During ATEEZ’s Biggest Year, Leader Hongjoong Wanted to Share a Song About Having ‘Enough’
The Korean superstar talks about his new Bazzi collaboration, the first vacation of his career and why every change ultimately ends in the same place: "My planet is ATEEZ."
In April, Hongjoong, leader of ATEEZ, traveled to Coachella, where he experienced the work of other musicians such as Teddy Swims, PinkPantheress, Central Cee, Swae Lee, and Daesung of BIGBANG. After returning to Los Angeles, he crafted an atmospheric pop song titled "ENOUGH," which he described as not just chill but also about a feeling he had been chasing his entire life. The song, a collaboration with Bazzi, arrived on September 18.
ATEEZ had an impressive year, with their EP GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5 becoming a No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and a headlining debut at London's BST Hyde Park two days later. The song "BAD," which became their lead single, climbed the local charts thanks to a viral dance, securing ATEEZ's first entry on the Billboard Global 200. A full day dedicated to ATEEZ and their fans at the inaugural 82WORLD: LA festival was already sold out.
Despite their success, Hongjoong felt the need for a break to explore his musical style and learn more about himself. During a video call in August from a sun-filled Los Angeles hotel room, he dressed casually, looking less like a leader and more like someone enjoying good weather. When asked about his solo project, he clarified that it was not a full-fledged solo debut but a song made in April in Los Angeles while taking a break from ATEEZ. He emphasized that it was not a departure from the group but a collaboration project.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
