To be fixated on something is to have an obsessive attachment to it. With eyes narrowed, we give all our attention, concentration and energy to our cause of choice. Just like fan group ATINY only has eyes for ATEEZ, the 25-year-old rapper and dancer Song MINGI or MINGI pines only for the stage and his fans that lay beyond — the only difference is that stage has grown in scale to encompass the whole world as its audience.
MINGI wears jacket, tank top, jeans, underwear, all Calvin Klein on the cover.
Since meeting half of the eight-piece last year, ATEEZ has only gotten bigger and better — performing at Coachella, Mawazine and Summer Sonic Festival on top of leading an extensive world tour that has only made the ATINY community grow in size, diversity and desire. MINGI, with his recognisably low, husky voice, intense gaze and fiery charisma, just about embodies this fire most wholly on stage. But place that side by side with his contrasting gentle personality and thoughtfulness off-stage, it is certain we have only seen but a fraction of the artistry he is able to bring to the table with his music. It is this down-to-earth attitude that makes MINGI so captivating and likeable, and steady in his craft’s climb to new heights.
In the hopes of chronicling the youth and this current evolution of Song MINGI, Men’s Folio speaks to its March 2025 digital cover star to learn more about his past year of exponential growth, his firsts in music, where he’s headed to next, and what new dream this go-getter is about to make come true in the months and years to come.
Hi MINGI! You just recently came back from your first Paris Fashion Week. How has life been?
I recently had the opportunity to attend Paris Fashion Week for the first time. It was a great experience that allowed me to deepen my understanding of fashion in more detail. After returning to Korea, I’ve been busy keeping up with my schedule. I’m also preparing for an upcoming concert in Seoul, which will be held at KSPO DOME. Just thinking about performing there excites me, and I’m working hard to deliver a great stage for everyone who sees the show.
Jacket, tank top, pants, underwear, all Calvin Klein
We last spoke to you with WOOYOUNG, YUNHO and YEOSANG in April 2024 before your history-making Coachella performance. How was that experience, looking back?
Looking back, it was truly an unforgettable and magical experience. It still feels so vivid, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. Performing at Coachella also gave me a fresh sense of motivation. It became a turning point that inspired me to dream even bigger, and I’m determined to keep working harder as I move forward.
If you had to pick one, what would you say was the biggest highlight of that experience?
Personally, the moment that stands out to me the most is the first appearance. I still remember how windy that day was, and somehow, the wind wrapping around that nervous energy felt thrilling to me. I actually enjoyed the rush that came with the tension — it was an unforgettable feeling.
After that, you guys went on to perform at Mawazine and Summer Sonic Festival and, of course, embarked on the rest of your world tour. It is safe to say you guys are masters of performance and the stage, and ATINYs love that ATEEZ takes pride in that. What do you think makes a great performer?
I think a great performer is someone who can create a stage that the audience and fans can fully enjoy. That’s what I strive to be — someone who creates an environment where people can completely focus on and immerse themselves in the performance.
What do you think makes a good audience? How do you want ATINYs to enjoy your stages best?
I don’t think there’s a right answer to that. Personally, I’m just grateful whenever the audience enjoys our performance, no matter how they express it. I always give my all on stage, hoping the audience and fans enjoy the show. If our sincerity as ATEEZ comes through, then I’m just thankful.
Polo shirt, T-shirt, all Calvin Klein
Looking at how far you guys have gone as artistes now, what advice would you share with pre-debut MINGI?
Even if I were to advise MINGI before debut, I don’t think he’d listen much. (Laughs) So, I think I’ll keep my words to myself.
How did your dream to become an artist start?
Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to sing on stage and connect with the audience. I’ve had this vague thought since I was a child, and that’s why becoming an artist was my dream.
They say music is a time capsule because it reminds you of the times in your life when you first or often listened to them. What songs reminded you of when you first fell in love with music?
If I had to pick a moment, it would be when I was a child, riding in the car with my father, listening to Kim Jong Kook’s “Loveable”. I must have really liked it because even though I heard it when I was young, it still stays clearly in my memory.
How has your relationship with music changed over the years? You are involved with the songwriting and production of ATEEZ’s music. Does the way you appreciate music change depending on whether you are a listener or a music maker?
When I listen to music, it’s no different from before. However, when I’m working, I try to listen more closely to details like the beat, rhythm, and instruments, and I try to do more music digging. Now that I think about it, there’s definitely a difference between being someone who listens to music and someone who creates it.
Jackets, shirt, jeans, all Calvin Klein
Where do you find inspiration? Have there been instances where ATINYs have inspired ATEEZ music?
ATINY gives me a lot of inspiration. I get inspired by everything they say and do. It really helps me when I’m writing lyrics or creating music. I want to thank ATINY for being the source of inspiration for my music.
What kind of musical challenges do you want ATEEZ to undertake for 2025?
I hope to deliver a fantastic performance at international music awards this year. My goal is for these stages to receive a lot of love and recognition.
What about yourself as an artiste?
In the future, I want to create my own unique style, “Song MINGI”, through various music activities. I don’t want to be limited to just one genre; I want to cross over different genres, express myself in my way, and be recognised for it.
People often ask you about the “Fix On” and “Fix Off” energy, but I’m sure ATINYs are also curious to know about you beyond your work persona. What kind of person are ATEEZ’s MINGI and Song Mingi?
On stage, I can be described as powerful, passionate, and someone with strong energy. I like that side of me and want to show it, so I express myself that way. As for Song MINGI as a person, I think I’m more on the cute side. (Laughs) I have a different charm off-stage.
Jacket, shirt, jeans, all Calvin Klein
When you are not busy being a global superstar or making music in the studio, where can we find MINGI on a day off?
I like harmless things and don’t enjoy anything too intense. So, on my days off, I either go to the sauna or watch a lot of calm animations that depict everyday life.
What have you learnt about yourself after spending so much time travelling and being overseas last year?
I believe that spending a lot of time overseas means we’re receiving lots of love worldwide, and I am deeply grateful for that. Occasionally, there are moments when being abroad is tough, but more than that, I realise how much I truly love the stage.
You are someone who moves through life by setting goals. What are some goals you are proud of reaching and some you are currently working towards?
I had a goal of performing on big stages like stadiums and Coachella. Thanks to ATINY, I was able to achieve that goal, and I’m very proud of it. Now, my new goal is to perform at the Billboard Music Awards.
Lastly, do you have anything you’d like to say to ATINY?
I’m so grateful for all the support and love you always give. In 2025, I’ll be showing you many more amazing activities and different sides of myself, so please look forward to it. ATINY, I love you!
Editorial Director & Creative Direction Izwan Abdullah
Photography PAKBAE
Styling Manfred Lu
On-set Stylists Ju Hyun, Sofia Piras
Grooming Lee Seoha
Hair Da Young
Production Oh Seoyul | SY Production
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