K-pop is an international genre that has permeated the Western world like few others with huge crossover success across a number of K-pop bands. ATEEZ are the latest group to arrive in Australia, staging absolutely packed shows across two nights at Qudos Bank Arena. From the outset, this was a spectacle like no other as photos of the band members played on the big screen during the introduction with screams of adoration like nothing I had ever heard. The level of fandom for these performers would rival One Direction at their peak, with incredible energy and passion directed at each member and it only increased as the group took to the stage with the pulsating and lively “Bouncy”, which was a hugely energetic beginning.

ATEEZ are one of the top K-pop bands in the world and are known for their energetic, lively performances. The group prides itself on its live shows and that was immediately obvious through the incredible level of choreography and staging on display, supported by an enormous production team stationed in the sound booth. I had never seen so many people working behind the desk for a concert, yet the scale of the show justified it. The visuals were immense, complemented by special effects and pyrotechnics that gave the performance a stadium sized feel and the choreography was so precise that it was difficult to believe the group was singing live. Although there were some moments that seemed to rely on the backing track, there was enough variance in the vocals to reinforce that this was very much a live show, which in itself was quite astounding given the physical demands of the dancing.

The band’s music borders on the generic at times and in some ways lacks depth, often feeling commercial and mass produced. Yet this mattered little to the crowd, who were there to see their idols in person and the group lived up to the hype of the crowd, delivering a very strong performance. Each member received a solo moment and rappers Mingi and Hongjoong provided two of the highlights, with the former performing “RAW” and having the crowd barking along with him, which was an unusual but effective moment that showed his charisma. Hongjoong in particular looked like a soloist in the making, with a stage presence that could rival performers such as Harry Styles or Robbie Williams who have broken out of the boyband model at various points. It will certainly be interesting to see if Hongjoong does the same as the band’s presence only increases. 

It was clear that the eight members are supremely talented, with stylistic nods to Michael Jackson in the dancing, clean vocals and bursts of powerful rap with great flow. Across a show that ran close to three hours there was enough variety to keep the audience entertained, though the overall run time may have been a little excessive. The solo sections offered contrast, while extended talking segments between the band and the crowd featured repeated adoration flowing in both directions. For devoted fans this interaction was clearly a highlight, though for those not so entrenched in the fandom, it did mean that it dragged a little. 

After the solo segments, the concert really found its stride with a sequence of songs that lifted the energy considerably. “Work”, “Ice On My Teeth” and “In Your Fantasy” raised the intensity again in the room, with the latter being particularly energetic, while “Now This House Ain’t a Home” was another standout moment. The band asked the audience throughout the night if they liked their newest album and it was clear based on this performance that it showcased some of their strongest work, with a really cohesive and slick sound. The encore of “The Real”, provided a great climax and proved a fitting way to finish a lengthy night of K-pop spectacle.

Overall, this was a very strong show, with the audience clearly loving the chance to see their idols on stage and the eight piece group delivered a performance that ticked all the boxes, even if it perhaps lacked a sense of spontaneity and heart at times. That said, there is an undeniable formula to ATEEZ and it is one that works, with the audience loving every minute of this performance. Judging by the reception at Qudos Bank Arena, there is clearly a market for ATEEZ in Australia and it would not be surprising to see them return before long as the K-pop revolution only continues to gain steam.

Rating: ★★★★

ATEEZ – Qudos Bank Arena – 7 March 2026