ATEEZ signaled strengthened teamwork as they returned with their first comeback since renewing contracts with their agency.
ATEEZ held a press conference for the release of their 13th mini album 'GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4' on the afternoon of the 5th at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, and spoke about the new album.
Last year, ATEEZ released their 12th mini album 'Golden Hour : Part 3 (GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3)' and the 12th mini album 'Golden Hour : Part 3 'In Your Fantasy Edition' (GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 'In Your Fantasy Edition')', sweeping global charts including the U.S. Billboard and cementing their status as a world-class act.
Through the 'Golden Hour' series, which captures their most dazzling moments, ATEEZ opens 2026 brightly with a new album after seven months.
Hongjoong said, "This is our first album released this year, and it is also the first album we are presenting after re-signing, so we were nervous but prepared it with excitement. We wanted to showcase a different side of ourselves compared to our last album, and we will repay you with great promotions."
Jongho added, "This is the fourth Golden Hour album. We prepared it with the hope that 2026 will shine like gold. We worked really hard, so I hope you look forward to it. All the tracks are so good, so I hope you listen to the whole album."
ATEEZ's 13th mini album 'Golden Hour : Part 4' expresses ATEEZ's will to hold on to their beliefs and move forward even in the midst of a storm.
In particular, members Hongjoong and Mingi are credited with writing lyrics for all tracks, including the title track 'Adrenaline', further solidifying ATEEZ's identity.
Hongjoong explained of this album, "This is the fourth story in the Golden Hour series. It is an album that contains our will and ambition to move forward according to our beliefs. If you listen to all the tracks, I think you will understand why we returned as the fourth Golden Hour series."
Seonghwa added on the differences from the previous series, "Last year's Golden Hour showed many musical stories from us, whereas this time I think we can show many things through stage performances and other content. Longtime fans may recall our former selves and see a more developed version of us."
The title track 'Adrenaline (Adrenaline)' is like the sound of an engine roaring as if about to explode, proving that ATEEZ's explosive energy is still boiling hot. With intense EDM sound added, it makes you anticipate ATEEZ's overwhelming performance to unfold on stage.
Mingi said of the new song 'Adrenaline', "It is more meaningful because all eight members unanimously chose it as the title track. It feels like continuously running like an engine sound. Since this year is the year of the horse, we made the song with the meaning of ATEEZ running together. I hope many people add it to their playlists."
In particular, this album is the first released after all members re-signed with their agency KQ Entertainment in July last year.
Yunho said, "This is our first comeback since we re-signed, but the re-signing did not feel heavy to us. We only thought about staying close-knit and showing many stages and appearances to our fans. We prepared with the thought that every future moment is a golden hour, and we want to show ATEEZ constantly performing and growing."
Hongjoong continued, "We have never carried a series to part 4. Fans were also puzzled, and what we talked about among ourselves was that through the previous three series we tried various things and learned a lot, and each of our characters changed a lot. Based on those experiences, instead of ending Golden Hour, even after re-signing we thought about going forward with ATINY through shining moments and showing a slightly more grown-up version of ourselves, so we decided to bring back the Golden Hour series."
ATEEZ continued to hit career highs throughout last year by appearing on both of Billboard's two main charts, the Billboard 200 and the Hot 100.
Mingi said, "I think the greatest confidence and ambition we have had during our activities is the members' energy. We never said we wanted to stop or give up; by moving forward and sticking together, we created who we are today. I think our energy is our weapon."
Asked when they felt their popularity, he replied, "We often perform abroad, so we travel overseas a lot, and I feel it when many people recognize us while walking down the street. It's still amazing, and it makes me think that we are running strongly and doing well."
Finally, Hongjoong said, "Last year we aimed for and achieved many things, but what left a thirst was showing more diverse songs. I hope we can show many new stages, so this year's goal is to present many songs with different tones and stages."
Meanwhile, ATEEZ's 13th mini album 'Golden Hour : Part 4' will be released through various online music sites at 2 p.m. on the 6th.
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