The World EP.2: Outlaw

The World EP.2: Outlaw is the ninth extended play (EP) 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 (K-Hot Chilli Peppers)". The band will embark on a world tour in support of the EP, titled The Fellowship: Break the Wall.

Background and themes
The EP is a continuation of the theme started with The World EP.1: Movement (2022), 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 (K-Hot Chilli Peppers)", 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, (we) 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".