K-pop boy group ATEEZ has marked a momentous 2025, making it their most successful year yet with the release of their 12th mini-album GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3 and the historic chart success of their title track "Lemon Drop."
The eight-member group from KQ Entertainment released the album on June 13, achieving remarkable commercial and critical milestones that have solidified their position as global superstars.
GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3 debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, marking ATEEZ's fifth consecutive top-two album placement and their ninth overall entry on the prestigious chart.
The album earned 105,000 equivalent album units in its first week, consisting of 101,500 traditional album sales, 4,000 streaming equivalent album units, and 500 track equivalent albums. This achievement represents the biggest sales week by any K-pop artist in 2025, demonstrating ATEEZ's exceptional commercial appeal.
The album's success extends beyond the United States, topping charts globally, including the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart, European iTunes Album Chart, and iTunes Top Albums in 26 countries. In South Korea, the album secured the top position on the Hanteo Chart, further confirming its widespread popularity.
ATEEZ also achieved their first-ever Billboard Hot 100 entry with "Lemon Drop," which debuted at number 69 on the chart. This milestone makes ATEEZ the third K-pop boy group in history to enter the Hot 100, joining BTS and Stray Kids. The song garnered 1,220,112 streams on Spotify, and its music video surpassed 24 million views within ten days of release.
"Lemon Drop" also dominated multiple Billboard charts simultaneously, claiming the number one spot on the World Digital Song Sales chart and ranking ninth on the Digital Song Sales chart. The track's success in South Korea was equally impressive, reaching number one on Bugs Daily Chart and number three on Korean Spotify Daily Top Songs.
The album's themes explore "Thirst," "Emotion," and "Truth," representing ATEEZ's artistic evolution beyond simple summer concepts. Leader Hongjoong and rapper Mingi participated in writing the lyrics for "Lemon Drop," showcasing the group's creative involvement in their music. The five-track album includes additional songs "Masterpiece," "Now this house ain't a home," "Castle," and "Bridge: The Edge of Reality."
ATEEZ has announced plans for a repackaged version titled GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3 'In Your Fantasy Edition, scheduled for release on July 11. Industry speculation suggests the repackage will include a mysterious sixth track that member Jongho previously hinted at during promotional activities.
