ATEEZ Finally Addresses ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Saja Boys Comparisons (Exclusive)

Yes, ATEEZ know what you’ve been saying about them and the Saja Boys — and they’re here for it!

Ever since Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters dropped in June, fans have been hypothesizing about what real-life Korean groups may have inspired the members of the fictional demon boyband Saja Boys. As the animated film hit maximum virality this summer — it’s now the most-watched Netflix movie ever — one group dominated the conversation.

“I’ve seen fans compare [our song] ‘In Your Fantasy’ to the K-Pop Demon Hunters ‘Idol’ performance, and I think it makes sense in a way,” ATEEZ’s Yeosang, 26, tells PEOPLE of the group’s sultry single, complete with a sexy, sinister music video that could be set in Gwi-Ma’s underworld as easily as an underground club.

“Both have that intensity where it feels like you’re being pulled into another world,” he explains. “For ATEEZ, this music video was about showing a seductive and almost dangerous kind of fantasy, something that feels bigger than reality.”

And their electric performance style, which is currently being showcased on their 32-show World Tour [IN YOUR FANTASY], exudes that same energy. “What’s similar to the Saja Boys is that when we step on stage, we want fans to feel like they’re escaping into a story, even just for a few minutes. That’s where I can really see a connection,” says Yeosang.

And while the song and music video for “In Your Fantasy,” which debuted July 11, were definitely in the works well before K-Pop Demon Hunters dropped on Netflix on June 20, the parallels have been delighting fans, known as ATINY, who are busy trying to match up the Sajas (Jinu, Abby, Mystery, Romance and Baby) with ATEEZ’s members, who along with Yeosang include Hongjoong, 26, Seonghwa, 27, Yunho, 26, San, 26, Mingi, 26, Wooyoung, 25, and Jongho, 24.

Cases have been made for all, but in the larger K-Pop discourse, Abby (so named for his mesmerizing abdominal muscles) being a stand in for ATEEZ’s San has become all but canon.

Asked what he makes of the comparison, San laughs and admits, “I’ve heard that a lot recently!” but he demurs about exactly why. “Honestly, I think it’s because of the intensity in his eyes and the way he carries himself.”

While the popularity of Demon Hunters has turned even more eyes on the group of late — K-Pop TikTok is filled with confessionals from new fans who discovered ATEEZ thanks to the movie — the eight-piece group, who debuted in 2018, are making even more waves on their own.

In July, they released the album, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition,’ which, in a break from their typical format, features eight solo tracks, one by each member.

“When we decided to include solo tracks, I felt both excited and responsible,” says Hongjoong, the group’s captain. “I worked closely on six of the songs, including my own, helping the members shape their ideas into music.”

“What excited me most was seeing how each track revealed a completely different color of ATEEZ,” he adds. “Of course, there were worries too, since it was our first time releasing in this format, but it became a chance to show both individuality and unity.”

Mingi shares, “For me, I was excited to push myself musically with my solo. Producing my own track let me express a new side of myself, and I was curious how ATINY would react to that challenge.” On the stage, his boundless energy during “ROAR” had fans doing just that.

Jongho’s powerful vocals were showcased on “To Be Your Light.” “My solo was especially meaningful because I worked with a close friend,” he tells PEOPLE. “It gave me a new perspective and allowed me to focus deeply on my voice. I felt a mix of excitement and nerves, but in the end, I think that sincerity came through.”

All eight solos are also part of the tour set list, which “really changes the flow of the concert,” says Yunho. “Usually, we’re always performing as eight, feeding off each other’s energy, but with solos, it’s about showing our own individuality.”

It also means the members get a bit more of a breather between their often high-intensity performances.

“I usually use that time to prepare mentally for my own performance,” says Seonghwa. “But honestly, a lot of the time we’re gathered by the monitor, watching the member’s stage together. We clap, cheer, and sometimes even joke around to ease the nerves. It keeps the energy light and reminds us that even when one of us is alone on stage, we’re all still performing as a team.”

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Every ATEEZ performance is precise and expertly executed, even when it’s bursting with raw emotion. But a live show — especially an outdoor one— is sometimes subject to unpredictable circumstances. Citi Field in New York City has hosted ATEEZ for two summers in a row and earned a special place in ATINY lore thanks to two separate surprising incidents.

“Citi Field always gives us memories that stay with us forever,” Wooyoung recalls. “Last year, we faced a sudden storm that delayed the show by about two hours, but instead of leaving, ATINY waited patiently in the rain and cheered even louder once the concert started.”

This year, a technical issue caused the group’s mics to cut out mid-show. “Instead of panicking, the fans cheered so loud, turning what could have been a mistake into one of the most fun and heartwarming interactions,” he says. Rather than just wait out the fix backstage, the members all came out to hang out with the fans and cleverly grabbed a tablet to write messages to the crowd while they weren’t able to speak to them.

Adds Wooyoung, “Moments like these prove that live shows are never just about perfection, they’re about connection. Even with delays or technical issues, ATINY makes it feel special.”