ATEEZ’s Jongho is The K-Pop Industry’s Vocal Powerhouse
Photo: KQ Entertainment
In the world of K-Pop, ATEEZ’s Jongho is the ultimate secret weapon. You know those epic, show-stopping high notes that feel like a rock concert finale? That's his specialty. He’s the powerful anchor and breathtaking exclamation point that makes their sound truly hit different.
Becoming A Vocal Anchor
His signature power didn't happen overnight. Before debut, he was juggling athletics and music, which secretly built the killer breath control and stamina he’s known for. While training, he earned a crucial reputation as the "closer." In practice, he was always the one tasked with nailing the biggest, most difficult vocals at full volume. This drilled into him a disciplined style built on long warm-ups and a powerful, chest-driven sound that blooms instead of flipping into something easier and thinner. Though it wasn’t easy and not always fair, Jongho persevered through these times.
ATEEZ Takes The Industry
When ATEEZ first hit the scene, Jongho’s job was to be the steady heart of their chaotic sound, the melodic anchor in songs like "Say My Name." But as their music grew bigger, so did his role.
By anthems like "WONDERLAND," he became the exclamation point, mastering those sustained, vibrato-rich notes at the very end that make your jaw drop.
What truly sets him apart live is his refusal to take the easy way out; he famously sings in the original key while performing the group's intense choreography, giving their shows an unmatched, live-band intensity. Songs like “WE KNOW,” “Lemon Drop,” “Guerrilla” and more showcase this especially.
A Master of Adaptation
Jongho’s genius is how he shapes his voice to fit any song. For the dreamy "Inception," he softens his tone and smooths everything out. For the aggressive "THANXX," he adds a gritty, sharp edge. And in emotional ballads like "Turbulence," he shows off stunning control, swelling and fading his volume on a single note like a Broadway pro, which makes every performance feel uniquely dramatic.
So, how does he do it all without blowing out his voice? The answer is pure technique. His breathing is extremely efficient, low and calm, fueling those impossibly long notes. He trains his voice to stay thick and powerful even on very high notes, avoiding a weak or shrill sound. He even tweaks his vowel sounds on the highest notes to avoid strain. This technical mastery and consistent training no matter where he is in his career is why, even when he had to perform seated due to injury, his vocal power didn't drop an ounce.
What's Next for the "Singer's Singer"
Beyond ATEEZ's title tracks, Jongho is carefully building his own lane. Through OSTs, singles and cover songs, he's showing a love for dramatic, cinematic ballads and anthemic rock. He approaches covers with a respectful, technically brilliant style, focusing on emotion and color rather than just showing off. It’s a smart approach that points to a future full of possibilities, from a solo rock project to theater stages.