the video of hongjoong, yeosang, and mingi with epik high was amazing for so many reasons, but i really want to highlight the advice given when hongjoong shared his concerns, because that's so important. it's a genuine concern to have, wondering the direction to go as artists, especially with how far ateez have come at this point. as an artist, there is a balance between what fans want and what the artist desires to create, and when there's even a little anxiety over how well the art you've created will be received, it can cause a domino effect into more insecurities. hongjoong saying that they put in a lot of time and effort for their new music each comeback always shows so clearly, because ateez gives everything no matter what decisions they make. i really appreciate the advice to keep doing what they're doing, because whether in music or any other aspect of life, there will be some who love what you do and some who don't. and while yes, fan reception is important (artists need the support to survive), if you never grow as an artist, if you never try new things, if you don't listen to your own heart as well and do what you love, even if not at first, it will eventually show in your work and then no one is happy. and if artists never expanded their visions to keep true to themselves while innovating, think of how much less music we would have in the world today. even if they receive pushback at any time for trying and adding new sounds and new layers to their artistry, i will always stand by them as innovators in their own right, because absolutely what they bring to music and to the stage is something only they can create. the music world and the world beyond music would be at a greater loss without their sounds and colours and lights. that's why, in addition to who they are as individuals, we all love them so much. so i hope they always stay true to themselves and to their vision, because it has so much lasting potential to take them even farther than they could dream of. you are eternally our pride, ateez, precisely for who you are; continue to bloom and grow organically, follow your hearts, and atiny will continue to support you on the voyage we share together. 🫶🏻💗🌱🌿🌻⛵️ #ateez #에이티즈 #hongjoong #홍중 #seonghwa #성화 #yunho #윤호 #yeosang #여상 #san #산 #mingi #민기 #wooyoung #우영 #jongho #종호 #larknotes