Hongjoong is in the kitchen! Join Anthony and Jonathan as they sit down with ATEEZ leader Hongjoong - the visionary rapper, producer, songwriter, and creative force helping redefine K-pop on the global stage. Hongjoong opens up about his journey from an aspiring artist who famously mailed demo CDs to KQ Entertainment to leading one of the world’s biggest boy groups. He shares stories about producing music, developing ATEEZ’s distinctive sound and identity, balancing creativity with leadership, and performing for sold-out audiences around the world. Along the way, he reflects on his passion for fashion, his love of art and philanthropy, the group’s remarkable rise from a small company to international success, and what continues to inspire him as both an artist and a leader.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Intro and catch-up time

03:20 - Theme song and the best intro ever

05:00 - Hongjoong’s love for LA

07:00 - Early life and music beginnings

13:15 - How did Hongjoong become the captain

18:30 - Pressures of being captain

20:30 - Songwriting/production process

26:30 - What inspires Hongjoong

28:30 - Fashion inspiration and collections

32:30 - “BAD” and GOLDEN HOUR: PART.5

35:00 - Love for ATINY

39:00 - Signing off

Stream GOLDEN HOUR: PART.5 now!

Socials: Follow the hosts and stay connected!

@AnthonyGargiula

@JonathanTilkin

@no1likeme8_8

@ateez_official_

Listen and Watch: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPod⁠⁠

The Team:

Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula

Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert