ATEEZ’s “GOLDEN HOUR” Reign Continues: Dominating Global Stages & Charting a New Industry Path! 🏆🚀
SEOUL — In a definitive move solidifying their status as a global phenomenon, K-pop powerhouse ATEEZ kicked off 2026 with a prestigious win at the 40th Golden Disc Awards (GDA). Held on January 10 at the iconic Taipei Dome, the group secured the coveted Album Division Bonsang, a testament to their unwavering artistic vision and a powerful signal of their expanding industry influence. For “Hello Korea,” this isn’t just an award; it’s another data point in ATEEZ’s meticulously engineered ascent.
The Album Division Bonsang was awarded for their critically acclaimed 11th mini-album, ‘GOLDEN HOUR : Part.2,’ a project that has consistently broken new ground in concept and sound. Accepting the trophy, ATEEZ expressed profound gratitude to their dedicated fanbase, ATINY, stating, “We spent golden hours with ATINY through the ‘GOLDEN HOUR’ series. These moments were colored golden because ATINY was with us. Thank you for this wonderful award, and we promise to make you happy with great music and performances this year as well.” This commitment to their community and craft underpins their sustained growth.
Beyond the win, ATEEZ captivated the audience with a series of show-stopping performances, living up to their “performance stronghold” moniker. Their stage presence and multifaceted artistry were undeniable:
- 🎤 For their 11th mini-album title track, ‘Ice On My Teeth,’ the group delivered a flawless showcase of visuals, impeccable live vocals, and powerful choreography, truly demonstrating their caliber as top performers.
- 💃 They transitioned smoothly into ‘In Your Fantasy,’ the title track from their 12th mini-album edition, enchanting global fans with a blend of soft yet precise dance moves and a captivating, sexy allure that dominated the stage. Their diverse gestures and relaxed stage presence elevated the performance to perfection.
- 🎶 Member Jongho offered a soul-stirring cover of Kim Kwang-seok’s ‘Those Days,’ pouring out his sweet yet robust vocals. His emotive tone and delicate expressiveness resonated deeply, earning fervent praise for his unwavering live performance.
This latest award is no isolated event; it’s a continuation of ATEEZ’s relentless global chart domination. Their 11th mini-album, released in November 2024, notably secured its second No. 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard main chart, ‘Billboard 200,’ setting new local sales records in its debut week. Furthermore, it landed at No. 4 on the U.K.’s ‘Official Album Chart,’ among other significant milestones across international music charts, showcasing their undeniable global class. The 12th mini-album edition, released in July last year, broke new ground by entering the Billboard main song chart, ‘Hot 100,’ at No. 68, marking their highest-ever ranking and reaffirming their status as a “global super-trend.” With each release, ATEEZ consistently demonstrates upgraded musicality and an irreplaceable identity, carving out a unique and dominant presence in the global music market.
Looking ahead, ATEEZ is poised to expand their footprint even further with their 2026 World Tour ‘IN YOUR FANTASY.’ The highly anticipated Asia and Australia leg kicks off on January 24 in Taipei. The tour will then journey to Jakarta (January 31), Singapore (February 22), Melbourne (March 3), Sydney (March 6), Manila (March 14), Kuala Lumpur (March 22), Macau (March 28), before concluding with a grand finale in Bangkok (April 4). This extensive tour schedule underscores their strategic commitment to connecting directly with their expanding global fanbase.
ATEEZ’s consistent trajectory of innovation and global expansion is a case study in strategic artist development. Their ability to deliver impactful performances while consistently breaking international chart records speaks volumes about their future-forward approach to K-pop’s global ecosystem.
As ATEEZ continues to redefine what’s possible in the music industry, “Hello Korea” will be tracking every step of their exhilarating journey.
Editor: Alex Kim 💻
