ATEEZ Discuss The Themes Of ‘Golden Hour : Part.3' Album, 'Lemon Drop'
From burning up stages in Europe to the sun-drenched visuals in their latest concept photos and their first-ever Billboard Hot 100 entry, ATEEZ's whirlwind of milestones have made the first half of 2025 their hottest yet — and they're just getting started.
With GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3, the eight-piece powerhouse released music in a season that truly suits, serving up new single 'Lemon Drop' as a refreshing R&B and hip-hop anthem for long days and balmy nights. But in true ATEEZ fashion, they've taken the seemingly simple idea of summer to represent something far beyond easy-singalong hooks, weaving three interlocking themes —'Thirst,' 'Emotion' and 'Truth' — into every beat, lyric, and conceptual aspect of the album.
Ahead of an even deeper exploration of these themes coming via an upcoming deluxe edition, GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3 'In Your Fantasy Edition,' dropping on July 11, the members reflect to Forbes via email on nostalgia and yearning. The octet acknowledges that what feels effortless on stage often masks a deeper hunger for growth (a theme explored in 'Thirst'), the struggle to stay present amid relentless touring ('Emotion'), and the quiet courage it takes to embrace one's imperfections ('Truth'). ATEEZ is known for blending dramatic storytelling into their soaring anthems, but the latest chapter of the GOLDEN HOUR series showcases the additional heart poured into every era.
From ATEEZ's past tracks that hold special meanings to a preview of the group's upcoming 'In Your Fantasy' World Tour, read on for the latest with the guys below.
Jeff Benjamin: Hello ATEEZ! Congratulations on this huge comeback. Before we look ahead, how has the first half of 2025 been for you?
HONGJOONG: I can't believe we're already in the second half of the year — time flew by so fast. We were busy preparing for GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3, touring in Europe, and even releasing the movie version of our concert. In between all that, we spent a lot of time in the practice room perfecting our performances and getting ready for our new tour, 'In Your Fantasy.' It's been non-stop, but every moment has been exciting and meaningful for us.
Jeff Benjamin: What first stood out to me in GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 is 'Lemon Drop' being perfect for summer. This is your first seasonal song in a bit; why did you want to lean into the summer vibe?
WOOYOUNG: Like you mentioned, it's been a while since we released a seasonal song and we all felt like this summer was the perfect time to come back with something refreshing. ATEEZ always enjoys switching things up and trying new styles, and 'Lemon Drop' felt like the right way to bring our own ATEEZ-style freshness into the season. It's a fun blend of R&B and hip-hop, just like a lemon drop cocktail. We also hope it brings a bit of mood-lifting energy to anyone who listens to it.
JONGHO: Yes, we actually released more remixes of 'Lemon Drop' on June 16! Each version adds a different twist to the original track, so fans can enjoy the song in a new way. There's no English version this time, but we hope the energy of the song still comes through to everyone who listens.
Jeff Benjamin: While 'Lemon Drop,' 'WAVE' and 'Eternal Sunshine' are clear summertime singles, are there other ATEEZ songs you would recommend to new listeners who like this style?
MINGI: Of course songs like 'WAVE' and 'Eternal Sunshine' are summer classics for us, but if I had to recommend more, I'd say some of our recent B-sides like 'Blind' and 'Shaboom' really carry that summer energy too. They're the kind of tracks you blast with your friends and lose track of time — the melody is fun and the lyrics make you feel like you're at a concert or a festival.
ATEEZ individual concept photos for 'GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3'
Jeff Benjamin: Can you discuss the overall concept photos and imagery for GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3? Was there a specific theme you wanted to portray?
SEONGHWA: For GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3, we really wanted to capture a more carefree and youthful side of ATEEZ. The freckles and sun-kissed makeup, along with the lighter summer outfits, were all part of creating that breezy, relaxed feeling — like you're enjoying the height of summer with your closest friends.
YEOSANG: Every detail in the concept photos, from the parking lot to the poolside scenes, were chosen carefully and with a lot of thought. Those settings reflect the fleeting moments of stillness and joy, the golden hour of summer where everything feels calm yet alive.
Jeff Benjamin: GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 explores living in the moment through three main themes: 'Thirst,' 'Emotion' and 'Truth.' When did these ideas come to your story?
HONGJOONG: The themes of 'Thirst,' 'Emotion,' and 'Truth' actually started to take shape early on while we were discussing how GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 would connect to the rest of the series. We always think about the continuity between albums, and we wanted this one to feel like a real-time snapshot — living in the moment, but still tied to our bigger journey.
Can you elaborate on each of the themes in more depth and share a personal story about how you connect with them?
YUNHO: 'Thirst' perfectly describes the feeling of being in your youth — always running toward something with passion, but sometimes not even knowing exactly what that 'something' is. There are moments where we're so focused on pushing forward — especially with practice and performances — that we don't fully process our own emotions. That's where the 'thirst' builds. But I think that thirst also drives us to keep growing.
SEONGHWA: As someone who cares deeply about storytelling and emotional expression on stage, I always try to put real 'Emotion' into our performances — not just to act it out, but to help people watching connect with me. Each performance is a reflection of this theme and a representation of confronting the emotions that we feel in our everyday lives.
SAN: 'Truth' shows you how important it is to embrace the process, not just the result. There were times when I felt unsure or frustrated — moments where I questioned whether I was doing enough or doing it right. But looking back, even those clumsy or imperfect moments were full of passion, and they shaped who I am today. I've come to realize that doing my best in each moment, no matter how small or difficult, is already something beautiful. That's the kind of truth I've come to accept as I grow both as a human and as an artist.
Jeff Benjamin: Are there particular songs any of the members have a strong personal connection to in Part.3?
YEOSANG: I also feel a strong connection to 'Now this house ain't a home.' There's a melancholy in the melody, but at the same time, the rap and vocals really pull out the raw emotion. It reminds me that even when we feel a little lost, we have to keep moving forward — not just for the future, but for who we've been in the past. It's one of those songs that stays with you long after it ends.
Jeff Benjamin: ATEEZ's 'In Your Fantasy' World Tour will soon begin in Korea before coming to North America. What can you share about it and how will you top your previous shows?
MINGI: We've been working really hard to prepare new stages and fresh versions of ourselves that ATINY haven't seen before. It's not just about performing songs — it's about creating a full experience.
YUNHO: There will definitely be special stages and new songs that haven't been performed live yet. We've put a lot of thought into how to push beyond what we've done in the past — from visuals to setlists, even the way we tell the story on stage. Each tour is a chance to grow, and this one will show a whole new side of ATEEZ. We can't wait for ATINY to see it.
Jeff Benjamin: Anything else you'd like to share at this time?
WOOYOUNG: We're always so thankful for the love and anticipation ATINY shows us with every comeback. Your reactions and support give us so much strength, and we always keep that in mind when preparing. We can't wait to meet you all on tour and give back everything we've been receiving.
SAN: We really miss you too, Jeff! And ATINY, see you soon!
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