[TMA Interview] ATEEZ, a brilliant return after 3 years... Confident in a 're-fan' with a new album

Attended the TMA since their debutWon 'Icon of the Year' and 'Artist of the Year'Announced comeback with 15th mini-album... Global activities with world tour next yearThe '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA', hosted by and organized by FANNSTAR and UCW, was held on the 19th at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium in Yeonje-gu, Busan. Group ATEEZ posed for photos before an interview. / Reporter Park Sang-min[THE FACT| Reporter Kim Saet-byeol] Group ATEEZ proved their unstoppable momentum by achieving two awards at the 'TMA', which they visited for the first time in three years. ATEEZ, showcasing their unrivaled performance and steadily built achievements, once again announced their hot leap as a world-class contender representing K-pop.The '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA', hosted by THE FACT and organized by FANNSTAR and UCW, was spectacularly held on September 19th at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. On this day, ATEEZ (HONGJOONG SEONGHWA YUNHO YEOSANG San Mingi WOOYOUNG JONGHO) received the honor of two awards, winning 'Icon of the Year' and 'Artist of the Year' consecutively.ATEEZ's achievements this year were dazzling. Their 14th mini-album 'GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5', released in June, not only recorded their third No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the main album chart of Billboard, but also broke their own record by surpassing 1.88 million copies in initial domestic sales. The title track 'BAD' created an unrivaled syndrome, topping music shows even after the promotion period, along with a domestic and international challenge craze.On the TMA stage after a long time, ATEEZ met fans not only with awards but also with a special performance. Meeting the press backstage after finishing all their stages, the members shared various stories, from the joy of winning two awards to behind-the-scenes of their performance and their future goals.Returning to the 'TMA' stage after three years, ATEEZ expressed their meaningful thoughts after winning two awards. / Reporter LEE SAEROM, Reporter Nam Yong-heeHaving captured both public appeal and fandom to reach the top, ATEEZ was emotional as they looked back on the past. San said, "Hearing it like this makes me feel a bit emotional." Yunho also said, "I feel so good," adding, "It was meaningful and an honor to attend the TMA, where we received the Rookie Award when we debuted, after a long time, win a grand prize, and perform our final stage."As they returned to the TMA stage after three years, the stage itself held special meaning for the members. Jongho said, "It was great to have the opportunity to show our performance on a big stage," and "I was happy to be able to show ATINY (fandom name) a better and cooler stage."This attendance was even more special for Jongho, who couldn't join the TMA stage three years ago due to an injury. He said, "I had leg discomfort at the time and couldn't be with my hyungs," adding, "It was an honor and I felt proud to have the opportunity to make up for that time."Living up to their title of 'Stage Masters', they had a specially prepared stage for this awards ceremony. They unveiled the stage for their b-side track 'MAMACITA' for the first time. Wooyoung said, "We had never shown it on stage before, and we prepared it exclusively for the TMA," adding, "I think it shone even brighter because the stage was so well-produced. Thank you."This year, fans could see ATEEZ's diverse charms even outside of their stage performances. ATEEZ expanded their activities to YouTube content 'Gootjong' and the variety show 'Omniscient Interfering View'. When asked about their yet-unseen charms, Yeosang laughed and said, "If I tell you all of them, it won't be a charm anymore." He added, "There's so much more we have to show you and so much to look forward to, so please continue to give us your love and attention."At the venue that day, there was also cheerful support from the members regarding Hongjoong's solo song promotion. Hongjoong explained his solo song 'Enough', released the day before the interview, saying, "I've made many good connections through team activities, which led to this collaboration," adding, "It was an honor to showcase a style that I couldn't show through team activities. My members also liked it a lot."San stepped in as a pinch hitter for Hongjoong, who was shy about self-promotion. He emphasized, "It's a collaboration with truly world-class musicians, a meeting of the world-class and the world-class," and confidently stated, "It has many pop elements, so I think many people will like it."Next, HONGJOONG shared an anecdote about the difference between team activities and external work, saying, "When I'm with ATEEZ, it feels like being at home, and when I'm doing external work, it feels like going out." San expressed his affection, saying, "As a member, I feel good that he seems to have gone out in a cool way." As the members' praise continued, Hongjoong eventually hid behind his chair, and Seonghwa added, "The best outing," causing laughter.Hongjoong said, "It was possible because the members are already all world-class," and expressed his desire, "I want to continue doing many great projects with the world-class members in the future."Group ATEEZ, after boasting their hot momentum in 2026, will continue their popularity with another comeback in November. / Reporter Kim Sung-ryeolATEEZ's dazzling run doesn't stop here. ATEEZ will make a comeback in about five months by releasing their 15th mini-album 'GOLDEN HOUR : Part.6' on November 15th. Mingi said, "There are many good news items at the end of the year. Among them, we are preparing good activities so that the new album can surpass the current album."In response, Hongjoong mentioned Mingi's earlier prediction that 'BAD' would become the team's new representative song and asked about expectations for the new album. Mingi hinted, "This album has parts that contain our narrative," adding, "Therefore, I think it will be a moment for fans to cry or fall in love with us again."Finally, Seonghwa said, "It was a proud and grateful day to receive such a good award after coming to after a long time," adding, "It seems like a day that ATINY will be proud of. I am also very proud of the members." He then promised, "We will become a ATEEZ that works hard so that the meaning of this award becomes even deeper."With two trophies in hand, ATEEZ has once again announced their leap forward. Expectations are high for what records and stages they will create in the future as they continue their musical growth with their 15th mini-album and meet fans worldwide through their world tour.sstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]