ATEEZ at BST Hyde Park

During the hottest British summertime on record, nothing could bring the temperature even higher than ATEEZ’s headline performance at BST Hyde Park yesterday evening. Following a jam-packed lineup under the blazing London sun, including opener Taemin, who briefly stole the show marked by his signature sultry choreography and staggering star quality, the iconic eight-piece K-pop group took to the stage accompanied by fireworks and sky-high energy from the moment they stepped out.

Kitted out in intricate white outfits to match the elaborate pirate and cowboy-inspired outfits donned by fans, the boys began with Bouncy, following up with Say My Name and Work, the latter in particular sending the crowd into a frenzy. Main vocalist Jongho carried vocals, and the group’s slick dance moves were enhanced by the striking stage production, at one stage resembling an intimate bar setting for Arriba and transforming into a mafia-style spectacle for hard hitter Ice on My Teeth. This was a night of firsts, with ATEEZ performing new single BAD for the first time ever live, as well as treating the audience to the European debuts of In Your Fantasy and Adrenaline, which took the set – and London’s Atinys – to the next level.

These especially commanding moments were offset by the more touching, slower offerings as the group moved into a more mellow trio of tracks, taking time to express their gratitude to those who travelled far and wide to attend – some as far as Brazil and Mexico. After brief but sincere interactions with the front row, ATEEZ brought the ambience back with Adrenaline, the aptly-titled, electric single, before closing out with fan favourites Gorilla and an alternative version of The Real.

As expected from a group of such immense global acclaim, the choreography was pristine, the setlist perfectly crafted (though mostly new and omitting some older go-tos such as Crazy Form), and the group’s loyal followers remained with them at every turn, engaging in a beautiful exchange of appreciation by waving their lightsticks high and participating in the customary fan chants. Though some young fans were more focused on capturing the perfect moment to share online than enjoying ATEEZ’s undeniably dazzling stage presence, and many of the heavier songs deserved more movement, the performance and sense of community truly showcased K-pop at its very best – unequivocally unifying and uniquely immaculate.