ATEEZ Embroiled In Major Controversy With New Comeback — Inciting Fury

ATEEZ are embroiled in a major controversy after the release of the first teaser for their comeback, sparking major backlash from netizens.

Since debuting, ATEEZ has consistently drawn major attention for their unique and creative concepts, particularly the pirate theming seen in their first releases in 2018. In particular, even the concept videos and teasers were a hot topic for breaking the mould and creating a USP for ATEEZ, no matter what concept they were going for.

However, the group’s upcoming comeback announcement has sparked a wave of controversy.

On October 8 (local time), ATEEZ posted the teaser for GOLDEN HOUR: Part 6, seemingly showing the group going back to their “Pirate” roots.

[🎬] ATEEZ(에이티즈) – GOLDEN HOUR : Part.6

CRASH TO BEGIN

2026. 11. 13 2PM(KST) RELEASE #에이티즈#GOLDENHOUR #GOLDENHOUR_Part6 pic.twitter.com/sUU67eBwAc

— ATEEZ(에이티즈) (@ATEEZofficial) October 7, 2026

Yet, netizens quickly hit back at the teaser due to the huge use of AI throughout.

Many pointed out how horrendous it was, especially considering the impact of AI and that the company has done creative and unique videos before with artists alone. Others pointed out that some of the members had shared hatred for AI, so it felt awful to then use it for such an important introduction to the new comeback, especially amid rising popularity after “BAD.”

the reason the boat isnt on water is because kq used it all up making this ai video….

— dirt eater bridget YUNJIN AND MOKA DAY (@bbyongminji) October 7, 2026

I like how weve been calling out the ai use every time so this time they just went full ai and said fuck yall

— 𝖇𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞 ~🖤🖤🖤 (@gh0st6unny) October 7, 2026

the audacity to do this after yunho said he doesn’t use ai…

— seonghwa butt eater 🌿🪷 (@dadachoisan_8) October 7, 2026

This is. The worst thing ever. I fucking hate KQ for using so much gen ai. It looks awful. It makes ATEEZ’s sci-fi, creative world look like trash. This would have been so much cooler with CGI or animated graphics :/

— zanna ⏳🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ (@joongbug_arts) October 7, 2026

we used to have teasers directed by digipedi and nothing could’ve prepared me for the slop we just got… pic.twitter.com/CNl9t48tH0

— 🎚️ (@woosexua) October 7, 2026