[REVIEW] ATEEZ brings yearlong global tour to triumphant close in Seoul

By Pyo Kyung-min

After more than a year of electrifying performances across the globe, K-pop sensation ATEEZ wrapped up its world tour with a grand finale in Seoul, delivering a night of high-energy spectacle and heartfelt fan appreciation.

The eight-member boy band held the final show of its "TOWARDS THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER" tour on the weekend at KSPO Dome in Seoul's Songpa District.

The concert marked the end of an extensive journey that began in Seoul in January 2024 and traversed Japan, 10 North American cities and nine European countries before returning to the group's home stage.

Hours before the final curtain rose on Sunday, fans gathered outside the dome, snapping photos and soaking in the anticipation. With ATEEZ's worldwide appeal, the crowd was a vibrant mix of Korean and overseas fans, many dressed in flashy outfits for the momentous event.

The show began shortly after the scheduled 5 p.m. start, opening with ATEEZ's signature high-powered choreography, intense rap delivery and main vocalist Jongho's soaring high notes. Sending waves of energy through the crowd, the opening number set the stage for the entire evening.

As expected of a tour finale, the stage production was nothing short of theatrical. A sequence featuring hits like "Crazy Form," "Say My Name," "Wake Up" and "Guerrilla" incorporated dramatic props like handcuffs and scarves, igniting the audience's excitement. The atmosphere reached a fever pitch when member Seonghwa appeared shirtless with a provocative chest harness, sending fans into a frenzy.

Thirty minutes into the set, the eight members — heavily panting and glistening with sweat — paused to greet their audience.

"As the tour title suggests, we want to make this a radiant and meaningful night for all of you," the members declared. "Let's give it everything we've got — as if there's no tomorrow!"

From then on, ATEEZ displayed a seamless blend of movement and music, reinforcing its reputation for powerhouse performances.

Shifting gears to unit performances, Yeosang, San and Wooyoung performed the smooth and groovy "IT's You," while Yunho and Mingi brought nostalgia with "Youth." Jongho's emotional ballad "Everything" resonated with the crowd, while Hongjoong and Seonghwa's hip-hop collaboration "MATZ" also delivered a dynamic punch.

The group's title tracks further cemented its famous stage prowess. "Ice On My Teeth" oozed charisma under deep crimson lighting, while "BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS)" emphasized the group's unique Korean-inspired musical identity. "WORK" also radiated confidence, reinforcing the group's ambitions as global K-pop stars.

Elaborate stage elements also elevated the experience. The Spanish-infused "ARRIBA" transformed the venue into a country bar, while "WONDERLAND" featured enormous tentacles rising from the stage, evoking cinematic grandeur.

Not every aspect of the production hit its mark. The video intermissions, scattered throughout the concert, lacked depth and polish, disrupting the show's performance-driven momentum.

Additionally, certain set pieces and Hongjoong's ambitious electric guitar solo were positioned too far back at the center of the stage, becoming invisible to the press seated in the farthest section. Even the large screens installed to enhance the view were often obstructed by a security staff member who repeatedly and unnecessarily wandered in front of the audience.

Despite these minor setbacks, the unwavering passion of the eight ATEEZ members and their genuine connection with fans compensated for any shortcomings.

Returning for an encore, the group traversed the venue, making eye contact with fans who were there to share the moment. Before bidding farewell, the members also shared a pre-recorded video message dedicated to their official fandom, ATINY.

"During the European leg of the tour, I watched as the venues got bigger and more ATINY joined us," Wooyoung reflected, bidding the night's farewell. "It made me feel both grateful and ambitious. I want us to reach even greater heights. We won't settle — we'll keep climbing, step by step. Please continue to support and love us as you always have."

Hongjoong closed with heartfelt words of encouragement, once again evoking the tour's title, "TOWARDS THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER."

"There are moments in life when it feels like we're lost in darkness. But the world is full of light — it's just that sometimes, a thin barrier makes it seem like all the light has disappeared. Thanks to you, I was able to remove that barrier. I hope you'll do the same and find your light again," he said.

With Sunday's three-hour performance drawing curtains to its world tour, ATEEZ became only the second K-pop group after BTS to headline New York's Citi Field. The group also performed at large venues, including Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, and La Défense Arena in Paris — each accommodating more than 40,000 fans — further cementing K-pop's expanding global influence.