#ateez diaries

[takitakidancetillthesunriseyea]

Your Thunder (The extra diary entry)

It’s been about a month since I received (what I’ve been calling) the Ateez Lore book, also known as Dear Diary it contains the diaries of Fever pt 2 & 3; Fever Epilouge; The World 1, 2 & 3; and a final new, extra diary entry called Your Thunder.

In the time since I’ve received it I’ve noticed that I haven’t seen any reposts of it online anywhere, and since it is a very interesting piece of the lore puzzle (and because my friend suggested it) I’ve decided to post it here. Tbh I’ve never scanned anything before but I’ll try my best to format it exactly as it is in the book. So without further ado, Your Thunder:

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧//✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

“My dear ATEEZ

The sibling tree we planted together has grown much taller than me. It might not seem like a big deal, but shortly after you left this place, the tree trunk got badly split. I quickly put a splint on it and wrapped it well, but I was worried it might die. Fortunately, it has grown well, so isn't that impressive?

Looking at the much-grown sibling tree reminded me of the child and his older brother.

"If they had grown up, would they have looked like this? Would they have been this sturdy and strong?”

I asked you this question to myself. I imagined your playful yet proud responses. Only then did it hit me in a concrete way: the reality that you had left for your world, and the fact that I could no longer see you.

Until I passed Z's test with flying colors, no one expected that we would part so suddenly. We were so focused on being happy that I was accepted into Z's protocol management position and the next mission. Indeed, the protocol management position was the best way to access the system Z had built. And the hint you gave me was a huge key. 'The leader of Sciensalvar, Henry Jo.' Knowing the identity of someone who looked like Z helped me find the system password. (Did I mention that there were records of Z accessing your world in there? When Z briefly had the Cromer, it seems he met Henry Jo in your world. If my memory is correct, it was in 1999 in your world.)

While it was difficult to access the system, the system itself was designed with a simple structure. It wasn't that hard, since after the central government took emotional energy, all humans were no different from programmed machines. The structure of a dictatorship is obvious. We decided to use the well-built system itself. We just turned things upside down. Wag the dog, a strategy where the tail wags the dog's body to grab the head and take control. By tweaking the input values of chips implanted in people's ears, the tail became the head, and the head became the tail. Do you remember? Z desperately searched for the Guardians while surrounded by people in the square. It was so pathetic that I thought I was the villain at that moment?! What a joke…

So… What I'm saying is… If I hadn't been swayed by that pathetic act, we wouldn't have let you go. Just when I couldn't pull the trigger, Z took an old man standing nearby hostage, and as always, you used the Cromer to save the hostage, but Z used that to take your Cromer. Then Z immediately threw the Cromer to the ground. Probably intending to escape. You all ran towards the falling Cromer reaching out to stop it, but just as you touched it, the Cromer hit the ground and shattered into pieces. As the flash was about to engulf you and Z, I realized what it feels like to be overwhelmed with rage. I pulled the trigger at Z, who was clinging to SEONG HWA to somehow survive. After the flash disappeared, Z fell to the ground of the square with a thud. But you guys… You were gone.

You probably returned to your world, right? Even though you're not in our world, kids who followed your music, dance, and performances have become another ATEEZ, remembering you. You're not here, but ATEEZ is still here. Oh, by 'here', I mean 'the zone liberated from control.' After Z disappeared and you left, a lot has happened. We were divided into those who decided to live free from emotional control and those who decided to continue under the system's emotional control. We tried to make a unified decision, but it wasn't easy. After a prolonged period of indecision, we decided to respect each other's decisions. We couldn't force them to believe what we believed was right. We chose to coexist peacefully and divided into the 'Liberation Zone' and 'Control Zone', each establishing its own order. It's sad to think that, over time, we might become different nations, but what can we do? If I may be just a bit greedy, I just hope we don't treat each other with violence or coercion.

Thunder's headquarters now acts as the interim government of the 'Liberation Zone'. So, unlike before, it's become a place where people frequently come and go. The sibling tree stands in the most visible spot in the garden, and the injured trunk has healed, leaving bumpy scars. I wondered if the scars were too unsightly and whether I should cover them with a ribbon, but then a child walking with his parents saw the sibling tree and said this.

"Oh?! These trees have unique patterns unlike other trees. Wow, they're pretty."

'Patterns? Now that I think about it, I've only ever thought of them as scars, not patterns.' The patterns created by the scars distinguish the sibling tree from other trees. Scars can become unique patterns. Realizing that made me look forward to the 'Liberation Zone' that will have unique patterns in the future, and to myself.

I'm writing this letter because I miss you, but I don't know if it can cross the universe to reach you, if we can hear from you, or even if there is a way to send it.

I wonder if you safely arrived back home. When the first Cromer broke, you said you arrived in the past. Did you arrive on time this time? Are you still dancing and singing together there? I hope all your wishes come true finding your family, gaining independence from your strict father, standing on stage, meeting many people, and making lots of money. You've changed many people's lives, so I'm sure you've succeeded. Whatever it may be, I hope you remain 'free' without being too tied down, just like she said, the one who resembles me. :)

I miss you all. The Black Pirates, Thunders, Left Eye, and everyone in the Liberation Zone all miss you. Will there be a day when we meet again?

Hoping for that day….

-Your Thunder”

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧//✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Wow, it looks small in the book and long in a post. ToT

I’ll be posting my own ideas and theories on it soon, maybe, probably, but I wanted to get this out into the world first as it’s a very relevant lore drop. You can thank my friend @cyberkiddie for giving me the idea of posting it in the first place!

(*^v^)//💕 As always good luck to my fellow loretiny and I hope those who haven’t been able to find this yet make good use of it! Feel free to correct me if I messed anything up!

Atiny Fighting!

[genishifts]

Glad I moved from shifttok I was getting demotivated everyday 😭

[wangxian-never-walk-alone]

Every once in a while I come back to Tumblr because I've fallen victim of a new obsession and I genuinely need to consume every art I can find about that current obsession ahah I'm doing so well I swear

[koreanthrillerenjoyer]

GUYS i just spend like idk 7 hours making a uquiz and im rly happy with it and if youre a mutual of mine youl love it most likely, it includes so many fandoms

stuff like bts, hyyh, begins youth, kdramas, kthrillers,beyond evil, devil judgeevilive, etc krnb artists, dpr, tabber, dean,etc, kpop ateez, seventeen, etc, demian book, pinterest stuff, etc etc etc

ignore the title of the quiz, i just had to get my brain in a quiz and this was the easiest way :)

PLS TAKE IT i srsly spend sm time on it and i promice its fun

https://uquiz.com/aLIxRw

[giraisol]

summertime sαdness ❤︎  ͡꒱ ✧ ⠀ ♬     .ྀི* : ･ 。.

[atzupdates]

S 🪐 [230910] Japan Diary

[ssongsboo]

i just went through my albums bc i wanted to declutter my display case n omg hOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GET RID OF ALL OF THESE

[jenomong]

"Neverland is a fantasy that's prepared only for us Fly endlessly like Peter Pan"

wooyoung, IT's you (2023)

[lavandulacosmos]

Inktober Day 26: CAMERA

Wooyoung

When they crossed over to World Z, Wooyoung had terrible stage fright, which caused him to freeze when he knew others were watching. He tried to hide his weakness with boisterous laughter even when he was amongst his friends.

Being in Strictland taught him to overcome his fears because performing for the people was more important. It was the best way to touch their hearts and he, more than anything, wanted to help and teach the oppressed citizens what passion and happiness were all about.

"If the Black Pirates thought we could win, I will do anything to free everyone. I want to perform and I want to enjoy it too."

[ATEEZ days - Part 6]

[edensreality]

INTRODUCING . . . .

☆ @ EDENSREALITY ও

𝜗𝜚˚⋆ eden , ༄ . she/they ✿ 18 . . . dutch . the netherlands ✧ ۵ pansexual . . permashifter ✷ mind in another reality . .

𝜗𝜚˚⋆ Jeong Yun Ho’s girl ! ✷

» WELCOME TO

MY WORLD . . ❃

𝜗𝜚˚⋆ DNI list : anti-shifters , under 15, 🇮🇱 supporters, pro-shippers, anti-kpop, anti-permashifting, ateez or aespa antis, if we have the share the same s/o.

DM’s are open !! Feel free to text me anytime !! I might take a while because I have social anxiety, so if you’re asking for advice just go straight to it !! . . .

Hello ! I’m Eden, I’ve been on the shifting community since 2021, had a lot of phases and ups and downs in shifting! But everytime, I came back, shifting found me for a reason.

Script Templates !! : https://www.notion.so/t-10086c772eb080eb97c0fd22d7f0c3b5?pvs=4

⼺ MY REALITIES . . .

⭑ ATEEZ reality (main) ;

⭑ SOUTH PARK reality ;

⭑ JUJUTSU KAISEN reality .

༄ OTHER . . . THINGS 𖥸

lana del rey ❥ . radiohead ✶ → tyler, the creator ✦ the smiths » ☙ frank ocean . . . . kendrick lamar ✯ joost klein ⚘ ❥ sza . . lee hyori

⼺ ⚘ ROBLOX user : @alaskaaww

⭑ RICK AND MORTY

Favorite character : Rick Sanchez ⭑

⭑ SOUTH PARK

Favorite character : Kyle & Butters ⭑

⭑ THE WALKING DEAD

Favorite character : Rosita & Rick ⭑

⭑ ATEEZ

Bias : Yun Ho ⭑

⭑ AESPA

Bias : Giselle & Karina ⭑

You’re still here?

I follow everyone back ! ✯

[atiny-for-life]

Ateez's Full Storyline Explained - Part 1

Masterlist

I'm gonna cover the Diary Entries/Diary Film before we tackle Inception MV in the next post since all three tie into each other but, as the only written medium, the Diary Entries are the most elaborate and provide the foundation on which the Inception MV is built.

Fever Part 1 Diary Entries:

Side-note: All future albums from Fever Part 1 onwards come in three versions - usually titled A, Z, and Diary Version. If you purchase the Diary Version, you'll find a series of diary entries by the members in the photobook - that's how the storyline gets told. This album, however, is a bit of an exception. There are still three versions but this time, the Thanxx Version includes just one bonus diary entry on the back of Hongjoong's large photo, but we also get the regular Diary Version which comes with a bonus booklet that includes all main entries.

Thanxx Version Entry:

Note: This entry is also being read by a female voice for Track 1 on the album, indicating that someone later found it. Who exactly is unclear. However, it's not the writer as will later become evident.

The entry begins with the first person narrator recounting an incident where an adult asked him what his dream was

From his entry:

As if my dreams explained who I am... When I said I have no dream, the look on the adult's face was like to the child with no name. The look was familiar to me.

He talks about how life passed him by: try to get good grades to please his parents, walk the same path each day, expression unchanged

Many books tell me, look at the stars in the night sky and become the person who shines bright like those stars. But, the stars that I looked up to in the sky did not shine at all. So I continue to walk, looking down at the floor.

It was then that a child walked up to him and told him there was nothing down there to look at, that he should look up

He describes the child as weird because the smile on his face was bright but his eyes were just like his own

They began to hang out together from then on; they would turn up the music and dance

Eventually, those hang outs became the times he felt truly alive

My heart pounding like it's about to burst and this tingling feeling coming up from my fingertips started to take over me. Was there ever another moment where I wanted something this bad? One by one, more children started to say my name. The path that I only walked with one other person became a path to many. Slowly, the word 'I' became 'ours'. Wandering around with this unknown fever, as we looked above our heads, stars seem to shine bright. Today.

The identity of the author is unclear, unfortunately, because going based on the events and some of the word choices, it seems like Hongjoong but later on, we'll see Yeosang's diary entry outright re-use parts of the final lines above

Diary Version Entries/Diary Film:

I highly recommend watching the Diary Film before you read on! It covers all entries in a very pretty, artistic way and will set the vibe for what's to come.

The Intro describes the location of Ateez's hideout: leave the city behind, head through a deserted side road and past a maze of cement walls to find a factory entrance with a 'No-Entry' warning sign

It's surrounded by wild grass, the only sign of visitors: a trampled path made by several sets of footprints

From a distance, you can already hear a familiar beat

Following the path, you'll find a deserted warehouse with rusty iron gates

The first person narrator (likely Hongjoong) enters and finds his friends - the sight makes him smile

From the entry:

These are faces I never got tired of seeing every day. This is our own space. Laughing, crying, arguing, dancing, and singing. A space where our dreams came together. Our hideout, our own world, separating us from the adult world. Right now, it is a moment void of compromises and tameness, it is the moment before we opened that door.

From Hongjoong's entry:

I don't want to be forgotten as if I never existed.

He talks of how he feels different from the people on TV who're performing under bright lights, but he still wants to be a star like them so he can be seen from everywhere

Maybe then, his family will notice him

Even if it were by coincidence, I wish I could meet them at least once. If my family could get back together like before... I miss the warmth of our living room.

His family split up, each of them moving away and leaving him behind where he now found his new family in Ateez

He met each of them through music, by performing in their hideout

Just thinking about them warms my heart! I really hope we can achieve our dreams together! My family, the music I love, and our dreams... We must keep them.

Seonghwa watches a girl perform by herself and feels something in him change as the music from her headphones reaches his ears

He feels the world fall away

From his entry:

Common sense, rules and this tough world didn't have power over her moves. Right this moment, my world broke along this snowy road. [...] She dropped a bracelet that had "Be Free" engraved on it. Ever since that day, I went to the same place at the same time.

Yet, she never returns and he has no way to contact her

Regardless, the way he views music permanently changes

I can no longer distinguish the structure, code, or the genre of the song. Only the lingering feeling of that day remains.

Yunho's entry is a one-sided conversation with his brother, likely taking place at his brother's grave

From his entry:

Hey brother, you look like you are in such a good mood today! The weather is so good as well. Even though I was running to see you, I didn't even feel the heat.

He tells him about his day, how they would've gone to Han River together and how he's been planning to rid of his brother's old guitar but couldn't bring himself to do it

But since it's a guitar you cherished so much, I just left it out of sight because it seemed like you abandoned your dream.

He continues to tell his brother about Hongjoong and how he was someone he felt he could talk to when things get tough

He is a person I admire on both an artistic and humane level. Thinking about it now, you both kind of look alike? I think you guys would have gotten along if you'd ever met each other.

He tells his brother how he can laugh again, thanks to Hongjoong and the other members and how it's helped him avoid the painful memories and focus on achieving the dreams his brother couldn't

I will make them happen: the boys and I will make it happen. When that time comes, you must wake up from the long hibernation. I want to show you all of it! I'll be back tomorrow. Good night!

Yeosang talks about how he was originally never good with mechanics until he started to dismantle a speaker

As time went on, every time he felt suffocated, he would begin to dis- and reassemble appliances and instruments

His parents are the ones who always make him feel like this; they have his entire life planned for him - one routine repeating over and over again each day

From his entry:

That day in that shabby warehouse, a bunch of guys I'd normally run away from asked me if I knew how to work a drone. This whole encounter was a bit strange! I actually was lost and wandering around. The sound of music was what brought me to that place. From that day on, I went there every day.

He falls in love with dancing, describes it as a mind-blowing activity not even the memory of his parents' worried faces could hold him back from

For the first time, I felt alive.

From here, we get a paragraph that can also be found in the bonus entry from the Thanxx album, as I already mentioned when we discussed it

However, where the Thanxx entry reads: "Slowly, the world 'I' became 'ours'. Wandering around with this unknown fever, as we looked above our heads, stars seem to shine bright." This one ends as follows:

Slowly, the word 'I' became 'ours'. However, now I must leave the 'ours'. If I back out, everything will be back to normal, the scattered members and the stolen hideout. I'm sorry, guys.

From San's entry:

I was always laughing, but I always felt lonely. I just couldn't open up or maybe I've never had the time to open up. Every time I got closer to someone, I had to move.

He has to move again today but at least this time, he can talk about his feelings with his friends

As soon as I saw them, I knew right off the bat, they're like me. Oh, Seonghwa was a little different. He never tried to do anything the traditional way, he was always 'HIS' way.

It was his dad who told him they'd have to move again but the words hit San differently this time since he finally found a place he felt like he belonged

What should I say to Wooyoung? Thanks to him, thanks to my friends, I was able to perfect my dance moves. Bobo, what should I do? What? You want me to do it 'MY' way?

The entry ends here, leaving it unclear who "Bobo" is but they get mentioned again in the Fever Part 2 Diary Entries

From Mingi's entry:

Music was my haven, my escape, my one and only relief. When I felt like dying, I would listen to music. I wasn't afraid of death! People who never lived in poverty would never understand this feeling.

The people around him looked at him as if he were an alien and laughed at him for wanting to die when he's just an "immature high school student"

I guess it is uncommon for someone my age to feel that way.

He doesn't remember a lot of names from his years spent in school since no one ever talked to him and, even when they tried, he simply wouldn't answer

But Wooyoung was different.

He's been with Mingi since elementary school and would always stick to him during breaks, even when Mingi would never bother to partake in the conversation

Wooyoung would tell him stories about their classmates, his favorite songs, American dancers and the other Ateez members he worked with outside of school

He always tops it with that signature laugh of his, which naturally made me laugh. Out of shyness, I started calling him "Woo-Ong". Ah, that unique laugh of his. He was the first friend I've ever opened up to.

Mingi started to spend all his time with Wooyoung until he eventually also followed him to the hideout for the first time

The place where I could dream. They were friends who took me as I am. We cried, laughed, and made music together. They accepted me as who I am, regardless of where I live or who my parents were. I felt exuberant for the first time in my life. But now I'm getting scared. Can I really have a dream? Will it not be taken away from me?

Wooyoung recalls how his mind always goes blank and how he wants to run away whenever he tries to perform in front of an audience, regardless of how confident he feels when practicing alone

On social media, his practice video already raked in 100,000 views and many people, including big entertainment agencies, reached out to him, and yet

Once I felt their look towards me, I just couldn't move. I closed my eyes, trying to escape, and then Seonghwa's voice popped in my head: "Wooyoung, before you start performing on stage, remember these three things: 'Everything will be okay!', 'Believe in yourself!', 'You can do it!'" "He will be too nervous to remember THREE things! What kind of psychology book did you read?" "Yunho, are you making fun of Seonghwa again? Buy hey Wooyoung, believing in yourself is the key." Hongjoong is always good at putting everything into perspective.

Wooyoung smiles at the memory and feels their presence despite them being nowhere near; he gets back up

He has a habit of chatting in order to beat his stage fright and has trained himself to laugh when he's feeling shy

But even though he doesn't mind being teased for these habits, he still freezes when he feels the eyes of an audience on himself - his tricks don't work in this kind of setting

He recalls the first time he met Hongjoong, Seonghwa and Yunho at a street performance and how he saw something in them he felt he was lacking

Expressiveness beyond dance techniques and showmanship that captivated the audience. When I danced with them, I wasn't self-conscious and was able to deliver my best performances. My legs are tense. The first step, the step that I was never able to do, the chain that was tying to my body was magically released.

Jongho recalls how he's had his entire life planned out, everything centered around playing basketball... and then he got injured

He begged the doctor to let him get back on the field and play again but it was no use

I felt like I was drowning. No matter how hard I tried, I was still stuck in the exact same spot.

He tried to keep going but the moment he fully gave up on his dream, he felt lifeless

As good as being dead.

He sees his own lifeless eyes from before reflected on Mingi now as he punches him

Yunho grabs his throbbing hand after to keep things from escalating further

Mingi clearly saw the fist coming his way but didn't try to avoid it. His lifeless eyes are still haunting me.

Mingi had called their dreams a luxury, had said their time together meant nothing to him and decided to quit

Jongho couldn't hold back from throwing a punch then

Funnily enough, it was a heartbreaking moment for me but also the time I started to dream again. At that time, I didn't know how to reach out to a lost Mingi. Where are we, where should we go?

The situation with Mingi clearly reminded him of the way it had felt to lose his first dream which meant, amidst the chaos and heartbreak, he realized he'd unknowingly begun to dream again

The Outro, written from Hongjoong's POV as will later become event, begins as follows:

Even though I lost my dream and family again, there was nothing I could do. Everyone left and here I am, alone again.

On a hot summer day, they decided to go their separate ways since they began to view their shared dream as shackles that were holding them down

The scorching sun melted away even our dream of youth and made it disappear at the end of our feet.

Their problems were piling up, their shared promises kept getting put off and, eventually, they began to forget each other

It was then that Hongjoong began to see him in his dreams

The man in the black fedora, whose eyes you could only see through his mask. Somehow familiar but tired eyes. "You lost your dream, not because of the tough reality, but because you guys decided to. "Get rid of the idea that the world you see is everything. There are many dimensions and many realities in this world. The world I am in, the world you are in, are all real."

The man says he'd like to share more but is short on time

He calls the hourglass in his hand "the Cromer" and says it's the key to connecting the worlds

He hands it to Hongjoong before stepping back with his final words

"Follow your heart, the map is there."

When Hongjoong looks up from the Cromer, the man is already gone and Hongjoong wakes up, feeling lonely

It's then that he spots the hourglass on the table in front of him and watches as the sand begins to flow from bottom to top, indicating the Cromer's ability to time travel

The iron door then opened and I could hear the footsteps coming closer one by one. The guys then gathered around me with the same puzzled face.

[takitakidancetillthesunriseyea]

Y’all I just got my Golden Hour Part: 1 album today and it doesn’t have the diaries ToT

Am I missing something? Do only certain versions come with the diaries?

[genishifts]

My name is Genesis but you can call me Geni, Gen, Gengen or any other nickname

I’m African American/Black American (descendant of American slavery)

I am female and I go by she/her pronouns

I’m a shifter (hence my user😭)

My favorite color is pink and I love hello kitty

Favorite Artists are:

SZA

Bryson Tiller

H.E.R

Kali Uchis

Khalid (not the dj)

Brent Faiyaz

RINI

Tyler, The Creator

Laufey

Bruno Mars

Adele

My favorite Korean Artists/Groups are:

Stray Kids

Red Velvet

ITZY

TWICE

AESPA

ATEEZ

ENHYPEN

Colde

BIBI

Stella Jang

Some of my favorite TV Shows/Movies:

On My Block

Shameless

9-1-1

Rim Of The World

Black Panther 1&2

Avatar 1&2

Stranger Things

IT

The Turning

The Umbrella Academy

The Walking Dead

H2O: Just add Water

Let It Shine

Jump In

Annie (both the 1982 Version and the 2014)

Cobra Kai

Some of my Favorite International Shows/Movies

The Penthouse: War In Life (Korean Drama)

Taxi Driver (Korean Drama)

Duty After School (Korean Drama)

Unlocked (Korean Drama)

Squid Games (Korean Drama)

Girl From Nowhere (Thai drama)

The Glory (Korean Drama)

My Name (Korean Drama)

Vincenzo (Korean Drama)

Alice In Borderland (Japanese Drama)

Night Has Come (Korean Drama)

All of Us are Dead (Korean Drama)

Sweet Home (Korean Drama)

My Favorite YouTubers/Podcasters

Coryxkenshin

Berleezy

Kubz Scouts

Laurenzside

Gloom

POiiSED

AyChristeneGames

YourRAGE

Courtreezy

Suburb Talks (Podcast)

Under The Influence (Podcast)

Places that I am shifting to

Stray Kids 9TH Member Dr

Duty After School Dr

Fame Dr

The Penthouse: War In Life Dr

On My Block Dr

My Hero Academia Dr

Saiki K Dr

Girl From Nowhere Dr

And that’s it 😁

Dividers By: @fairytopea

[maneko]

[📷] ATEEZ(에이티즈) GOLDEN HOUR : Part.2

Album Photo : DIARY VER.

2024. 11. 15 RELEASE

[byemambo]

Concert Diaries: ATEEZ - TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER

Artist: ATEEZ

Tour: Towards the Light: Will to Power World Tour

Date: July 31, 2024

Location: Gas South Arena, Duluth, GA

Tier: SRA/Gen Admission

Time(s) Seen: Fourth time

Favorite Songs (Title Track): Guerrilla, HALAZIA, Youth, Silver Light, MATZ, WORK, ARRIBA, DJANGO, BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS), Dreamy Day

Notable Moments (in depth reflection under the cut):

This is the second time I've been to Gas South, and it's a nice venue for the size that ATEEZ has been able to achieve all these years

The stage design was amazing, they really went all out to create an immersive experience for all of us: from props, to stage rigs, to even set props that enhanced the storytelling aspect of the concert rather than focusing on the performance alone

Totally missed Crazy Form and Say My Name because I left my house later than I needed to and I had to pee BADLY

The staff (I asked for his name after the concert was over and it's Howard!) helped me get to my seat because there were too many people within the row for us to tell whether or not my seat got snatched (which it didn't thank goodness) so I was very grateful

Even though the back seating area of the stage is farther than what I'd prefer, I personally think it's better than being on the floor and not seeing shit because everyone's phones are up in the air

I've always preferred to see the entire stage from a further distance to fully take everything in, but the camera directors were really something

In comparison to their past tours, we can see just how much more sensual and adult they've become over the years, which I think is an evolution appropriate for them now as men versus the young boys they once were

Their sensual appeal isn't uncomfortable or cringe: it's confident, it's sexy, it's just the right amount that doesn't become too explicit

Their profound confidence as a group has done them so well over the course of their careers thus far, which is something that I will always admit about them as my favorite group

They spent so much time speaking to us directly in English without using a translator to aid in expressing their thoughts, which made me surprised and I'm neither for or against (since I believe that idols are entitled to expressing themselves in the language most comfortable to them, whether that be Korean or English)

The concert set list was very performance intensive, but with a theatrical approach, which is one of my favorite things about ATEEZ: their performance is beyond knocking out a choreography well on the stage, there is story and motifs significant to them as a group

During certain parts of the ments, some of the members became shy when speaking in English with minor hiccups, and I always find that wholesome with a gentle reminder of them being ordinary people outside of their celebrity personas

The VCR was fairly interesting, highlighting their journey with their group identity within the industry and relying on their "light," whether it be to help confront their obstacles, highlight their confidence, or overcoming the darkness of failure and asking the audience to ignite their light and never be afraid. ATEEZ has fairly complex lore, but we're currently in the era of Strickland, the damnation and government ban of artistic expression and emotional awareness, targeting citizens who perform art, music, or dance. Because ATEEZ has paved a name for themselves for being one of the top groups in delivering performance, this becomes a key player in their story line as they lead an anarchic revolution for society to access their emotions and pave a name for themselves in this world.

There were various members who partook in dance solos, but the specific theatrical performance that caught my attention the most was the transformation Seonghwa undergoes, accompanied by Hongjoong and Yunho as they face the Strickland officers and capture. Once Hongjoong and Yunho were seized by the Strickland officers and leaving Seonghwa behind, their wings were ripped away from them, resulting in a loss in freedom and identity. Seonghwa attempts to free himself from the grasps of the officers, even putting up a strong fight despite being outnumbered. After suffering and struggling to resist, he finally endures the same fate, his wings being torn away from him as he cowers in a deep depression.

However, Yeosang appears behind the cage, entrapped but instead of black clothing, he wears white and seems to be dancing with hints and glimmers of hope. Rather than remaining entrapped in the cage that serves as his confinement, he makes attempts to escape the bars, eventually breaking free. This reminds me of the metaphor associated with a caged bird, only serving its life purpose as a spectacle, an example to be made out of, an example of simply existing to serve for others and sing. I resonate this concept with ATEEZ, a group that I've been a fan of predebut back in 2018, witnessing the ups and downs of their presence within the industry. Along with many moments of support and aspiration, they endured many moments of ridicule and doubt, to the point of discounting their credibility and achievements throughout their career. This never stopped or forced ATEEZ back into the cage the industry and culture wishes for them, as society has always treated such uniqueness and artistic expression with confinement and silence. Instead, it only fueled ATEEZ's passion further, finally tapping back into their own light that guided them down a more fortifying path that becomes their own, that becomes a journey less traveled.

I've followed ATEEZ since the beginning of their career, knowing about their existence as KQ Fellaz (which indirectly claimed Pick It Up as their debut anthem that still resonates with ATINYs today). This year will be six years since their debut in 2018, which makes me excited and proud to be a part of their growth and journey. Their first concert in Atlanta was at Center Stage, a venue I personally love due to its small size fit for intimate connection between artist and audience. This is the same venue that BTS performed at before they became the powerhouse they are today, which only provides more reason to believe ATEEZ's career is following a similar path that BTS had paved prior. A path and road less traveled and embarked, a path that is only possible to travel on as a group debuting under a smaller company, as the industry's prioritization of capitalistic gain creates a saturated market with inequitable opportunities for those who lack the resources. Some groups become fortunate starting their race at the official starting line: other groups start strides behind the starting line, which close minded stans and industry leaders choose to ignore and dismiss such a handicap. Throughout the course of ATEEZ's journey, I've witnessed it all: division within the fandom, demonization of key players within KQ Entertainment that the members themselves look up to and respect, the industry itself failing to protect ATEEZ and instead, make a poor example out of them through alienation and scapegoating, multiple occasions of being plagiarized and ripped off of without pretense for their own hard work and desire to bring more to the industry that has shown to despise them. However, as I align with a similar fate as ATEEZ in my own personal life: we all never chose to give up and allow the hatred and dismissal to consume us whole, but rather idealize ourselves as a burning fire that only continues to grow from being fed wooden logs. ATEEZ will always be known for their raw power and passion, moving not only those who have supported them at various eras of their career, but capturing the hearts of those outside of the community through their connecting in a shared language: music and artistic expression. The amount of pride I carry on my shoulders when speaking about ATEEZ has only grown as the years go on and ATEEZ continues to evolve in various ways, but have always remained with their roots: humble(ness) and kindness. They have given themselves the responsibility to be the mouthpiece for themselves and those around them, they have made courageous strides in modifying the culture, valuing the sheer power of using their voices for the greater good, to have no fear chasing after their dreams no matter what challenges await fro them. They have truly embodied the phrase: failure is the mother of success. That no matter what attempts to bring them down, they allow themselves to endure the falls while still having the strength to get back up and continue marching on. They have inspired many lives to ignite the light that's within all of us, and claiming our time to wake up.

Next Concert: KPOP Breakout Tour w/ TRENDZ, CRAXY, ICHILLIN' and U-CHAE

[froghwon]

hi 👋