On a crisp September day in 2025, the banks of Seoul’s Han River transformed into a vibrant epicenter of music, dance, and celebration as the 'ATA Festival 2025' unfolded at the Nanji Hangang Park. This much-anticipated event, officially known as the Asia Top Artist Festival, was orchestrated by the Hankyung Media Group and drew a constellation of K-pop stars, emerging groups, and enthusiastic fans from across the region.
The festival, which kicked off on September 28, was more than just another concert—it was a showcase of the evolving landscape of K-pop and Asian pop music at large. According to Hankyung.com, the festival was held in the Youth Square of Mapo-gu's Nanji Hangang Park, a venue renowned for its open-air charm and accessibility. The organizers made sure that getting there was a breeze, offering free shuttle buses from Digital Media City (DMC) station to the festival grounds from morning until late evening. This touch, as reported by TenAsia, made it easy for fans to focus on the music rather than the commute.
From the moment the gates opened, attendees were greeted not only by the promise of electrifying performances but also by a festival atmosphere that extended beyond the main stage. Experience booths and food and beverage (F&B) zones dotted the park, giving festival-goers plenty to see, taste, and do before and after the shows. It was a true feast for the senses, with the rhythmic thrum of music mingling with laughter and the aroma of street food wafting through the air.
The lineup read like a who’s who of contemporary K-pop and Asian pop. Headlining the event was singer Kim Jaejoong, whose reputation as a powerhouse vocalist drew eager anticipation. The Boyz and TWS (Tours) served as sub-headliners, each bringing their unique flair and fanbases along for the ride. Other notable acts included Ha Sung-woon, CRAVITY, QWER, FIFTY FIFTY, 82Major, UNIS, Bad Villain, and New Beat, among others.
CRAVITY, known for their dynamic choreography and infectious energy, set the tone early on. Opening with 'My Turn', the group wasted no time in launching into a string of hits—'Party Rock', 'Fly', and 'Now or Never'—each number punctuated by synchronized dance moves and exuberant fan interaction. As reported by Hankyung.com, the crowd in the standing section couldn’t help but sway and jump along, swept up by the group’s enthusiasm. One of the members quipped, “Everyone here is really enjoying themselves. It feels like there’s a dance battle going on!” Their set culminated with 'SET NET G0?!', a recent release, leaving both the group and audience satisfied. Reflecting on the experience, CRAVITY shared, “It’s been summer until now, but performing in the cool breeze feels amazing.”
Ha Sung-woon, meanwhile, took a different approach, captivating the audience with a vocal performance that stretched for a full 40 minutes. His clear, soaring voice paired perfectly with the live band and choreography team, delivering tracks like 'Riding', 'Sneakers', and 'Get Ready'. The finale, 'Love Sound', was a gentle, heartfelt moment. Ha addressed his fans with gratitude: “Being recognized and supported by you is the greatest honor of my life. I always feel I must repay that love. Thank you for loving me.”
TWS, riding high on a string of hits, brought palpable excitement as they took the stage. Their debut song, 'First Meeting Didn’t Go As Planned', set the tone, followed by crowd favorites like 'Oh mymy', 'Hey! Hey!', and 'If I’m S, Be My N'. The group’s energy was infectious, and they acknowledged the audience’s support, saying, “Thank you for waiting for us. We sang with even more excitement because of all the people here. The weather may be cloudy, but let’s have fun together!”
The Boyz, another festival highlight, drew fans who had been waiting since morning. Opening with 'Stylish' and 'Breaking Dawn', the group’s charisma was unmistakable. They greeted the crowd warmly: “You’ve been waiting a long time, haven’t you?” The members reminisced about their pre-debut days at Nanji Hangang Park, recalling tough times and bonding over barbecues and soccer. Their setlist, tailored to the festival’s lively mood, included 'bAd', 'Hurt Me Less', 'D.D.D', 'Awura', and finished with the hit 'Thrill Ride'. When asked about their “killing part,” they joked, “Isn’t The Boyz’s visual the killing point?”—eliciting laughs and cheers.
New Beat, a rising group, opened with 'Flip the Coin', setting a playful and upbeat mood. Member Minseok expressed both nerves and excitement: “It’s our second performance at Nanji Hangang Park, and I hope you’ll see us as cute.” Their closing number, 'We are young', became an anthem for the crowd, with member Yeoyeojung encouraging everyone, “Shout ‘We are young!’ with us. Let’s create this stage together!” According to TenAsia, their positive energy seemed to influence the weather, as fans joked that rain never falls when New Beat is around.
Accessibility was a priority for organizers. The festival’s location near DMC station, combined with the shuttle service, ensured fans could come and go with ease. The event ran until 10 PM, giving everyone ample time to enjoy each performance and the various attractions on-site. The festival’s success was a testament to the collaborative efforts of Nanji Hangang Park, local institutions, and the media partners who brought the event to life.
The festival was also a platform for new music and creative collaborations. Several groups debuted new tracks, while established acts experimented with fresh arrangements and cross-group performances. The diversity of genres—from energetic hip hop to soaring pop vocals—reflected the broad appeal of contemporary Asian music. As reported by journalists Jeong Se-yoon and Hong Min-seong, the festival was covered extensively, ensuring that even those who couldn’t attend in person could feel the excitement from afar.
For fans and artists alike, the 'ATA Festival 2025' was more than a concert; it was a celebration of community, creativity, and the enduring power of music to unite people from all walks of life. As the sun set over the Han River and the final notes echoed across the park, attendees left with memories—and melodies—that would linger long after the festival lights dimmed.
