ATINY LA’s BOUNCY TOWN

purplexhaz3

November 4, 2026

A Bounce Back from The Past: Celebrating 8 Years of ATEEZ

There is a buzz in the air in the parking lot of The Hollywood Distillery on Santa Monica Boulevard. The whole area is filled with people dancing, drinking, singing, and laughing. It fuels my excitement as I wait in the check-in line, nearly shaking at the thought of getting another photocard (PC).

The ATINY at the check-in stand greets me happily and hands me an event packet with a small ATINY LA ATINY BOUNCY TOWN 8th Anniversary event card and a PC inside. She tells me about the K-Ramyeon vendor and their ramyeon Youth Combo, named after the song co-written, co-produced, and composed by Mingi to immortalize his long-term friendship with Yunho.

photo credit: @_purplexhaz3_

Beyond the check-in and K-Ramyeon stand, I see a line of people waiting for a chance to learn a dance at a booth called Loopit. I watch as people learn iconic ATEEZ dances like “BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS)” and “Deja Vu.” It reminds me a lot of the video game Just Dance 2018. Between the vendors, the booths, and the crowd, the whole night feels like a visit to the fair.

photo credit: @shansgrid

We are then invited into the Hollywood Distillery with an announcement from Victoria, the event’s MC, who is dressed as Sopro from ATEEZ’s “BAD” music video. As soon as the door opens, I am transported to a different time. The tables are made of barrels, with wooden stools for seats. The walls are full of frames with recognizable faces and quotes. The 1920s have roared to life in this western-themed bar.

I look to my right, and there I see an image of eight artists in black and white, standing out against barrels of what I assume is liquor. Just above them is a giant projector with ATINY BOUNCY TOWN and Loopit on display. ATEEZ has made it to their eight-year anniversary, and they sit wonderfully among the iconic images of old Hollywood stars. Celebrating eight years of ATEEZ in a place that honors the past makes the anniversary feel even more special.

I think about the first time I heard of ATEEZ. I was watching music videos on YouTube on my cracked iPhone 6, obsessed with the cinematic experience of K-pop videos like MONSTA X’s “Jealousy.” After the last video ended, much to my disappointment, the recommended videos popped up. KQ Fellas? I had never heard of KQ, but I was curious. I loved dance performances. In front of me I saw eight boys, dressed in all black with chains and hats on. Once the video started, they were enigmatic. Their boyish grins and silly bits complemented their sharp technique perfectly. I was amazed at their presence and wanted to see more of them.

Now, eight years later, I feel the same way. Standing among people who share the same feeling on the anniversary of ATEEZ’s debut makes it feel like a homecoming.

photo credit: @shansgrid

The activities commence shortly after. We do a group dance with the Loopit Session Leader–Maya, trade PCs, and even enter a raffle for prizes from K-Place and Stan Trash Shop. Then comes my favorite part of the night. ATINY LA collaborated with ATINY Broadcast Network to give us a viewing of a fan made project started by an ATINY in India, called To Our 1024 Stars. ATINY from all over the world can be seen chanting the line that brought us here tonight: “Eight makes one team.” Seeing so many ATINY come together on one screen makes the room feel even more intimate, like everyone is here with us. As the video continues, I am met with old clips and pictures of ATEEZ through the years. I think about how much they have grown and how much I have grown, and how different my life looks now compared to before I decided to watch them on this journey.

The night ends with a showing of ATEEZ’s 2024 “Towards The Light” concert video. Leaving, I feel the same excitement I had in line. It’s the same excitement I felt when I first began listening to groups like ATEEZ, MONSTA X, EXO, and BTS: the feeling of being a part of something much bigger than myself.