Ateez make every head lift count in their "BAD" stage

Ateez's 'BAD' stage exists as a coexistence of surging energy and a sense of restraint that releases tension at decisive moments. Detailed control over pacing, such as the timing of chest pops and gazes that pierce through the camera, has driven global fans to replay the performance repeatedly. Behind this performance that has dominated SNS feeds lies the members' deep contemplation, which went far beyond the simple stage of mastering choreography.

"When do we lift our heads?" The gaze and angles synchronized by all 8 members

Ateez's choreography practice process reveals the members moving as a single team. In the process of completing the choreography, specific questions such as "Are we lifting our heads? Are we bowing them?" and "What about the angle?" are exchanged to refine the details.

Ateez's performance director emphasized the details embedded in 'BAD,' stating, "Even if a single hand gesture, gaze, or movement changes by just a paper-thin margin, the stage atmosphere and level of completion change significantly."

Rather than finishing the work quickly, the members prioritized the process of creating a result that everyone could agree upon, showing an attitude of trying to synchronize even the smallest parts until the very end.

The passion and trust of the members shared by the performance director

The director cited 'trust between members' as the core of this work. He explained, "Every time I work with Ateez, what I feel most strongly is an atmosphere where we can freely exchange opinions. Being able to speak comfortably about any opinion and a culture of respecting one another leads to great results."

In particular, member San showed his sincerity toward the performance by consistently participating in the choreography creation process. The director shared, "San is a friend who loves choreography and is sincere about performance. He is always contemplating and asking how he can express things more coolly and effectively."

All members, including San, actively proposed ideas, striving together as eight to create the best possible picture.

The director added regarding Ateez, "They are a team that has the belief that they can perfectly digest any concept given to them in their own style. Rather, I feel like we are always being inspired by Ateez. We are surprised by their way of expression every time."

Surpassing 1.88 million copies in first-week sales and achieving No. 1 on Billboard 200

The album containing 'BAD' surpassed 1.88 million copies in first-week sales, setting Ateez's 7th million-seller record. Their Billboard chart performance is also record-breaking. They achieved their 3rd No. 1 on the 'Billboard 200,' the main Billboard album chart, and also took No. 1 on the World Albums chart and the Artist 100 chart respectively.