out a performance video to spotlight both the intricate choreography and the track’s grand scale.

“We wanted to share that synergy with our fans and give the song the focus it deserved,” SEONGHWA adds. “As we worked on the performance, that enthusiasm naturally carried over into the next stage. We found ourselves thinking, ‘Why not bring this to our music broadcasts, too?’”

“On The Road” eases the EP's pace while adding a layer of emotional resonance. Contemplative and steady, the track serves as an acknowledgment of both the group's personal growth and the journey they share with their fanbase, ATINY.

“It’s truly one of my personal highlights on this project,” WOOYOUNG says. “It’s a piece that can be felt and understood in countless ways, regardless of your personal situation or the phase you're in. Whether it’s day or night, whether you are alone or surrounded by others, it feels like the track seamlessly fits into whatever environment you inhabit.”

“More than just a window into our own headspace or our development, it’s a song built to be shared with ATINY,” he continues.

The EP concludes with “Choose,” an early release crafted specifically for their audience. With its minimalist production and intimate vocal delivery, it functions as a quiet but powerful gesture of appreciation.

“It carries a lot of emotional weight for us; even though it preceded the full record, it feels like the natural resolution of our story,” YEOSANG reflects. “In a way, it’s like a warm note to wrap up this chapter—a sincere message of love for everyone who has stood by us at every turn.”

Behind the scenes, HONGJOONG and MINGI remained key collaborators, writing lyrics for every track and maintaining their pivotal influence on the ATEEZ creative identity.

“These days, we are deeply invested in how a song can evolve beyond its initial release,” HONGJOONG says. “During the songwriting phase, we consider every detail, from the sonic texture and creative direction to the visual and performance aspects, ensuring it translates into the exact vision we have in mind.”

“It goes beyond just putting pen to paper,” he explains. “Each member brings their unique perspective and talents to refine the final piece. That’s how songs like ‘NASA’ expand into something much larger, both in terms of sound and visual presence.”

This comprehensive philosophy—viewing music, staging, and visual storytelling as one unified project—has become the cornerstone of how ATEEZ continues to expand the horizons of their universe.

Looking back at the progression from GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1 to today, YUNHO sees their growth not just through awards or charts, but through the strength of their bond with fans.

“We’ve been incredibly lucky to receive so many amazing opportunities and reach new milestones,” he notes. “But ultimately, none of this would happen without ATINY. This music and the entire GOLDEN HOUR series showcase different dimensions of who we are, but they also serve as a bridge between us and our supporters.”

In that sense, Part.4 displays a group that is increasingly self-assured and anchored in their roots. The ambition remains—only louder, sharper, and more focused—but so does their humility and gratitude. For ATEEZ, 2026 isn't simply about conquering new peaks; it’s about making sure the people who helped them climb are right there alongside them for every move forward.

Their golden hour isn't a brief flash; it’s a shared experience they are building hand-in-hand with their fans. “Everything we do, we do with the hope of making them proud,” YUNHO concludes.