How Did ATEEZ Choose Their Leader?

Ever since I stumbled upon ATEEZ's 'Wonderland' performance, I've been utterly captivated by their energy and stage presence. The group's leader, Hongjoong, stands out not just because of his position but also his undeniable charisma. He's like the glue that holds the team together, balancing fiery rap verses with a surprisingly warm leadership style. Watching their behind-the-scenes content, you can tell how much the members respect him—whether he's cracking jokes during rehearsals or giving thoughtful advice. What really impressed me was how involved he is in their music production, too. It's rare to see a leader so hands-on with every aspect of their group's identity. Hongjoong's fashion sense is another rabbit hole entirely. From neon-colored mullets to pirate-inspired stage outfits (fitting for a group called ATEEZ!), he turns every concept into a personal art project. I once spent hours binge-watching fan compilations of his styling evolution—it's wild how he pulls off both androgynous elegance and rugged streetwear. Beyond aesthetics, though, his lyrics often touch on self-discovery and resilience, which makes his leadership feel deeply authentic. You don't just hear his role; you feel it in the way ATEEZ carries themselves as a team.

Hongjoong's popularity as ATEEZ's leader isn't just about charisma—it's how he embodies the group's fiery spirit while staying utterly human. I first noticed it during their 'Wonderland' era, where his stage presence felt like a storm commanding the ocean, yet off-stage interviews revealed this thoughtful artist who sketched lyrics in notebooks like a storyteller crafting myths. His leadership isn't performative; he remembers members' allergies mid-concert, adjusts choreo for injured teammates, and openly discusses mental health struggles in vlives. What seals the deal is his creative duality—he co-produces tracks like 'HALA HALA' with pirate-themed intensity but also designs gender-neutral fashion lines. International fans especially connect with how he blends K-pop precision with punk-rock rebellion, like when he covered 'BLACKPINK''s 'Lovesick Girls' with a synth-punk twist. The guy turns leadership into an art form—equal parts captain, muse, and that one hype friend who convinces you to break limits at 3AM.

When I first got into ATEEZ, I was curious about every little detail of the members, especially Hongjoong, their charismatic leader. From what I've gathered, he stands at around 170 cm (about 5'7"). It's funny because his presence on stage feels so much taller—probably thanks to his insane energy and those platform boots he often wears. I remember watching their 'Wonderland' performance and being blown away by how he commands attention despite not being the tallest in the group. It just goes to show that height doesn't define leadership. His creativity and stage presence more than makeup for it, and honestly, I wouldn't have him any other way.

Ah, ATEEZ's group dynamics always fascinate me! Hongjoong is indeed the leader, but he isn't the oldest member—that title goes to Seonghwa. It's interesting how leadership doesn't always align with age in K-pop groups. Hongjoong carries this incredible energy, like a captain steering a ship (fitting for their pirate concept!), while Seonghwa has this calm, nurturing vibe that balances the team. I love how their roles complement each other—Hongjoong's creative vision and Seonghwa's grounded presence make ATEEZ feel like a family. Speaking of age hierarchies, it reminds me of other groups where the eldest isn't the leader, like BTS's Jin and RM. It goes to show that leadership is more about charisma and responsibility than seniority. Watching ATEEZ's behind-the-scenes content, you can tell Hongjoong earns respect through his dedication, not just his position. And Seonghwa? He’s like the emotional backbone, especially when the younger members need support. Their chemistry is downright magical.

Watching Hongjoong lead ATEEZ feels like witnessing a masterclass in passion and dedication. His energy on stage is electric—every move, every lyric delivered with such conviction that it’s impossible not to feel inspired. Offstage, he’s just as impactful. The way he openly shares his creative process, from composing to styling, makes fans feel included in ATEEZ’s journey. He doesn’t just perform; he *communicates*, whether through heartfelt live streams or encouraging messages about perseverance. What really gets me is how he turns vulnerability into strength. He’s talked about struggles with self-doubt, yet he channels those emotions into art that resonates deeply. His leadership isn’t about being flawless; it’s about showing how to rise after falling. That authenticity—paired with his relentless work ethic—makes fans believe they can tackle their own challenges too.

ATEEZ's leader, Hongjoong, is heavily involved in their music production, and that's one of the reasons I admire him so much! From what I've seen in behind-the-scenes content and interviews, he doesn’t just perform—he helps shape their sound. He’s credited as a lyricist and composer on several tracks, like 'Wonderland' and 'Hala Hala,' and even rearranges some of their songs for performances. The way he talks about music in interviews shows how deeply he thinks about their artistic direction. What really stands out is how ATEEZ’s discography reflects Hongjoong’s creative vision. Their pirate concept isn’t just a gimmick—it’s woven into the lyrics and production, and you can tell he puts a lot of personal passion into it. I love seeing idols who aren’t just performers but also storytellers. It makes their music feel more authentic, like they’re sharing a piece of themselves.

I really vibe with Hongjoong from ATEEZ. His charisma, creativity, and leadership qualities resonate with me deeply. Hongjoong’s ability to take charge while also being approachable is impressive. He has this magnetic energy that draws people in, and I find that really inspiring. Hongjoong is not just a talented performer, but an artist who pours his heart into his music, and that passion for creativity mirrors my own love. His role as a rapper showcases his powerful delivery and unique style, which I really admire. I enjoy that he expresses a lot of himself through his lyrics, turning personal experiences into songs that connect with so many fans. It’s like he’s saying that it’s okay to be vulnerable while also demonstrating strength. This duality is something I appreciate. Another thing I appreciate about Hongjoong is his fashion sense. He experiments with different styles and seems to have a knack for setting trends rather than simply following them. As someone who enjoys anime and comic culture—where fashion can be a strong form of expression—I relate to that desire to stand out and showcase individuality. His confidence is contagious. His connection with the rest of the ATEEZ members also stands out. The way he supports them shows his strong sense of camaraderie, and I value friendships that encourage personal growth. It's like a group of friends coming together to create something extraordinary, which is a big part of what makes ACGN communities special too. Lastly, I love how he embodies the concept of hard work. He’s participated in producing and composing a lot of ATEEZ's music, which shines a light on his dedication to his craft. His journey motivates me to pursue my own passions deeply, whether that’s in reading, gaming, or creating. Every time he takes the stage, it’s a reminder to embrace creativity and express myself fully, just like he does. In a nutshell, Hongjoong's artistry, leadership, passion, and individuality really resonate with me, making him a member of ATEEZ I feel closely connected to.

Funny thing — I used to binge BTS videos late at night and dig through credits like some kind of detective. What I found (and what most fans know) is that Kim Namjoon, who went by 'Rap Monster' early on and later shortened it to RM, was chosen as the group's leader from the start of their official run. The group debuted on June 13, 2013 with the mini-album '2 Cool 4 Skool' and the single 'No More Dream', and that debut is when his role became public and official. He actually played a leadership role during pre-debut training too, helping organize rehearsals and speaking for the group in early interviews, but the formal recognition came with the debut under Big Hit. If you look at their trajectory, his leadership was obvious in the way he handled interviews, songwriting credits, and even foreign press — he often acted as the group's spokesperson. If you’re tracing BTS’s history, mark June 13, 2013 as the official moment RM stepped into the leader title on the global stage, even though his leadership started earlier in the trainee room and kept evolving as the group grew.