K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

The ATA Festival in Seoul was a spectacular event where K-pop artists and fans came together to celebrate music and culture. Held over two days, the festival saw clear skies and vibrant performances despite initial weather concerns. On the first day, artist Lee Moo-jin enjoyed the performances from the console, while on the second day, New Beat joined the audience to experience the festival as a fan. Headliner Kim Jaejoong captivated the audience with his engaging performance, marking a successful conclusion to the festival.

On September 28, the second day of the ATA Festival took place at Nanji Hangang Park in Seoul. Kim Jaejoong headlined the event, with performances by The Boyz, Tours, Ha Sung-woon, Cravity, QWER, Fifty Fifty, 82Major, Eunice, Bad Villain, and New Beat. The first day featured headliner Kim Junsu, along with Jannabi, Peppertones, Lee Moo-jin, 10cm, Hwang Garam, Park Hye-won, Kyung Seo, High-key, and Say My Name.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture
K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

New Beat, a group just seven months into their debut, opened the second day with energetic performances of their debut tracks 'Flip the Coin' and 'Cappuccino.' They engaged the audience with a famous challenge and photo sessions, earning the title of 'weather fairies' as the rain cleared just in time for their performance. After their set, New Beat joined the audience to enjoy other artists' performances.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture
K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

Bad Villain followed with a dynamic set, opening with 'BADVILLAIN' and continuing with 'ZOOM,' 'HURRICANE,' '+82,' and 'THRILLER.' Before their final song, Yoon-seo expressed a desire to return to the ATA Festival next year.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture
K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

Eunice charmed the audience with her sweet performance, singing 'Poppin' and 'What Are You Doing?' as the skies cleared. She delighted the crowd with a cover of 'Catallena,' enhancing the festival's atmosphere.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture
K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

82Major delivered a powerful performance with 'Choke' and 'Even a Thorny Path is Fine,' captivating the audience. They emphasized the festival's inclusive spirit, inviting everyone to enjoy the event. Their set included 'Gossip' and 'Takeover,' and they engaged the audience with a playful 'aegyo event.'

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture
K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

QWER brought a refreshing sound to the stage, starting with 'Holding Back Tears' and continuing with 'Echo,' 'SODA,' and 'Declaration of Freedom.' The audience responded enthusiastically, especially during 'Addicted to Worry' and 'My Name is Clear.'

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture
Cravity opened their set with 'My Turn' and 'Swish,' showcasing their energetic presence. They continued with 'Party Rock' and 'Fly,' displaying their 'refreshing beauty' and dynamic performances.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

Cravity's set included 'Late Night,' 'Now or Never,' and 'Set Net Go.' Hyung-jun thanked the audience and expressed hope to return to the ATA Festival.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture
Ha Sung-woon delivered a visually and audibly stunning performance with a diverse setlist. His opening with 'Finale' filled the venue with excitement. He expressed gratitude for the clear weather and concern for the audience's comfort.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

Ha Sung-woon continued with 'Riding,' 'Sneakers,' and 'Strawberry Gum,' followed by 'On&On' and 'First Love Again.' His performance of 'Get Ready,' 'Blessed,' and 'FOCUS' captivated the audience, ending with a heartfelt rendition of 'Love Sound.'

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

Tours took the stage next, opening with 'Isn't It Cool to Follow Your Heart?' Ji-hoon promised an intense performance, delivering 'Oh mymy' and 'hey!hey!' They also performed 'GO BACK' and 'Fire Confetti,' debuting the 'Head Shoulders Knees Toes' challenge.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

The audience called for an encore after Tours' final song, 'Be My N to My S.' Tours concluded with 'First Meeting Doesn't Go as Planned,' encouraging audience participation.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

The Boyz showcased their stylish and charismatic performance, opening with 'Stylish' and 'Breaking Dawn.' Juyeon shared a nostalgic story about practicing at Nanji Hangang Park before their debut.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

The Boyz continued with 'bAd,' 'Hurt Me Less,' and 'D.D.D,' interacting with the audience and raising the energy with 'Aura.' They concluded with 'THRILL RIDE,' leaving the audience cheering.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

Kim Jaejoong closed the festival with a memorable performance. He engaged with the audience during a brief rehearsal, expressing concern for their comfort. He shared anecdotes and humor, enhancing the festival's atmosphere.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

Kim Jaejoong's set included 'Lastvow,' 'Devotion,' and 'Good Morning Night,' showcasing his professional and engaging stage presence. He performed 'Summer J' and 'Humanity,' captivating the audience with his powerful voice.

Kim Jaejoong concluded with 'Glorious Day' and 'ROCK STAR,' leaving a lasting impression on the audience and closing the ATA Festival on a high note.

K-Pop Stars Shine at ATA Festival in Seoul: A Celebration of Music and Culture

The ATA Festival is a comprehensive K-culture event featuring K-pop performances, K-food, K-beauty, and K-fashion experiences. The K-food zone offered a variety of Asian cuisines, while the K-beauty zone provided makeup lessons and product trials. The K-fashion zone allowed attendees to experience K-fashion items and participate in events inspired by drama characters.

Reporter: Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia bella@tenasia.co.kr