On August 15, GQ magazine released an intimate and thoroughly-researched article on ATEEZ called “The Future Sounds Like ATEEZ”. Written by Michelle Hyun Kim, and including gorgeous photos taken by Eric Ray Davidson, the article gives a unique look into the K-Pop idols’ routines, mindset, and other aspects of their daily lives that aren’t often seen.

The interview paints a picture of what ATEEZ’s members are like when they’re not in “idol mode”, such as what they’re like when they’re getting prepped for a photoshoot or how they take breaks between the many activities they have each day. It also gives insight into their morals, inspiration, and how they work as a team, as well as their desire to remain authentic to themselves and their fans in an industry that so often tries to put artists into restrictive boxes.

“I’ve seen a few comments about our performances or our music, that they’re too noisy or loud. Yes, our music tends to be on the more powerful side, but that is a unique strength.”

— Hongjoong

It’s a great article for new fans to learn more about how ATEEZ was formed, the unique situation that they were in when they debuted under a small label, and just how impressive their rise to stardom has been. It also has tidbits and quotes that already-established fans can enjoy, making it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in ATEEZ.

One specific part of the interview was particularly heartwarming in how it portrayed the members’ mindset towards their work.

It’s this kind of thinking that has made ATEEZ become so beloved on an international level, which led to their recent success with their ongoing world tour, Towards The Light : Will To Power, during their leg in North America.

Towards the end of the interview, the topic of K-Pop contracts comes up. This October, ATEEZ will have their sixth debut anniversary since they first hit the K-Pop scene in 2018, and since most contracts in the industry last seven years, there are understandably some worries about renewals and plans for the members in the upcoming year.

However, even though the members can’t discuss their contract situation in detail, Hongjoong’s comments regarding their future together is a pretty clear indication that fans don’t need to worry about them separating or losing any members anytime soon.

“It’s so easy for us. It’s not a sensitive topic. All eight members have had the same dream up until now. We want to do more things, but one or two years more is not enough. We already talked about many things regarding our future. I can’t talk in detail about the contract, but we always talk about how our company treats and manages us very well. We don’t have any doubts in this situation.”

— Hongjoong

KQ Entertainment’s CEO also commented on the situation, showing the label’s interest in promoting ATEEZ’s work as a group as well as individual stars.

“We want to showcase each member’s unique talents, individual personalities, and various strengths to the public. We are preparing for this, but we hope that ATEEZ will continue to shine the brightest and be the most glorious team when performing together onstage.”

— Kim Kyu Wook (KQ Entertainment CEO)

San wraps up the article with a glimpse of just how much the group is aspiring to do together, and we have full faith that their determination, hard work, and immense talents will get them there!

“We’d like to go to other big events like the Grammys and the Super Bowl. But more importantly, if you ask anyone on the street, ‘Who do you listen to nowadays?’ I want them to automatically say ‘ATEEZ.’”

— San 

You can read the entire interview with GQ here!