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Just three years into their career, ATEEZ have established themselves as one of the leading voices of K-Pop globally. Guiding this group of eight young, extremely talented boys is their leader and member HongJoong.
From their pre-debut days till now, HongJoong's passion, leading ability, caring nature, and a general consciousness for change around him has made ATINY cherish him as the best person chosen to lead the group.
As HongJoong turned 23 on 7 November 2021, we're are taking a look at the reasons and moments we believe have made the young idol a deserving leader and an exemplary role model for the generations to come.
1. Epitome of patience and grit
ATEEZ Twitter
As a teenager, HongJoong always had a hunger for music and although he couldn't take professional lessons, he taught himself how to produce music and created a sample which eventually made him the first official trainee of KQ Entertainment. His hard work and grit amazed ATINY's more when producer and soloist EDEN, one of the major producers at KQ Entertainment as well as ATEEZ, revealed details of how HongJoong overcame all challenges to become a successful artist.
Initially, EDEN wasn't thrilled to teach someone music. To challenge HongJoong, EDEN gave him a list of 200 vocabulary words related to composing, hoping he'd give up on his musical goals. But HongJoong surprised him when he memorized everything by pulling an all-nighter.
“What I highly praise about HongJoong is that he was below average in every discipline when he started as a trainee. He wasn’t a natural dancer, and he couldn’t rap at all. But he sacrifices rest for practice. Watching him improve, I thought, I should think of HongJoong as my younger self and help him grow.”- EDEN to MTV,2020.
2. A constant pillar of support to his member
ATEEZ log_logbook#26 screenshot
HongJoong is always encouraging his fellow members and takes every opportunity he gets to appreciate, support, and respect the boys who now are no less than his family. From his poignant confession, we saw in "KQ Fellaz" episode 13, he said how much the members mean to him. He also has an adorable habit of seeing their faces before bed which has got him the nickname of 'dad' of the group.
HongJoong is always there to share their happy moments and also when they are at low points and stands as a pillar of strength and support.
3. A consistent learner of issues and change
ATEEZ official Instagram
HongJoong is not only an incredible idol and artist, but he also strives to be a better person who wants to work and contribute to the community. He always keeps himself updated on various social and cultural issues. He has also voiced his thoughts on how he wants to spread awareness through his music.
With his first cover project, he chose his role model Michael Jackson's song 'Black or White' to send out a message of equality in his own ways. He opened up on how he wanted to put social messages in his music and videos.
When once accused of cultural appropriation, HongJoong took immediate accountability and made a promise to ATINYs that he'll educate himself on ethnic, historic, and cultural aspects in a more comprehensive manner and will try his best that it's not repeated again.
4. A strong advocate of various causes
ATEEZ twitter
HongJoong uses his platform for all the right causes and in turn inspires thousands who follow his suit. One of his most prominent advocacy has been against child abuse and raising awareness about the victims. In an interview with Allure, he said how he was intrigued by male idols, like Bang YongGuk, B.I and iKON's Bobby, who painted only one of their nails. He came to know that it is an initiative of the Polished Man campaign and represents the fact that one child dies every five minutes as a result of violence and child abuse. Taking inspiration he soon joined the campaign as well and at present ATEEZ are the brand ambassadors of the campaign. ATINYs showed their support to the cause as well by raising funds for recovery programs for the survivors.
ATEEZ Twitter
He also flaunts bracelets, accessories, and shirts in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and the LGBTQ+ community. He has also supported other causes in a similar way such as Dear Heart, a Korean foundation working to raise money for children with heart disease. He also showed his support to the victims of the Sewol Ferry tragedy by donning a yellow ribbon.
5. His passion for music and performance
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Not only is HongJoong a compassionate person but a devil of a performer as well. Once he gets the mic in his hands he completely owns the stage through his powerful raps, dance, and charismatic expressions inspiring many.
His passion for music needs little explanation as is evident from his massive contribution to ATEEZ's discography. From his pre-debut days, we've seen how he sacrifices much of his sleep to work on producing and writing music. When his laptop was stolen and formatted, he was shattered but he gathered himself and stayed up for hours re-recording all the guides and samples.
This passion and determination is taken up by the members and ATINYs as well.
6. A creative genius
ATEEZ Twitter
HongJoong does not limit his creativity to just music. He dabbles into fashion as well and amazes everyone with his ideas. He often adds his own touch to his clothes by reforming and giving them little details.
ATEEZ Twitter
He often shares this with his fans by posting pictures on SNS. His playful and creative side motivates his fans as well to not limit themselves and try new things.
7. Always open to improvement and artistic peer influences
KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR Ep 7 ScreenShot
HongJoong is always vocal and eager about wanting to learn from his peers and work with them. In "KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR" episode 7, he was part of the MAYFLY rap unit consisting of Stray Kid's 3RACHA unit, and BTOB's MinHyuk. HongJoong expressed how he wanted to learn and work with other artists and seniors of the industry.
Used to working alone, he always looks forward to enriching opportunities and is quite supportive of his contemporaries as well. We love to see this camaraderie!
8. His care and support to ATINY
MY AURORA. on Twitter
HongJoong's support is not limited to his members. ATEEZ share a very close connection with ATINY and HongJoong always does his best to stay connected to the fandom and share his thoughts and feelings. He goes live very often and encourages them in his own endearing little ways.
This interaction, although virtual is cherished by ATINYs as they feel they're talking to their best friend.
Tell us in the comments what are some of your favorite things about HongJoong!
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