Global Icons Recognized at Home
The internationally acclaimed K-pop group ATEEZ was awarded the Seoul Mayor’s Award during the 7th annual 2025 K-EXPO hosted on July 28 at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul. The event celebrates leaders in Hallyu—Korea’s cultural wave—with backing from key organizations like the Ministry of Culture and the Seoul Tourism Organization.
“Honored to Be Part of K-pop’s Global History”
ATEEZ members Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yeosang, and Jongho attended the ceremony to accept the award. In their speech, they shared, “It’s a great honor to receive such a meaningful award. K-pop has evolved into an entire genre, and we’re proud to contribute to that movement.”
They also gave a heartfelt shoutout to fans: “To our ATINY and all the K-pop fans showing us love worldwide—thank you for helping us stand here today.”
Billboard Breakthroughs and Festival Fame
The award follows an unparalleled run of achievements. ATEEZ became the first K-pop boy group to perform at Coachella in 2024, where they wowed the crowd with powerhouse vocals and dynamic choreography. The performance earned them the label of true global icons in the making.
Billboard Burner: Hot 100 Hits & Global Recognition
In June, their 12th mini album Golden Hour: Part.3 debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Lead single “Lemon Drop” hit No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100—a first for the group and third overall among K-pop boy bands.
And they weren’t done. The special In Your Fantasy edition of the album released in July charted even higher: its title track landed at No. 68 on the Hot 100, proving their growing global grip.
ATEEZ Stadium Tour: The World Is Their Stage
The group’s 2025 world tour “In Your Fantasy” launched in July and included 14 shows across 12 North American cities. Their stadium-scale stops included New York’s Citi Field, LA’s BMO Stadium, and even Mexico City’s Estadio GNP Seguros—cementing ATEEZ as a world-class stadium act.
Still Climbing: New Japanese Album Drops in September
Up next? ATEEZ will drop their second Japanese full album Ashes to Light on September 17, complete with a comeback showcase for fans in Japan. Expect more fireworks from the group that’s redefining what it means to go global in K-pop.
