Since their explosive debut in 2018, South Korean K-pop group has seen a meteoric rise — conquering global stages, building a reputation for fearless storytelling, electrifying performances, and an unshakable commitment to authenticity. Now, the eight-member group is entering a new chapter with the release of ‘GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3’, the 12th mini album of their career and the final installment in the trilogy that began in 2023.

Comprising five brand-new tracks — ‘Lemon Drop’, ‘Masterpiece’, ‘Now This House Ain’t A Home’, ‘Castle’, and ‘Bridge: The Edge of Reality’ — the EP reinforces the group’s identity: emotional, performative, and ever-evolving. Accompanied by a massive world tour, which kicks off in July in South Korea and spans the U.S., Mexico, and Japan, the release marks a conceptual and creative turning point for ATEEZ.

“This is the most honest and expressive part of the trilogy,” leader HONGJOONG sums up. “It shows how we confront complex emotions, the irresistible pull toward things, conflicting emotions, and a deep, recurring thirst. This album is more mature and real, both in the lyrics and the sound.”

ATEEZ has never been a group that follows trends. Since debut, they’ve carved out a unique path by blending genre, narrative, and movement with raw artistic force. In ‘…Part.3’, that authenticity reaches new heights thanks to the members’ direct involvement in the creative process. HONGJOONG and MINGI wrote four of the five songs — a choice that makes the album feel deeply personal.

“For this EP, we really wanted to try something new sound-wise. I experimented a lot when writing my rap parts; mixing different styles, switching up the flow, and exploring new ways to use my voice,” MINGI shares. “One part I personally find really addictive is in “Lemon Drop,” when I say ‘Focus on me.’”

Also, ‘Lemon Drop’ is WOOYOUNG’s favorite song on this new mini album. “It’s been a while since we did a seasonal song, and the fun mix of R&B and hip-hop gives it such a cool and refreshing vibe; like a lemon drop cocktail, it’s sweet but with a little kick. I remember having so much fun during recording, especially the part where I say ‘Cheers to this night, raise your glass.’ That line really captures the fun energy of the song,” he tells Clash.

And while the overall sonic palette is brighter, ‘GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3’ still holds emotional weight. According to SEONGHWA, striking that balance was key. “This time, we wanted to bring in more of a summer vibe, a song fitting for the season, which is something we haven’t done in a while. There’s a lot of fun and upbeat energy in this album, especially in songs like ‘Lemon Drop’, but we still made sure to keep that ATEEZ style that fans know us for. So even if the vibe is brighter or lighter, the lyrics still carry meaning, and we tried to express a different side of youth in a more playful way.”

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That lighter touch also has a symbolic function. For YEOSANG, the intention was to deliver something that felt refreshing on the surface, but emotionally resonant underneath. “We wanted listeners to feel the season, that refreshing, summer breeze kind of feeling, but also something deeper. Even though the sound is cooler and lighter, there’s still a lot of emotion behind the songs. Through this chapter, we also wanted to send out a comforting message with the tracks in ATEEZ-style, telling everyone who listens that, ‘It’s okay to feel lost sometimes.’ And more than anything, we hope it makes fans look forward to where this journey is headed next.”

This moment of reconnection — with themselves and with their audience — comes at a time of clear artistic and global momentum. After performing at Coachella, breaking sales records, and topping the Billboard 200, ATEEZ enters 2025 stronger than ever. 

“GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 feels like a new starting point for us in 2025,” reflects JONGHO. “Right now, I think ATEEZ is in a moment where we have a lot of momentum, the kind that keeps pushing us forward. We’re still growing, still challenging ourselves with new musical styles. Every album is a way for us to give back the love we receive, and this one is no different. It’s a chapter that shows how far we’ve come, but also how much further we want to go.”

The next chapter begins with the IN YOUR FANTASY world tour, set to open on July 5th in Incheon. For SAN, it’s more than a stage upgrade — it’s a redefinition of the ATEEZ live experience. “With this tour, we wanted to show how much we’ve evolved. The [IN YOUR FANTASY] stages are going to be bolder and more captivating, with new concepts and fresh performances that highlight each member’s unique vibe. Fans will be able to feel a more mature energy, but also the same passion we’ve always had. It’s going to be a different kind of fantasy, one that only ATEEZ can bring to life.”

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And even amid their professional peak, the group remains grounded when it comes to what they value most. Despite their global milestones, YUNHO says the group’s biggest dream is still about longevity and connection. “To be a group that can last a long time without changing, and keep growing with ATINY by our side. We also really want to meet even more fans in person and show new sides of ourselves every time. As much as we’ve accomplished, we still feel like there’s so much more we want to do.”

And what does the future hold? Perhaps the answer lies in the word HONGJOONG chooses to define the new EP: “Thrilling,” he says without hesitation. “‘GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3’ has that mix of coolness, catharsis, and energy that gives you a real rush. Whether it’s the beat, the lyrics, or the mood of the songs, there’s this sense of breaking free and just enjoying the moment. It feels refreshing but also satisfying, like letting out everything you’ve been holding in.”

With courage, emotion, and an increasingly sharp aesthetic vision, ATEEZ proves that their golden hour is just beginning — and it’s meant to be felt with all the senses.

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‘GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3’ is out now.

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