From one continent to another, one of South Korea’s hottest boy groups arrived in London to perform at the BST Hyde Park Festival. Renowned for their commanding stage presence, ATEEZ — comprised of leader, or “captain,” Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho — are in the midst of an explosive year. Fresh off the release of their new EP, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5, the eight-member group is ready to kick off their summer festival run and reunite with their international fanbase, ATINY. Having performed in the UK several times before and drawn increasingly larger crowds with each visit, ATEEZ’s debut at the prestigious BST Hyde Park Festival marked another major milestone in their global rise — one that left a lasting impression on fans.
More than just another festival appearance, BST Hyde Park became a celebration shared between ATEEZ and their devoted ATINY. Fans arrived dressed in their best outfits, proudly carrying ANITEEZ plushies and lightsticks as symbols of their unwavering support. In true K-pop fashion, fan-made freebies were exchanged throughout the day, creating a warm sense of community as anticipation continued to build with every passing moment.
Bathed in bright sunshine, the Great Oak Stage provided the perfect setting for a golden hour spectacle. Backed by a live band and joined by their longtime dance crew, BB Trippin, ATEEZ emerged in crisp white outfits that perfectly complemented the summer atmosphere. Seonghwa greeted the crowd with a blown kiss before the members shouted, “Let’s go!” and launched straight into “BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS).” Much like the song’s lyrics promise, ATEEZ brought their own signature brand of heat to BST Hyde Park, delivering a performance packed with fiery energy, Cheongyang gochu vibe style.
“Okay, London, we’re just getting started. Let me hear you scream!” Hongjoong challenged as the opening instrumentals of “Say My Name” rang through Hyde Park. Almost instinctively, the crowd responded with the song’s iconic chant: “ATEEZ PRESENT!” The energy only continued to build as the group transitioned into their motivational anthem, “WORK,” confidently making their way down the catwalk to be closer to the audience.
Each member brought a distinct charm to the stage, yet together they showcased the seamless chemistry that defines ATEEZ. Their official introduction, “8 makes 1 team, hello, we are ATEEZ,” felt especially fitting as their synchronized performances highlighted both their individual strengths and collective presence. Summer vibes filled the park during “Lemon Drop,” whose refreshing, feel-good atmosphere perfectly complemented the rich amber hues of the sun. “The night is still young,” Hongjoong remarked, hinting that the excitement was far from over. “ARRIBA” kept the momentum alive with its catchy tunes, featuring the return of Mingi’s “Wonka Mingi” persona, while Jongho and Yunho delighted lucky fans by tossing roses into the crowd.
Before continuing, ATEEZ took a moment to soak in the passionate response from the audience. One of the most special aspects of music festivals is that they bring many people together — a sentiment Yunho echoed when he spoke about how people of diverse backgrounds gathered together to enjoy the music. For many in attendance, this performance was more than just another festival set; fans had traveled from across the world to witness the moment, making it more meaningful.
At one point, an ATINY proudly held up a “Latinas for ATEEZ” sign. For a group like ATEEZ, they are no stranger to incorporating Latin elements in their music. Their latest track, “BAD,” had been released just two days earlier, making its live debut at BST Hyde Park an unexpected treat for those in attendance. To say the performance was well received would be an understatement. Fans erupted with excitement, especially during San’s viral chest-pumping choreography that has already taken the internet by storm.
Hongjoong shared that they prepared songs that suited London’s beautiful scenery, and the timing could not have been more perfect. As the sun began to set, thousands of lightsticks illuminated the crowd during “WAVE,” creating a breathtaking sea of light. Behind the members, the massive LED screens displayed lush greenery and glowing leaves, enhancing the song’s summery atmosphere. As evening settled in and the temperature cooled, the mood shifted with some slower paced songs. During “Now this house ain’t a home” and “Enough,” the boys walked down the catwalk to interact with fans. It was moments like this where you can feel the love between ATEEZ and ATINY.
“You still got some energy left?” Mingi asked, prompting the crowd to respond with enthusiastic barking — a now-familiar tradition whenever he hypes up the audience. The group sent the crowd’s adrenaline soaring with their explosive track, “Adrenaline,” as deafening screams stretched throughout the venue, especially during the beat drop. When Hongjoong commanded everyone to “turn that thing up,” the crowd answered without hesitation, matching the group’s intensity until the very last note.
There were only a few minutes left of their set but the energy didn’t falter one bit. Adding on to the exhilaration in true ATEEZ fashion, the group jumped into one of the classics, “Guerilla.” When the time came for the iconic “break the wall” chant, ATINY answered with thunderous voices that seemed to shake the festival grounds. As the stage lights faded and the members disappeared into the darkness, it appeared the set had come to an end. Then, Hongjoong’s voice rang out: “Let’s go once again!” The Captain put his hat back on and the group closed out the show with “멋 (The Real),” a performance that truly set the scale. The stage radiated pure joy as Wooyoung swapped his “춤 들어가유” line for a cheerful “London, yaho!” while flashing a gyaru peace sign. Soon, all eight members joined their dancers in a circle dance, ending the night on a celebratory note.
With one final bow, ATEEZ concluded a spectacular debut at BST Hyde Park. Whether they were longtime ATINY or curious festivalgoers, the audience witnessed exactly why ATEEZ has earned a reputation as one of K-pop’s most captivating live acts. Many ATINY who saw them for the first time expressed their desire to see them again. Let’s hope ATEEZ’s appearance at BST Hyde Park will be the catalyst for a big tour in the works!
Quotations have been edited for clarity and conciseness.
Photos and words by Angela Leung
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