Song Mingi of ATEEZ Unleashes Explosive "ROAR" Music Video

A Bold Chapter in the Desire Project

On September 20, 2025, Song Mingi of ATEEZ unveiled his latest solo work, releasing the music video for "ROAR," the third installment in his ongoing Desire Project series. The track showcases Mingi’s deep involvement as a songwriter, composer, and arranger, marking another significant step in his career as both a solo creative force and a key member of one of K-pop’s most globally recognized groups.

"ROAR" is a raw, high-energy hip-hop anthem that channels themes of ambition, struggle, and unapologetic defiance. Inspired by episodes from Mingi’s own life, the song reflects the turbulence of navigating fame, responsibility, and personal growth in the high-pressure world of K-pop. Fans and critics alike have quickly described the release as Mingi’s most intense solo project to date, praising both the music’s power and its visual execution.

Visual Aesthetics and Artistic Vision

The music video for "ROAR" is built around a dark, cinematic atmosphere. Stark industrial backdrops collide with bursts of sharp neon lighting, a stark contrast that mirrors the song’s balance between aggression and self-empowerment. Explosive choreography drives the narrative, featuring aggressive yet fluid movements that align with the lyrical intensity of the track.

Much of the video places Mingi at the center stage, highlighting his commanding presence and distinct performance style. Unlike previous releases in the Desire Project, "ROAR" employs grittier visuals that heighten the sense of danger and raw emotional energy. This choice aligns with Mingi’s evolving artistic identity, pushing beyond traditional idol aesthetics to establish an image closer to an underground hip-hop visionary.

Fan Reaction and Global Reach

Within hours of release, the "ROAR" video trended across multiple digital platforms, generating millions of views and sparking conversations worldwide. Fans praised Mingi’s ability to merge personal storytelling with striking visuals, noting how the song reflects his journey not only as an artist but as an individual confronting challenges in the spotlight.

User responses on fan forums emphasized admiration for his role in producing the track from start to finish. Many praised his lyrical authenticity, while others lauded his decision to embrace more experimental beats compared to mainstream K-pop stylings. The Desire Project, originally perceived as a side venture within ATEEZ’s larger catalog, is now viewed by many as evidence of Mingi’s ability to thrive as a multifaceted artist with his own genre-defining voice.

The Desire Project’s Evolving Identity

Mingi’s solo Desire Project began as a platform for more personal artistic expression, a space where he could tackle complex emotions and themes without adhering to traditional idol conventions. The two earlier tracks revealed different dimensions of his artistry—introspective moments blending with raw, rhythmic intensity. "ROAR," however, demonstrates a sharper edge, presenting not only musical growth but also a deepening narrative of ambition facing adversity.

This release suggests that Mingi is crafting a continuous story across the series, each track serving as a chapter in a broader exploration of personal and creative desire. Listeners hear that progression not just in the lyrics but through the sonic shifts across the music. If earlier releases leaned more into reflective storytelling, "ROAR" strikes with unrestrained force, making it a centerpiece of the series and raising expectations for future installments.

How Mingi’s Work Resonates Within ATEEZ’s Legacy

ATEEZ’s global trajectory over the past seven years has been remarkable, growing from newcomers in the K-pop scene to stadium-filling performers with a devoted international following. Within this journey, each member has sought ways to highlight personal artistry. Mingi’s contributions to the group’s dynamic sound—particularly his deep-toned rap verses and production insights—have long been recognized as essential to ATEEZ’s identity.

The release of "ROAR" adds another layer to how fans view ATEEZ’s collective future. At a time when the group is actively touring the world in 2025, solo projects like Mingi’s Desire Project highlight the group’s openness to diverse creative ventures. Rather than existing apart from the group’s trajectory, Mingi’s work feeds into the larger story of ATEEZ’s growth, reflecting the artistic risks that have won them admiration globally.

Historical Context of Solo Ventures in K-pop

Solo projects within idol groups have always played a pivotal role in the K-pop ecosystem. Early examples in the late 1990s were often confined to ballads or side ventures, but as the industry evolved, solo tracks became important for showcasing diversity within a group. Members who pursued independent releases often pushed the boundaries of creativity, experimenting with genres that differed from their groups’ primary sound.

Artists from past generations frequently used solo work to reveal rawer aspects of their identity. Fans came to see such projects not as detours, but as integral elements of an artist’s career trajectory. Song Mingi’s Desire Project follows this lineage but stands out for its insistence on being more than a temporary outlet. Each track positions itself as part of a thoughtful sequence, allowing listeners to experience an unfolding narrative.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The music video release for "ROAR" carries significant economic implications, both for Mingi’s solo presence and for ATEEZ’s broader brand. In today’s globalized entertainment market, each digital single serves as a potential revenue stream through streaming platforms, digital sales, and licensing agreements. The quick rise in streaming numbers for "ROAR" signals strong financial viability, supported by an already fervent fanbase.

Beyond direct sales, Mingi’s solo success also strengthens ATEEZ’s market positioning internationally. Similar to how members of other globally recognized groups have amplified their teams’ influence through individual projects, Mingi’s growing recognition can draw in new listeners who may subsequently explore ATEEZ’s full discography. This ripple effect highlights the dual benefit of solo artistry: enriching personal identity while enhancing collective group success.

Culturally, "ROAR" contributes to the global conversation about K-pop’s flexibility as a genre. Mingi’s emphasis on hip-hop authenticity, conveyed through self-produced music and bold lyrical themes, introduces another facet to global audiences who often associate K-pop with highly polished pop stylings. For fans outside Korea, projects like this challenge stereotypes and expand the cultural palate of what Korean music can represent.

Regional Comparisons

The release arrives at a moment when other regions in Asia and beyond are seeing similar solo-project booms within group structures. In Japan’s music industry, idol members often step into rock or indie genres during their solo ventures. In China, pop idols expanding into diverse soundscapes frequently gain traction by amplifying their traditional group fame. Compared with these markets, the Korean industry is especially adept at balancing solo artistry with ongoing group activities, ensuring that creative risks do not overshadow collaborative identity.

Within this framework, Mingi’s "ROAR" reflects Korea’s broader cultural strategy of allowing idols to explore artistic independence while maintaining strong group loyalty. This balancing act is one of the reasons K-pop continues to dominate international charts, winning long-term loyalty from fans who see both collective excellence and individual evolution.

What Comes Next for Mingi

As the Desire Project continues to unfold, anticipation for the next chapter is already building. The intensity of "ROAR" confirms that this journey is far from complete, and many fans speculate that the remaining installments will further experiment with sonic and visual styles. Given Mingi’s rising confidence in expressing his perspective through music, future releases may venture into even more uncharted territory.

For now, "ROAR" secures its place as one of 2025’s most talked-about K-pop releases, elevating both Mingi’s solo profile and ATEEZ’s global impact as their tour continues to draw massive crowds worldwide.

Conclusion

Song Mingi’s "ROAR" is more than just a single release; it is a declaration of intent. With its aggressive rhythm, raw storytelling, and striking visuals, the track captures the essence of an artist unafraid to confront ambition head-on. In blending personal authenticity with cutting-edge performance, Mingi not only expands the boundaries of K-pop but also deepens the cultural resonance of his journey. For fans around the world, the roar has just begun.