ATEEZ has made history as the first K-pop idol group to perform at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul, staging a special performance in front of Seokjojeon Hall for KBS2’s “Immortal Songs,” airing on October 31.
According to a SPOTV News report carried by Naver on October 31, the performance is part of “Immortal Songs’” “2026 Royal Culture Festival” special. The stage pairs Korea’s cultural heritage with contemporary popular music, in a space steeped in the Korean Empire’s imperial history.
The group filmed the performance against the backdrop of Seokjojeon Hall, pairing the hall’s grand and antique atmosphere with its own powerful stage presence. For the occasion, ATEEZ wore specially made costumes styled to evoke a crown prince, a look designed to blend with the imperial palace atmosphere while adding classical dignity to the group’s charisma.
ATEEZ members said taking part in the historic stage was both meaningful and an honor. “It is meaningful and we feel honored to be the first K-pop artists to perform at Deoksugung Palace,” the members said, expressing pride in opening that door for a K-pop act.
Seokjojeon Hall itself carries much of the weight of the occasion. Built as a Western-style palace after King Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire in 1897, it was created to convey the dignity of the imperial household. Korean history and modern architectural style coexist there, making it a symbolic setting for connecting heritage with present-day pop culture.
That context also fits how the report presents ATEEZ: a performance group representing K-pop on world stages, with a fandom in countries around the world. A stage at Deoksugung is therefore presented as a chance to introduce the beauty of Korea’s palaces to a global audience through music.
The October 31 episode is the second part of the festival special, following a first part at Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Heungnyemun Plaza featuring Honey J, xikers, BTOB’s Seo Eunkwang and Lee Minhyuk, and Park Jihyun. The second part also features BOYNEXTDOOR, NMIXX, Lyn, Lee Seung Gi, and Kim Chang Wan Band, with Park Jihyun returning.
Within that crowded lineup, ATEEZ stands out for its solo performance set at Deoksugung, rather than sharing a palace plaza stage with the other acts. As the broadcast airs, the performance will be watched for how a historic site and a contemporary K-pop stage meet in a single frame.
