#fever era yeosang i will never forget you

[canyouhearthevoices]

Happy 3rd Anniversary, ATEEZ

Happy 3rd anniversary, ATEEZ!

I have been following ATEEZ since a few months after their 1st anniversary, and they quickly became one of my favourite groups.

They have everything I ever wanted - Gothic vibes, hard and unique choreography, a complex storyline, epic music, and, of course, great cohesion as a team. Not to mention how hard they work, how respectful they are to everyone around them, their humble attitude and willingness to learn, and how involved they are in their own performances. And, of course, we can’t forget the brilliant Halloween stages. Who can go wrong with ‘Black Cat’?

The title ‘Best Performance Idols’ is certainly fitting for them. Every stage shows the amazing teamwork between the staff, the backup dancers, and ATEEZ themselves. The effort shines through, most obviously seen in their Kingdom stages, which were true masterpieces of storytelling. They’re all enjoyable to watch on their own and as a group, in their own ways. There’s a reason they were introduced to the world through dance performances.

If it wasn’t for a few tiny aspects of their choreography and music, I would think they were tailor-made for me.

Over the almost 2 years that I have been an ATINY, I have really enjoyed seeing them (and the fandom for the most part), grow. There’s a real sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing their album sales grow, seeing them go from patchy music show wins to getting at least one each comeback, and, most importantly, seeing how many people on the internet are enjoying their content, ATINY or not. 

I remember waiting, a year ago (I can’t believe it’s been that long), for their anniversary concert, and the fun that I had there, as I (and everyone else) watched them graduate from their rookie status and showcase the end of the TREASURE era. Now, they’re inspiring many other idols, and people worldwide. Their storyline, especially, is a true magnet for people who like storytelling, non-linear narratives, and Gothic symbolism. I’m delighted to have joined the part of the ATINY community dedicated to understanding the storyline, and I hope that I can help others!

People to thank:

Hongjoong - Your dedication to every aspect of the group, as a leader, a composer, and a member, is admirable, and I have loved to see you grow and try new things this year. You’re a wonderful role model and I hope to follow you for many years to come. 

Seonghwa - I think this year has been a wonderful year for you. You’ve tried new things all throughout the FEVER albums, and you’re shining more and more with every stage, growing in confidence and skill!

Yunho - Whether you’re in the thick of the action, or quietly at the back, your ability to build connections with others, and to be a solid, comforting presence in the group has really shone through this year. You’ve been involved in so many great opportunities, aced all of them, and gained a dedicated and wonderful fanbase in the process!

Yeosang - The journey to confidence is a difficult one, but you’ve been able to grow so much this year, and I’ve really seen you come out of your shell more and showcase your brilliant personality and skills. You’ve been able to take some great opportunities, and show your ability at them. I look forward to seeing you grow further in the future!

San - As always, your stage presence and energy are a huge charm, both for you and the group, and this year, through FEVER and Kingdom, you’ve really shown how it can be used to tell a story. But your personality has also come through more this year, through variety shows and everyday content, which is wonderful and enjoyable to see. 

Mingi - Your willingness and thirst to improve is never ending. I look forward to seeing you and how you have improved in every stage and comeback - the Summer Songs album was a particular highlight! And, of course, you are the king of ‘Black Cat’!

Wooyoung - Your wide-reaching connections and charisma has been a delight to watch this year, especially through Kingdom. Your interactions with others are always a joy to watch, and your teamwork and determination to be the best you can possibly be has come through through this.

Jongho - You’ve been able to show many aspects of yourself this year, whether it is through Imitation, Kingdom, Summer Songs, or comebacks. Not only have your vocal and dance skills improved, but you’ve been able to show yourself more, and gain everything that comes with that. You’re a true source of comfort for me and the rest of ATINY, and I look forward to seeing more of you in the future!

KQ staff - Your dedication to the group in all factors of performance - promotion, styling, organisation and more, has been obvious to many of us this year. It is thanks to you that they have been able to grow so well and so fast, and that they’ve had the opportunities to show their skills at every moment. Your work is behind the scenes, but is crucial to each and every thing they do. I admire your work and dedication deeply, and hope you all stay well and passionate!

EDEN (& co.) - Your mentorship of the members is invaluable. Not only have you worked hard on each end every song, but you’ve been great colleagues and friends to the members. Your work is brilliant and your attitude is wonderful.

BB TRIPPIN and backup dancers - You all work so hard, whether it is through choreographing performances, stunt work, or simply dancing with the members. You’ve contributed hugely to their title of ‘Greatest Performance Idols’, and your work can never be appreciated enough. I love you all and look forward to seeing you in each and every performance.

KQ live subbers - People really underestimate the importance of your job. Not only are your multilingual skills amazing and inspiring, but, translation is hard, typing quickly is fast, and you do both at the same time, just so that the international fans have better access to ATEEZ’s content. I love you and everything you do - keep it up!

ATINY - We’ve grown a lot this past year. And with that comes both ups and downs. I hope we will be able to move past the downs and go towards the ups, and have a great time (and hopefully lots of in-person events). 💙💙💙

My hopes for the coming year

As I said, I hope that we, as a fandom, will be able to move past the lows that come from growing in size, and will be able to embrace the coming year and everything that comes with it.

I’d love to see more of each of the members’ individual charms, through content, collaborations, or other opportunities. I hope for many more amazing songs and performances this year, some snazzy updates to the storyline, and an abundance of awards! And, of course, I always hope for the good health and happiness of all of the members and those around them.

Some highlights from the past year;

Imitation - Yunho and Jongho, especially, shone through the show

Kingdom performances - especially Wonderland and Awakening of Summer

Immortal Songs! Especially the PSY episode.

Collaborations - KJK and Pentatonix, both iconic and brilliant artists in their own right! Also, Pepsi, ASMR with Soy, and many others!

Mingi’s return!!!

1000 days of ATEEZ and 1000 days of ATINY. And the upcoming 1117 days of ATEEZ in November.

Hidden Map Ep 1 and Ep 2.

Getting to see so many cool relationships with other idols!

And many other brilliant moments - from award show performances to logbooks, MV goals which were achieved, and individual contents, there were many, many great moments.

I leave you with this wonderful piece of art by Twitter user @sutfisshu1

Happy Anniversary!!