ATEEZ Drop 13th Mini-Album 'GOLDEN HOUR: Part.4,' Reveal Their Secret to Teamwork

ATEEZ, who sparked the whirlwind last year with a Hot 100 entry and a No. 2 peak on the Billboard 200, are back with their 13th mini-album. After renewing their contracts this year, the group said, “We prepared this album with the same urgency we felt seven years ago at debut. We want to show a wide range of stages.”

At a press conference for [GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4] held at 4 p.m. on the 5th at the Fairmont Hotel in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, the members shared their thoughts on the release. The record captures ATEEZ’s resolve to move forward with their own beliefs and values.

SEONGHWA emphasized, “This is our first album since renewing our contracts. We pour our hearts into every release, and this time we came together even more as a team.” JONGHO added, “Just like the title, we’re going to make this year our golden hour. We’d be grateful if you listen to the whole album, not just the title track.”

The title track, "Adrenaline," proves their energy is still roaring like an engine ready to burst. Powered by fierce EDM, it sets the stage for ATEEZ’s commanding live performance. All eight members chose it unanimously.

MINGI said, “2026 is the Year of the Horse. It carries the meaning of running forward like a horse together with ATEEZ. I hope many listeners add it to their playlists.” YEOSANG added, “For this era, we wanted a performance powerful enough to grab everyone’s attention―so the unanimous vote happened naturally.”

Made up entirely of Korean members, ATEEZ continue to climb overseas charts and elevate K-pop’s presence. Asked if they feel the global buzz―including love from Hollywood stars who openly stan them―MINGI answered, “We really feel it when we’re abroad and people recognize us on the street.”

WOOYOUNG shared, “We’re K-pop artists, so we often meet fans around the world and get to introduce them to Korea. It makes me so happy to spread our proud Korean language, created by King Sejong. When overseas fans sing along, their pronunciation is sometimes even better than mine. It makes me really proud,” he joked.

The members repeatedly reflected on their mindset after renewing. YEOSANG said, “When we debuted, our hearts were pure passion. We want that feeling to come through again in this Adrenaline era, so we’re going even harder.” YUNHO added, “We practiced the Adrenaline performance with the same intensity we had as trainees.” JONGHO also devoted himself to this comeback, losing about 8-9 kilograms.

Finally, they named “talking it out” as the secret to their teamwork. “We can chat for three to four hours in the green room,” they said. “We discuss our vision, give feedback, and talk about our direction. If you ask our secret, it’s communication―always.”

[GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4] includes "Adrenaline," "Ghost," "NASA," "On the Road," and "Choose."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)