The World EP.2: Outlaw
The World EP.2: Outlaw is the ninth extended play by South Korean boy band Ateez. It was released on June 16, 2023, through KQ Entertainment, RCA Records, and Legacy Recordings. It consists of six tracks, including the single "Bouncy ". The band will embark on a world tour in support of the EP, titled The Fellowship: Break the Wall. The single "Bouncy " was certified Gold in Brazil for selling over 20,000 units.
Background and themes
The EP is a continuation of the theme started with The World EP.1: Movement, which "marked the beginning of a secret movement to cause a fissure in this controlled society". It contains themes of oppression and "the desire to break free from it".Member Jongho stated that the group intended for the lead single, "Bouncy ", to have "fun vibes and energetic colors", which they demonstrated by incorporating gestures into their choreography for its video, including "flaking the pepper, grinding it and biting it". He also said, "For the other tracks, can take on different concepts. This mini album, itself, is a variety. Musically, it is very diverse." USA Today stated that "This World" has "operatic, haunting tones" and "Outlaw" has a "hypnotic tempo".
Accolades
| Critic/Publication | List | Work | Rank | |
| Business Insider | The Best K-pop Songs of 2023, Ranked | "Bouncy " | 7 | |
| Consequence | The 2023 K-Pop Yearbook | "Bouncy " | Placed | |
| Dazed | The 50 Best K-pop Tracks of 2023 | "Bouncy " | 16 | |
| Grammy | 15 K-Pop Songs That Took 2023 By Storm | "Bouncy " | 10 | |
| NME | The 25 best K-pop songs of 2023 | "Bouncy " | 15 | |
| Paris Match | Top 10 K-Pop Songs of 2023 | "Bouncy " | 1 | |
| Teen Vogue | The Best K-Pop Music Videos of 2023 | "Bouncy " | Placed |
| Song | Program | Date | |
| "Bouncy " | The Show | June 20, 2023 | |
| "Bouncy " | Show Champion | June 21, 2023 | |
| "Bouncy " | Music Bank | June 23, 2023 | |
| "Bouncy " | The Show | June 27, 2023 | |
| "Bouncy " | Music Bank | June 30, 2023 |