Hongjoong shares his ‘enough’ song during ATEEZ’s biggest year

When the music world turns its attention to a group like ATEEZ, the focus often remains on the dazzling performances and chart-topping hits. But behind the spotlight, the true artistry often lies in the creative process and the personal journey of the artists themselves. This is the story of Kim Hongjoong, a figure whose recent work, while undeniably catchy, is rooted in a profound search for contentment and self-discovery.

After years of intense dedication, Hongjoong recently stepped away to find himself. This time off was not just a pause; it was a pivotal moment for reflection, allowing him to shift his focus from external achievements to internal truths. It was during this period that he rediscovered the space between the charisma of his career and the authentic core of his artistic identity.

This quest for balance manifested in his latest track, “ENOuGH,” a collaboration with Bazzi. The song is unhurried, openly emotional, and deliberately sounds nothing like the high-energy style of the group he leads, offering a smooth, deeply felt atmosphere. It serves as a sonic reflection on a universal feeling: the realization that sufficiency is found not in what is lacking, but in what is already present.

The creation of “ENOuGH” was more than just crafting a song; it was an opportunity to explore a new emotional landscape. Hongjoong admitted that before writing the track, he felt a sense of ‘deficiency,’ a feeling that artists often grapple with. By channeling this introspection, he sought a message for listeners: that they do not need to fear what is missing, but rather focus on the abundance they already possess. This realization infused the lyrics with a comforting, deeply human quality.

The collaboration with Bazzi itself was a serendipitous moment, born from shared inspiration. Their connection began during a joint festival experience, where they exchanged ideas and energy that naturally led to the creation of the track. It was a spontaneous exchange that resulted in a song that felt effortless and authentic.

Adding an extra layer of vision to the music, Hongjoong filmed the video in Los Angeles, developing a concept that reflected his internal journey. The visual story involves a journey through space, moving past various planets, culminating in a visual metaphor for finding peace. This narrative transforms the feeling of searching for something “enough” into an epic voyage.

In this imaginary journey, the final destination is not another star system, but home. Hongjoong concludes his cinematic voyage by realizing that his true space is grounded in the place he knows best: ATEEZ. It is a powerful declaration that his identity is intrinsically tied to the group, establishing that his home is not a distant planet, but the collective strength of the family he has built.