ATEEZ Wraps Up FEVER with A Warm Hug for ATINY

ATEEZ has done it again. Ever since they first debuted, ATEEZ has included a track of warmth for ATINY, their fans, but that’s changed with ZERO : FEVER EPILOGUE. This time, the entirety of the album feels like it was put together with ATINY in mind, and it may just be the best Christmas gift ever.

Last week, the group released “Turbulence,” the first of two title tracks, ahead of the album’s release. The track also opens the album before launching into “Be With You” and “The Letter,” two winter-themed, soft and smooth tracks where the boys proclaim that not only will they be here with us through the trials and tribulations life throws in our way (“Be With You”), but that they know their fans will do the same thing for them (“The Letter”). These tracks are followed by Korean versions of “Still Here” and “Better,” both of which were released as Japanese singles. While the Japanese version of “Still Here” did not feature Mingi’s rap talent as he was still on hiatus at the time, the Korean version does, and the track that already filled ATINY with joy now does so with the group all together. It feels completely different, hearing Mingi’s voice reminding us that he is still with us and with ATEEZ.

The second half of ZERO : FEVER EPILOGUE is where things get interesting. Earlier this year, ATEEZ was one of six boy groups to feature on the competition show Kingdom: Legendary War. Finishing in third place, the group showed fans and non-fans alike just how talented they are with updated versions of well-loved tracks “WAVE,” “WONDERLAND,” and “Answer” during the competition before releasing new track “The Real” in the final episode. While they released “The Real” on streaming services, they never released the other tracks...well, until now. Tracks six through nine are the Kingdom tracks, though with even newer versions for “The Real” and “Answer.” As Mingi was on hiatus, he did not compete with the remaining seven members, and therefore his vocals were not included in the performances. But now, we have “Answer (Ode to Joy)” featuring LA POEM and Mingi’s vocals at the very beginning, and a music video for “멋 (The Real) (흥 : 興 Ver.)” that opens with the rapper.

While Mingi’s absence was felt throughout “Fireworks (I’m The One)” promotions, their appearances on Immortal Songs 2, and on their Twitter feed, it was even more noticeable as ATEEZ competed on Kingdom. There were so many dance breaks, so many incredible moments that would’ve been even more stunning had the group had their missing member, so having the music video for “멋 (The Real) (흥 : 興 Ver.)” open with Mingi is like putting the last puzzle piece into place. Don’t get me wrong—the performances that ATEEZ gave during Kingdom still send shivers down my spine whenever I watch them, but I know I’m not the only fan that knew Mingi would’ve eaten that choreography up and left it all on the stage.

There’s also something to be said about the other seven members, though. “멋 (The Real) (흥 : 興 Ver.)” does such a good job at highlighting each member, whether it be through a spot of choreography, as one of the minor plot points, or in how the music video just feels like one big massive party (not unlike the Kingdom performance). It’s also a much more lighthearted music video from ATEEZ, similar to the music videos for “WAVE” and “ILLUSION,” but still with that hint of edge that makes it an ATEEZ release. Plus, having Yeosang as the personification of “Humble and Kindness”? It’s just far too appropriate.

ZERO : FEVER EPILOGUE closes with “Outro : Over the Horizon,” so it’ll be interesting to see where ATEEZ goes next with their releases. Whatever it is though, it’s bound to be great.