ATEEZ Sets Arlington “On Fire” in Final U.S. Stop of the “In Your Fantasy World Tour”
Written by Lorenzo dela Cruz | August 21, 2025
photos by Lorenzo dela Cruz with the ATEEZ In Your Fantasy World Tour
ateez
“Arlington, are you ready to set everything on fire?” Jongho asked. ATINY exploded in cheers as Globe Life Field lit up with thousands of light sticks shaking back and forth. With that, South Korean boy group ATEEZ—comprised of Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho—returned to Arlington’s Globe Life Field on August 16, 2025, for the In Your Fantasy World Tour.
The concert was no ordinary stop; Arlington marked the last date of the North American leg. Fans braved the Texas summer heat, lining the streets hours before doors opened. Even before the festivities officially began, the energy was palpable as attendees danced and sang along to pre-show tracks and videos. ATINY also kept the K-Pop concert tradition alive by exchanging freebies, with one fan handing out stickers labeled “HOT” to the photographers lined up in the pit—a gesture highlighting the welcoming nature of the fandom.
Unusually for a K-pop concert, the evening began with an opener. KQ Entertainment’s junior group, xikers, took the stage with “BREATHE” and “ICONIC,” ramping up anticipation. “BREATHE,” in particular, stood out with its sharp rap verses, catchy chorus, and EDM-pop sound, perfectly suited for a summer stadium show. Their inclusion—limited only to Los Angeles and Arlington—underscored the significance of Texas fans to ATEEZ and KQ Entertainment.
xikers
When the lights dimmed, the center LED screen rose to reveal the eight ATEEZ members, standing still as the broadcast cameras panned across them. The group launched into an explosive trio of “Bouncy,” “Fireworks,” and “Blind.” For “Fireworks,” they ventured into the extended T-shaped stage, with fans screaming names, waving banners, and swinging light sticks. The presence of a live band elevated the tracks, adding a raw edge distinct from their studio versions.
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Following the opener, members paused to greet the audience, reminiscing on their previous Arlington performance and expressing excitement for the night ahead. The show then transitioned to solo stages, each designed to showcase individual artistry.
Seonghwa’s “Skin” drew attention for its sultry vocals and R&B infused track. The choreography mirrored the song’s tone, shifting from fluid motions to sharp precise moves during the dance break. ATINY erupted when Seonghwa revealed a sheer mesh tank top during the final chorus. San’s solo, “Creep,” offered another standout moment: the camera dramatically zoomed onto his hand tracing down his body during the chorus, sending fans into a frenzy. Though filled with moments of “aura farming” and “W Rizz”, the group kept the tone lighthearted between songs—whether squeezing Jongho’s cheeks after “To Be Your Light” or imitating San’s signature finger-tracing gesture during “Creep.” Each break in the action was a chance for ATINY to catch their breath and to share in fun moments with their idols.
The playfulness carried through when members invited the audience to “raise a glass” in celebration, staging a faux toast with a cameraman and even mimicking the viral TikTok couple trend, where couples would cup their partner’s chin in front of the camera. Another stand out moment was when Hongjoong transformed the stage into a DJ set with his performance of “N01,” moving from the turntables to the front barricade before being joined by the other members. Donning sunglasses and playful swagger, they hyped him up while Wooyoung, ever the comedian, wielded a Timberland boot as an imaginary telephone—drawing laughter across the stadium.
As the concert neared its finale, the members emerged in Texas Rangers jerseys, paying tribute to the venue. They thanked staff and fans alike, reflecting on the significance of closing the U.S. tour in Arlington. While acknowledging that annual U.S. visits might not always be possible, they reassured ATINY of their constant presence in spirit. Confetti rained down as each member offered personal goodbyes.
“I love you, ATINY!” San proclaimed. “We will see you soon!” As fireworks erupted and light sticks twinkled across Globe Life Field, Hongjoong led the group in a final bow. The massive LED screen that lifted in the beginning of the show three hours prior, slowly lowered in front of the members, concealing them from view, and formally closing out the night.
