Ateez on Favorite Fashion Moments and Tour Memories — Including the Show That Almost Didn't Happen (Exclusive)

Ateez had such a jam-packed 2024, the K-pop superstars haven't had a chance to reminisce about their success. Instead, they're more focused on what's next.

Catching up with PEOPLE in December, after the release of their new mini-album Golden Hour Pt.2, the group's eight members — Hongjoong, 26, Seonghwa, 26, Yunho, 25, Yeosang, 25, San, 25, Mingi, 25, Wooyoung, 25, and Jongho, 24 — get sentimental about their recently wrapped U.S. tour, and have it out over who got the best look in the music video for their latest single, "Ice on My Teeth."

Related: Billboard Music Awards 2024: See the Complete Winners List!

The "Ice" video, which dropped Nov. 15, sees the 2024 Billboard Music Award nominees suited up and breaking it down among balaclava-wearing ballerinas in a sinister castle setting that's part Peaky Blinders, part Saltburn.

The members have traded their "pirate king" alter egos for some dandy-meets-gangster fashion choices in the video. Yunho tells PEOPLE, "I'm really excited to show a concept with the new ‘Yunho’ and share an even wider range of looks and vocal tones."

One member's signature accessory had the others a bit envious.

"I thought Seonghwa's wide-brimmed hat was really unique and suited him well. It also matched the vibe of "Ice On My Teeth" perfectly, and it made me think I’d love to try wearing that hat someday," says Yeosang, before Wooyoung playfully interjects: "I think I stand out the most, but the other members' styling is also really well done."

And of course they've been watching out to see how their fans, known collectively as "ATINY," have been reacting to the song and the album.

"We’re so grateful for all the fans who have shown so much love for the catchy melodies and those who have enjoyed watching us take on new challenges," says Jongho, the group's youngest member. "Every single one of their reactions has been so wonderful and their support has truly been incredible. It’s only made us want to work harder to deliver even more diverse music and showcase different sides of ourselves in the future."

"Ice on My Teeth" is the latest in a recent string of genre-crossing hits for Ateez, including the release of their viral single "Bouncy" in 2023, followed by the addictive "Work" in May 2024. Both blew up on TikTok and earned the group many new fans outside of the world of K-pop.

But Hongjoong, the group's leader, sees their success as a much bigger picture. Asked about their last two years, he explains, "It’s not so much a change after a specific point in time, but rather the continuous efforts we've put in and the love and support we’ve received from ATINY that have come together."

He adds, "Because of that, I believe we’ve been able to show music and performances that resonate with even more people. I’m always grateful for that, and I have a strong desire to consistently present new and meaningful works."

In August, the group wrapped up the U.S. leg of their "Towards the Light : Will to Power" tour, including 13 shows in 10 cities, and will set off on the European leg in January.

"Our first world tour was actually in the U.S., and carries so many memories," says Mingi of their 2019 visit to the States, when they were playing for about 1,000 fans in theaters and clubs. These days, it's baseball stadiums and arenas. Still, he says, "Whenever we go there, I can’t help but think back to where we started and it always reminds me to stay humble."

One U.S. date in particular proved more dramatic than anticipated. Asked what his favorite memory of the tour is, San chose a show that seemed like it might not happen due to seriously extenuating circumstances.

"I’d probably pick the performance at Citi Field as one of my favorite memories from this tour. The conditions weren’t ideal, but we made it through thanks to everyone’s love and support, so it left a big impression on me."

Extreme heat followed by downpours and thunderstorms delayed the show at the Mets' home field by two hours. Still, fans took shelter or simply got soaked as they waited out the weather, and Ateez was finally able to safely take the stage around 9:30 p.m. as Hongjoong reassured fans: "New York thank you so much for waiting so long. A little rain can’t stop us,”

With another 14 concert dates on the horizon, Seonghwa tells PEOPLE, "I'm feeling both nervous and excited to meet European ATINY after such a long time. It’s exciting to know that in 2025, we'll be meeting more ATINY and sharing even more great music with them."

Golden Hour: Part.2 is out now.

Read the original article on People