ATEEZ run 'Towards the Light' in Toronto
In one of the city's most anticipated shows of the summer, the K-pop band delivered a three hour theatrical production
(Photo credit: KQ Entertainment)
ATEEZ has been having a great 2024.
After becoming the first male K-pop idol group to perform at Coachella, expectations were high for ATEEZ when it announced its world tour “Towards the Light: Will to Power” shortly after.
The meteoric rise of ATEEZ over the years has been nothing short of amazing. The eight-member group—composed of Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho—debuted in 2018 under a modestly sized company by the name of KQ Entertainment. And since then, the group’s popularity has grown bigger, with the band’s latest studio album THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL’ reaching #1 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart in December.
What makes ATEEZ stand out from the crowd is its deep commitment to its lore. When the band first debuted, the members subscribed to the theme of piracy. In early singles like “Pirate King” and “Treasure,” ATEEZ play desert conquerors. And in later tracks like “Don’t Stop”, the band take on the role of marauders, burning things down, stealing goods and wearing an appropriately-themed eye patch.
“The pirate concept fits us so well. It can be mysterious, it can be powerful—we can say so many things and express so much within that theme. There are so many different types of pirates!” Hongjoong said in an interview with The Ringer in 2022.
I admit I didn’t always understand the whole pirate concept. But when I first saw ATEEZ in December 2022 in Hamilton, my perspective changed. Through dizzying set and costume changes, the boys committed to the bit. They danced on top of a ship. At another point, Seonghwa wielded a sword. And during the bridge of “Wonderland” the members chanted dramatically in unison, giving the feel of a rock-infused sea shanty.
ATEEZ are a band meant to be heard and seen live. It is theatrical in nature. And taking on the role of pirates is simply a symbol of exploration, allowing the group to show off its dramatic chops, versatile performance skills and powerful vocals.
Fast forward two years later, ATEEZ’s image has since taken on different forms. In songs like “Halazia”, the group play vigilantes taking on an oppressive government. And in more recent songs like “BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS)” and “Work”, the band play with western and cowboy themes. Personally, I have been loving this new era because it really feels like the members are letting loose and having fun!
Hype for ATEEZ’s Toronto concert was high from the start, with the band’s fans—known as ATINY—gathering at the venue hours before the show to exchange freebies, buy merch and meet new friends. Real Sports, a bar located next to the Scotiabank Arena, also hosted a pre-concert party before the show complete with ATEEZ-themed menu items and cocktails.
By the time ATEEZ arrives on stage, the show begins in dramatic fashion. The members come out in hooded cloaks, then immediately jump into high energy tracks like “Crazy Form”, “Say My Name” and “Win”. Major kudos to the film crew in particular, who understood their assignments and gave fans zooms and close-ups of the boys’ *AHEM* bottom halves when it was time for them to twerk and thrust.
Following the vigilante theme, the members play the role of spies and rebels during the concert set. At times, they perform choreographed fights with their dancers. San is seen tied up in chains. At another point, Hongjoong tries to walk away from the stage, as if in a trance. And throughout the setlist, the band is seen literally racing “towards the light”, which was a 16-metre tower with a globe on top that sat at the back of the stage. The globe, which changed colours throughout the night, reminded me of the Eye of Sauron from Lord of the Rings.
With each new song, the set behind the members changed continuously, almost giving the feel of a rock opera. At one point, Hongjoong steps on stage to play a guitar solo, then screams into the microphone for a rendition “Guerrilla”. And in the middle of the show, the stage turns into a cowboy bar, as members of the band take shots and let loose for a rendition of “ARRIBA.”
“Your voice today gives this place a different vibe,” said Mingi, to the delightful cheers of fans.
Mingi, who was also celebrating his 25th birthday in Toronto, was frequently greeted with wishes from his members. Being in a room of nearly 20,000 fans felt like a giant party for him too. During the encore stage, the audience sang happy birthday to Mingi, and the rapper ran across the stage after blowing out birthday cake candles that showed up on the big screen.
(Photo credit: KQ Entertainment)
Seeing that this was the band’s second time in Toronto, it was also nice to hear them enjoying the city in their downtime. Before the show, Yunho was seen wandering around landmarks like the Union Station and filming a dance video at Nathan Phillips Square. Meanwhile, Jongho said he enjoyed the sunshine.
“We arrived in Toronto yesterday and the weather is so nice. Good weather puts me in a good mood, but seeing you puts me in a better mood!” Jongho said during the concert.
Still, the band made it clear that the highlight was getting to spend their moments with their fans, leaving the show with a message of encouragement and strength.
Even if you are unfamiliar with ATEEZ, “Towards the Light: Will to Power” is an epic show that is sure to convert the most casual listener into a fan. And whether you’re standing on the floor or sitting in the nosebleeds, it’s hard not to feel the contagious energy coming from the group.
“I know there are many hard times towards the light. But if we are together, we can do everything,” Hongjoong said before the group left the stage.
“We are always by your side.”
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