'K-Pop finally returned to the UK, and Ateez really brought it back with a bang'

For all international K-Pop fans, seeing their favourite group is a rare chance, with some so-called world tours completely missing out Europe.

Add on top of that the still-rumbling Covid pandemic, and the likelihood that the popular music genre would return to the UK any time soon seemed slim.

But ATEEZ stopped off in London for two dates on their The Fellowship: Beginning Of The End world tour and really brought K-Pop back with a bang.

The eight-member group was among the first South Korean acts to perform in the UK since before the pandemic, and with two packed-out shows at OVO Arena Wembley, they proved the appetite for the high-energy, visually dazzling and show-stopping performances is there now more than ever.

On Saturday, April 30, OVO Arena Wembley was completely packed with ATEEZ fans – known as ATINY – ready to see the group – made up of Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho – perform.

With the lights down low, the 12,500-capacity arena was lit up with a sea of glowing globes thanks to eager fans showing their support with the group’s official lightstick – and that was before they’d even got on stage.

When the members appeared on stage and the powerful opening bars of Wonderland filled the arena, the roar from fans was near-deafening and a testament to their excitement at seeing the guys live.

Wonderland was the perfect opener, with the music building tension and hype before an incredible display of vocal talent from member Jongho.

ATEEZ performed a mixture of title tracks from their albums, as well as a handful of B-sides which went down just as well with the crowd.

After Wonderland, other highlights of the night included a breezy performance of Wave, the crowd-pleasing HALA HALA and call-to-action song Say My Name.

Throughout the concert, the members interacted in English with the crowd, with each of them getting cheers and screams loud enough to hear from miles away whenever they spoke.

The members made no secret of the fact that they were excited to be back in front of their fans in person, after a few years performing to television studios with no audience.

And their wide smiles were broadcast around the arena on huge screens by the stage, with those not lucky enough to bag front-row seats still able to see how happy ATEEZ were to be back with their fans.

Despite being hugely popular performers, known for their high-intensity choreography and powerful vocals, the adoration from fans seemed to humble the members.

Seonghwa in particular, who received some of the loudest cheers of the night, appeared shy, smiling and shaking his head as the audience went wild.

It was a beautiful example of the symbiotic relationship between ATEEZ and their fans.

As the concert arrived at its mid-point, ATEEZ excitedly welcomed their KQ Entertainment label-mate, soloist Maddox, onto the stage.

Maddox – born in Wales and growing up in Bournemouth, UK until he was 10 – performed two songs including a stunning cover of Adele’s Easy On Me.

His small set provided fans a moment to collect themselves before the second part of ATEEZ’s concert kicked into full swing.

Coming back with songs including pulse-racing Fireworks, head-bopper Answer and the slower-paced Dancing like Butterfly Wings, ATEEZ rounded out their first date at OVO Arena Wembley.

The final song in the encore was a moving performance of their most recent Korean comeback, Turbulence.

The energy was high throughout the few-hour concert – even though the technical choreography would tire out most people after just a few minutes.

Their tireless vocals and dancing meant it was difficult to find one stand-out moment of the show, with ATEEZ performing each song as if it were the first on the set-list.

Throw in the interaction with fans – they told the crowd they’d enjoyed trying British staple meal fish and chips – and it was definitely a night no ATINY in attendance will forget any time soon.

ATEEZ The Fellowship: Beginning Of The End was in partnership with MyMusicTaste, which allows fans to campaign to have their favourite acts perform in their city

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk