G-Dragon or IU? This Group Might Be the Real Royalty in Royalties

According to KBS 2TV’s Entertainment Company Live and data from the Korean Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), industry heavyweights like G-Dragon, IU, J.Y. Park, BLACKPINK’s producer Teddy, and SEVENTEEN’s producer Bumzu are widely recognized for their songwriting credentials and impressive royalty earnings.

However, quietly surpassing many of these names is none other than Epik High, the veteran Korean hip-hop trio whose songwriting catalog and consistent output have cemented their place at the very top of the royalty ranks.

Epik High Meets ATEEZ: Royalties, Real Talk, and a “3:3 Blind Date” Full of Surprises

Veteran meets rising star—and the result is equal parts laughter, respect, and music industry wisdom. On May 21, legendary hip-hop trio Epik High teamed up with K-pop powerhouse ATEEZ for a dynamic crossover in the latest episode of YouTube series EPIKASE.

The episode was framed around a playful "3:3 blind date" concept, with Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz sitting down across the table from Hongjoong, Yeosang, and Mingi. From the very first exchange, the mood was electric. Tablo kicked things off with quips like, “You guys come before my own kid’s birthday,” and “We’ll drop all our other dongsaengs for you,” setting the tone for a fun and candid conversation.

But behind the humor was a deep appreciation for the craft of music-making. One standout moment came when Tablo revealed he has 412 songs registered with the copyright association. “The ‘foreign car a month’ thing is kind of an exaggeration,” he joked, referencing a long-standing rumor about royalty earnings. Meanwhile, ATEEZ’s Hongjoong, a producer in his own right, echoed the sentiment with quiet confidence: “I just really love the process of creating.”

The camaraderie went beyond studio talk. Tablo shared a story of a past dinner with Hongjoong where the younger artist insisted on paying the bill. “I tried to cover it, but he absolutely refused,” Tablo recalled, highlighting Hongjoong’s humble yet respectful nature.

Still, the episode wasn’t all laughs and lightness. Epik High took time to share honest reflections on their journey as musicians. “Whenever you try something new, reactions are always mixed,” said Tukutz. “But with time, none of that really matters.” Tablo added, “Every time we put out an album, we got criticized. Every time.” Mithra Jin weighed in with a note of reassurance: “In the end, what matters most is sustainability.”

The episode wrapped with a cheeky “final couple matching” segment. Though DJ Tukutz swept the early round of votes, it was Tablo who took the final spotlight, choosing Hongjoong as his “soulmate dongsaeng” with a grin: “I’ve finally found the one.”

Meanwhile, Epik High recently surpassed 1 million subscribers on YouTube, earning them the coveted Gold Play Button and solidifying their place not just as music legends, but as global content creators.

ATEEZ in 2025: New Music and a Global Fantasy

In 2025, ATEEZ continues their powerhouse trajectory with the anticipated release of their 12th mini album, titled GOLDEN HOUR : Part. 3. Building on the cinematic storytelling and conceptual depth the group is known for, the album is expected to be the climactic installment in the Golden Hour series—offering fans a new layer of emotion, energy, and evolution in sound. ATEEZ's music video for their track Ice On My Teeth has already racked up more than 70 million views since its release on November 15 last year.

Alongside the album, ATEEZ is taking their world-building to the stage with the “IN YOUR FANTASY” world tour, an ambitious global trek that promises immersive performances, upgraded visuals, and a setlist that spans fan favorites and new anthems alike. Known for their electrifying stage presence and seamless synchronization, ATEEZ is expected to draw massive international crowds as they bring their fantasy-fueled universe to life.

With a mini album on the way and a globe-spanning tour to match, ATEEZ is showing no signs of slowing down in 2025—solidifying their status as one of K-pop’s most dynamic and globally beloved acts.

Get the latest on K-pop & K-drama here!