ATEEZ land third Billboard 200 No. 1, riding 'Bad' challenge wave

ATEEZ secured their third No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the group's latest chart milestone since their 2018 debut.

The 'Bad' challenge has spread across social media, driven by the track's central choreography section. Three members broke down how that specific part came together.

SungHwa was certain it would land: "We were confident that part was the killing point and it had to succeed."

San explained the structural logic. "After the fierce part at the beginning, when the calm waves come, that shines — that part is so good for people to follow, and the impact is really certain."

Hongjoong said the choreography placement was a collective call. He imagined San performing the move at center. The feeling was right, so all the members agreed. Watching San put in the work to make it look good reinforced something for him: "If you work hard and do your best, many people will recognize it." That left him proud.

San kept the focus on the people watching. "I hope I could bring a little happiness to those people," he said, "and I am living with a grateful heart."

Three Billboard 200 No. 1 albums. All since a 2018 debut.