Why ATEEZ won
The Value of STORYTELLING.
Cohesiveness from start to finish. THEY DONT VIE FOR ATTENTION from the camera, each doing something that adds to the idea instead of doing their own thing which pulls the focus away from the overall storyline.
IT'S A PERFORMANCE but undermining the VALUE of creative Storytelling as "they're NOT SINGING AND DANCING as much", is WEAK. Musicals have singing and dancing but you pay for the ticket bcos of the plotline.
Clarity - the place settings were clear. It's a pirate ship.
Ppl complaining that the kraken was over the top but THINK about the story, does it fit? Yes. BCOS IT'S A PIRATE ADVENTURE.
SMART INVESTMENT.
1 big prop rather than many small ones that don't fit together as well. No smoke and mirrors.
LAYERED ÉLÉMENTS
Story : Pirate ADVENTURE - to the world. A very clear, direct message.
Music : Layering à classic piece with their song - choosing something classic is a smart choice since music like this TENDS to resonate within the soul. Also it adds to the dramatics.
Impeccable Timing: Well executed shot, draws you into the story line. Synchronised Dances. ADDED after the kraken was slayed = A celebration of VICTORY. Not haphazardly added in.
Talent time/Skill flex: Live vocals. Jongho's LIVE HIGH NOTES. Accentuates the already full Talent bar.
Dramaticism: EVERY MEMBER HAD A CHARACTER AND PLAYED IT TO THE FULLEST. From unshakable CONFIDENCE in their expression, the way they walk, move, dance, all adds up to a complete picture, fully conveyed to the audience.
Overall : They're thirsty for the Crown and would even Slay Monsters/Démons that get in the way, with absolute Confidence in their skills and TRUST in every member of their team/crew, helping each other along the way.
That is their Message TO THE WORLD (theme) and you don't doubt you understood the message.
And that, my dears - is why ATEEZ won.