TIMES MALAYSIA, JAKARTA – In the dazzling world of K-pop, where success often came from Big 3 companies, ATEEZ has become a rare phenomenon, a boy group that rose from humble beginnings to global fame.

Coming from KQ Entertainment, a relatively small agency, the eight-member group has proven that passion, hard work, and genuine teamwork can rival even the biggest industry players.

The Struggle’ss Pre-Debut Moment

Before their official debut in 24th October 2018, the eight members, Kim Hongjoong, Park Seonghwa, Jeong Yunho, Kang Yeosang, Choi San, Song Mingi, Jung Wooyoung, and Choi Jongho, spent years training under uncertain circumstances. 

Unlike trainees from big companies who often receive a lot of public attention, ATEEZ's pre-debut period was marked by perseverance and self-confidence. Their YouTube series, KQ Fellaz, gave fans a glimpse into their training and struggles, highlighting their burning desire to perform on stage.

ATEEZ debuted with the album Treasure EP.1: All to Zero, carrying a bold and unique pirate concept that sets them apart from others. Despite humble beginnings, their energetic performances and captivating narratives quickly drew attention. 

In a short time, they transformed from newcomers to international stars. They known for their powerful stage presence, synchronized choreography, and unique sound that blends elements of hip-hop, EDM, perfectly embodying “boy-group”.

A 7-year Career of Their Journey

Their journey is nothing short of inspiring. From performing in small venues, ATEEZ went on to dominate world stages. The group has headlined multiple world tours.

Ateez made a history as the first boy group of K-Pop that performed at major festivals such as Coachella 2024, and become the Headliner of one of the biggest festival music in Marocco, Mawazine in the same year. Topped charts including Billboard’s World Albums and iTunes Global Chart. 

Their fandom, ATINY, has become one of the most loyal and organized fandom in the K-pop scene, standing as a testament to the group’s global influence.

As ATEEZ celebrates their 7^th anniversary in 2025, they also mark another milestone. Eight of the members extending their contracts with KQ Entertainment.

This rare move in the fast-changing K-pop industry demonstrates not only the members’ trust in their agency but also their commitment to continue growing together as artists and as brothers.

The group has often spoken about their unity as the key to its success. “We’ve been through every high and low together. ATEEZ exists because all eight of us believe in the same dream,” leader Hongjoong once said.

ATEEZ Concert in Jakarta, 2026

Their next big chapter is about to unfold — ATEEZ will hold their first-ever concert in Jakarta on January 31, 2026, marking a long-awaited moment for Indonesian ATINYs. The performance will be part of the group’s global tour, continuing the momentum after their explosive world tours The Fellowship and Break the Wall, which sold out arenas across Europe, Asia, and the U.S.

Fans across Indonesia are already buzzing with excitement, ready to welcome the eight-member group — Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho — whose story embodies determination, resilience, and the spirit of teamwork.

From intense pre-debut survival days and self-produced music to powerful stage performances, ATEEZ has earned a reputation as one of K-pop’s most disciplined and passionate groups.

As Jakarta prepares to cheer, sing, and jump along to hits like Wonderland, Guerrilla, and Bouncy, one thing is certain: ATEEZ’s journey is far from over. From humble beginnings to world stages, they continue to prove that destiny favors the bold — and Indonesia is ready to be part of their next legendary moment. (*)