ATEEZ proved once again their stature as a "world-class artist."
ATEEZ, marking the end of the year, has drawn concentrated attention from major foreign media and is showing a remarkable presence and influence in the global music market.
According to Dazed of the U.K., which released "The 30 best K-pop tracks of 2025," ATEEZ's 12th mini album title track "Lemon Drop" was selected as one of the best songs. Dazed said, "It is a song that seems completely seized by passion and desire, incomparable to any other song. A variety of metaphors, a feast of sweet tones, a chorus that feels like a sprint, and a chorus enriched by a poignant ad-lib all move toward a satisfying finale."
The strong reaction to "Lemon Drop" can also be seen in Billboard's "The 25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2025: Staff Picks," which released its list. Billboard lavished praise on "Lemon Drop," saying, "Unlike the energetic previous hits, it creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Released in midsummer, this song has a head-nodding charm."
Also, in the "The 2025 Billboard K-Pop Artist 100" category, all eight members (Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, Jongho) were listed, drawing attention. This ranking aggregates 'Billboard 200,' 'Hot 100,' 'Global 200,' Billboard box score tour data, domestic streaming and album sales, confirming that ATEEZ is showing an irreplaceable presence in the global music market.
In addition, the music video for the title track of the 12th mini album edition, "In Your Fantasy," was included in Teen Vogue's "15 Best K-pop Music Videos of 2025," and Teen Vogue explained, "The 'In Your Fantasy' music video clearly shows from the start what kind of atmosphere it wants to create. The predominantly red and black color palette symbolizes passion and seduction. It delivers a thrill both visually and aurally."
ATEEZ dominated the U.S. Billboard charts with two albums released this year and continued their triumphant march to the top. The 12th mini album, released in June, rose to No. 2 on the Billboard 200, and with the title track "Lemon Drop" the group entered the Hot 100 for the first time as a team and became the third K-pop boy group to do so, drawing intense attention from global fans.
Then, with the title track "In Your Fantasy" from the 12th mini album edition released in July, they achieved the feat of ranking on the Hot 100 again within a month and simultaneously set their personal best chart position. ATEEZ, having simultaneously conquered Billboard's two main charts, the Billboard 200 and the Hot 100, made new history in the mainstream of the global music market, and attention is focused on what dazzling records they will set next year.
Meanwhile, ATEEZ will appear on the Dec. 31 "2025 MBC Gayo Daejejeon" and is expected to splendidly decorate the end of 2025.<
[Photo] KQ Entertainment
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