<p>South Korean boy group ATEEZ member San is has been in the headlines ever since his step from music video <i>BAD</i> went viral and became a trend for dance challenge. However, the K-pop idol is garnering attention after a Japanese influencer named Gamix is facing criticism for his gesture towards the artist. Let's delve into details of the controversy.</p><h2>Why is the Japanese influencer facing backlash over a gesture toward ATEEZ's San?</h2><p>Japanese influencer and YouTuber Gamix has come under fire after a video parodying ATEEZ member San’s <i>BAD</i> challenge sparked accusations of racism. Gamix posted the clip on August 20, recreating San’s dance and facial expressions. A picture of San appeared at the bottom of the video, while Gamix also recreated the football jersey San had worn during his recent ceremonial kick-off appearance in Seoul.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/40th-golden-disc-awards-blackpink-s-jennie-cortis-stray-kids-and-more-bag-awards-full-winners-list-1768108633437"><strong>40th Golden Disc Awards: BLACKPINK's Jennie, NCT, Stray Kids and more bag awards | Full Winners List</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, the video took a controversial turn when Gamix pulled the outer corners of his eyes sideways with both hands. The gesture is widely recognised as a racist caricature used to mock the physical appearance of East Asians. Because it appeared while he was imitating a Korean artist, the clip quickly drew criticism from fans and social media users.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bts-blackpink-twice-and-more-top-8-highest-grossing-k-pop-tours-of-the-year-1765861625095"><strong>YEARENDER 2025: BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and more- Top 8 highest-grossing K-Pop tours of the year</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ko" dir="ltr">같은 동양인이면서 왜??? ㄷㄷ<br>에이티즈 최산 &#39;눈 찢기&#39; 인종차별 논란😢<br><br>1. 2026 월드컵 관중석 밈으로 유명해진 일본의 18세 크리에이터가 에이티즈 최산의 시축 포즈를 흉내 내는 영상을 공개함.<br><br>2. 안무를 따라 하는 과정에서 손으로 눈꼬리를 길게 잡아당기는 &#39;눈 찢기&#39; 제스처를 해 큰 논란이… <a href="https://t.co/EuzEoWxsiP">pic.twitter.com/EuzEoWxsiP</a></p>&mdash; RRT(라미 구조대) (@kingwest0219) <a href="https://x.com/kingwest0219/status/2090347549760880818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>As criticism mounted, Gamix deleted the original video. However, instead of ending the controversy, his subsequent response generated another wave of backlash. In a later video, he pointed toward his eyes and referred to them as “Asian eyes,” saying that his eyes do not fully open in the morning. Reports say the follow-up failed to address the criticism and was eventually deleted as well.</p><h2>Netizens' reaction to Japanese influencer's gesture towards ATEEZ's San</h2><p>Soon after the clip went viral, several netizens took to social media platforms to give their opinion. One user wrote, "Imagine being racist toward your own race. An 18-year-old Japanese man went viral for mimicking ATEEZ’s viral dance and making a racist eye gesture at the end of the video. Japanese netizens have condemned him, and K-netizens are on his neck."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/who-was-michael-wright-the-five-heartbeats-actor-dies-at-70-1787387656208"><strong>Who was Michael Wright? The Five Heartbeats actor dies at 70</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Imagine being racist toward your own race. An 18-year-old Japanese man went viral for mimicking ATEEZ’s viral dance and making a racist eye gesture at the end of the video. Japanese netizens have condemned him, and K-netizens are on his neck. <a href="https://t.co/TAmgIwtOtc">pic.twitter.com/TAmgIwtOtc</a></p>&mdash; Favored🌷 (@Your_favored) <a href="https://x.com/Your_favored/status/2090868297537323341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Another user wrote, "Wait, wait, wait. This... if you let this slide, it's no good. So you're a Japanese influencer, huh? I hear they've already deleted it and put out an apology video, but this is really something you should never do. As a Japanese person, it's embarrassing, and I'm truly sorry. San-kun, I'm sorry, really sorry. This is the lowest of the low... tears are coming out..."</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ja" dir="ltr">まてまてまて。<br>こ　れ　は　許　し　た　ら　ダ　メ。<br>日本人インフルエンサーなんですね？<br>すでに削除、謝罪動画出したらしいけどこれは本当にやってはいけないことです。日本人として恥ずかしいし申し訳ない。<br>サンくんごめん、本当にごめん。<br>こんなの最低だ…涙出てきた… <a href="https://t.co/Ki2txEuhfL">https://t.co/Ki2txEuhfL</a></p>&mdash; 츠 _ BAD_GH5🟥 (@tks_hwa) <a href="https://x.com/tks_hwa/status/2090477035714216295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Did he look in the mirror? He didn't even need to use that slanty eye gesture; his eyes were already slanty. He's just another Japanese gimp trying to impress the West", wrote the third user.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Did he look in the mirror? He didn&#39;t even need to use that slanty eye gesture, his eyes were already slanty. He&#39;s just another Japanese gimp trying to impress the west. <a href="https://t.co/qEvJDteyOK">https://t.co/qEvJDteyOK</a></p>&mdash; The Genius (@Truth_n_Respect) <a href="https://x.com/Truth_n_Respect/status/2090902708093878543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who is Gamix?</h2><p>Gamix is a renowned Japanese content creator and social media influencer who primarily makes soccer and lifestyle videos. He has over 2 million followers on Instagram and more than 1 million subscribers on YouTube. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/vivienne-jolie-pitt-makes-it-official-takes-out-newspaper-ad-to-drop-dad-brad-pitt-s-surname-1787375220194"><strong>Vivienne Jolie-Pitt takes out newspaper ad to drop dad Brad Pitt’s surname</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Gamix gained massive global attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup when a video captured him bursting into tears in the stands after Japan lost to Brazil, while surrounded by celebrating Brazilian fans. That emotional moment went viral, quickly pushing his follower count past the 1 million and eventually 2 million marks, heavily boosted by cross-cultural engagement from international fans.</p><h2>All about ATEEZ</h2><p>ATEEZ is an 8-member South Korean boy band formed by KQ Entertainment. They made their debut on October 24, 2018, with the EP Treasure EP.1: All to Zero. Known for powerful performances and pirate-inspired concepts, their name stands for "A Teenagers Z". The members of the group are San, Wooyoung, Seonghwa, Hongjoong, Song Mingi, Kang Yeo Sang, Choi Jong Ho, and Jeong Yun Ho.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For the unversed, Choi San, known as San, is a lead vocalist and main dancer of the eight-member boy group. Born in Namhae-gun, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, he serves as its local promotional ambassador. Apart from his music career, San his small-screen acting debut in the 2021 KBS drama <i>Imitation</i>.</p>

A Japanese influencer has sparked widespread backlash after appearing to use a gesture during ATEEZ San's viral 'BAD' dance challenge. Read more to know about the controversy.

South Korean boy group ATEEZ member San is has been in the headlines ever since his step from music video BAD went viral and became a trend for dance challenge. However, the K-pop idol is garnering attention after a Japanese influencer named Gamix is facing criticism for his gesture towards the artist. Let's delve into details of the controversy. Why is the Japanese influencer facing backlash over a gesture toward ATEEZ's San? Japanese influencer and YouTuber Gamix has come under fire after a video parodying ATEEZ member San’s BAD challenge sparked accusations of racism. Gamix posted the clip on August 20, recreating San’s dance and facial expressions. A picture of San appeared at the bottom of the video, while Gamix also recreated the football jersey San had worn during his recent ceremonial kick-off appearance in Seoul. Also Read: 40th Golden Disc Awards: BLACKPINK's Jennie, NCT, Stray Kids and more bag awards | Full Winners List However, the video took a controversial turn when Gamix pulled the outer corners of his eyes sideways with both hands. The gesture is widely recognised as a racist caricature used to mock the physical appearance of East Asians. Because it appeared while he was imitating a Korean artist, the clip quickly drew criticism from fans and social media users. Also Read: YEARENDER 2025: BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and more- Top 8 highest-grossing K-Pop tours of the year

<p>A Japanese influencer has sparked widespread backlash after appearing to use a gesture during ATEEZ San's viral 'BAD' dance challenge. Read more to know about the controversy.</p>

ATEEZ San ‘BAD’ challenge controversy: Why Is Japanese influencer Gamix facing backlash?

<p><strong>KCON 2023 Thailand</strong> successfully ended on March 20, after a long four-year COVID-19 hiatus. The annual and cultural convention was held in Bangkok, Thailand at the 'Impact Arena,' for the first time since the spread of the deadly virus for a two-day schedule. Bangkok was KCON's first destination or venue for the event in Southeast Asia. The dates, venue and schedule for the upcoming event in Los Angeles, United States and Tokyo, Japan have also been announced, which are expected to be held in August this year. Here's everything you need to know about the two amazing glittery nights of KCON Thailand 2023:</p>

<p><strong>KCON 2023 Performances:</strong></p>

<p>The two-day festival 'KCON 2023 Thailand,'&nbsp;had audiences from Bangkok, Japan, China and Singapore with participatory content that linked the signature "POPPIA" and artists.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🌴 Coming Soon! LiveStreaming📹<br />
<br />
⭐️KCON POP UP TALK | TNX <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCON2023THAILAND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KCON2023THAILAND</a><br />
⏰2023.03.19 14:45 (ICT) 2023.03.19 16:45(KST)<br />
<br />
📍KCON official <a href="https://t.co/6PQVzJxQSf">https://t.co/6PQVzJxQSf</a><br />
<br />
🧡 3/18 - 3/19 💚<br />
Let's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCON?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KCON</a>! <a href="https://t.co/8FowkQtoUO">pic.twitter.com/8FowkQtoUO</a></p>
— KCON official (@KCON_official) <a href="https://twitter.com/KCON_official/status/1637351950705659905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The event was warmed up with a Bangkok-specialised stage configuration and a stage upgrade. Performers, collaborations and sets by ATEEZ, BamBam, (G)I-DLE, iKON, ITZY, Kep1er, and Youngjae (GOT7) were prepared (G)I-DLE, iKON, ITZY, Kep1er, and Youngjae (GOT7) were presented.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the first day of the cultural event KCON, (G)I-DLE performed the girl version of the signature song "POPPIA."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">[<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TT</a>]<br />
TNX Today | 230319<br />
🎞 KCON 2023 THAILAND<a href="https://twitter.com/YOUNGJAExArs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YOUNGJAExArs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BAMBAMxABYSS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BAMBAMxABYSS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCON?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KCON</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCON2023THAILAND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KCON2023THAILAND</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveOrDie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LoveOrDie</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/I_Need_U?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#I_Need_U</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOT7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GOT7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%EA%B0%93%EC%84%B8%EB%B8%90?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#갓세븐</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%ED%95%98%EB%93%9C%EC%BA%90%EB%A6%AC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#하드캐리</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HardCarry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HardCarry</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%EC%98%81%EC%9E%AC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#영재</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YOUNGJAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YOUNGJAE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%EB%B1%80%EB%B1%80?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#뱀뱀</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BamBam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BamBam</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%ED%94%BC%EB%84%A4%EC%9D%B4%EC%85%98?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#피네이션</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PNATION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PNATION</a> <a href="https://t.co/nsjoEQ1CGj">pic.twitter.com/nsjoEQ1CGj</a></p>
— TNX Official (@TNX_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/TNX_Official/status/1637476603176550400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Following this performance, MCs BamBam and Minnie well-linked to the country also appeared and announced the beginning of the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BamBam and Youngjau performed GOT7's "Harry Carry" with junior artist TNX.</p>

<p><strong>"Meet &amp; Greet"</strong></p>

<p>P1 Harmony, JO1, (G)I-DLE, ATEEZ, iKON, Kepler, Youngjae, BamBam, and ITZY performers interacted with their fans through games and talks, giving them an opportunity to know their favourites more.</p>

<p>Knowing the aggressive tendencies of 'Thai K-pop fans,' &nbsp;KCON 2023 had its content optimised. The 'Impact International Exhibition Hall,' where the event was held, was divided into four sections, "KCON Stage," "KCON Square," "We Are K-Pop," and "K Collection," each with its own set of experiential and interacting contents.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ja">230319 KCON Thailand<br />
<br />
この尾崎さん良すぎて声出なかった🫠<br />
たくみさんの投げ𝒄𝒉𝒖…💋（世界崩壊）<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCON2023THAILAND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KCON2023THAILAND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INI_LogintoThailand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INI_LogintoThailand</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E5%B0%BE%E5%B4%8E%E5%8C%A0%E6%B5%B7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#尾崎匠海</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%B1%A0%E5%B4%8E%E7%90%86%E4%BA%BA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#池崎理人</a> <a href="https://t.co/NIQVVKtkdZ">pic.twitter.com/NIQVVKtkdZ</a></p>
— 𝗞 (@tag_you5) <a href="https://twitter.com/tag_you5/status/1637667224810053633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Due to such a long break, local reactions heightened. This year, almost 5.13 million people online and offline attended the KCPON and enjoyed trademark conventions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Upcoming KCON 2023 in Japan &amp; United States:</strong></p>

<p>Dates for the upcoming "KCON 2023" in Tokyo, Japan, in May and Los Angeles, California, USA, in August have been announced. '</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💘KCON 2023 JAPAN SHOW 2nd LINEUP💘<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ITZY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ITZY</a><a href="https://twitter.com/ITZYofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ITZYofficial</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCON2023JAPAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KCON2023JAPAN</a><br />
✨05/12~05/14✨<br />
Let's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCON?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KCON</a> ! <a href="https://t.co/fGHa5fEGXM">pic.twitter.com/fGHa5fEGXM</a></p>
— KCON Japan (@kconjapan) <a href="https://twitter.com/kconjapan/status/1637636072812462080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Japan, as per Billboard, the event is supposed to be held between May 18-20 at the Makuhari Messe convention centre in Chiba, where some J-pop stars are expected to perform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, after holding some 90,000 audiences at the KCON Los Angeles 2022, this year it expects to host more fans.&nbsp;</p>


KCON 2023 Thailand successfully ended on March 20, after a long four-year COVID-19 hiatus. The annual and cultural convention was held in Bangkok, Thailand at the 'Impact Arena,' for the first time since the spread of the deadly virus for a two-day schedule.

KCON 2023 Thailand successfully ended on March 20, after a long four-year COVID-19 hiatus. The annual and cultural convention was held in Bangkok, Thailand at the 'Impact Arena,' for the first time since the spread of the deadly virus for a two-day schedule. Bangkok was KCON's first destination or venue for the event in Southeast Asia. The dates, venue and schedule for the upcoming event in Los Angeles, United States and Tokyo, Japan have also been announced, which are expected to be held in August this year. Here's everything you need to know about the two amazing glittery nights of KCON Thailand 2023: KCON 2023 Performances: The two-day festival 'KCON 2023 Thailand,' had audiences from Bangkok, Japan, China and Singapore with participatory content that linked the signature "POPPIA" and artists. 🌴 Coming Soon! LiveStreaming📹 ⭐️KCON POP UP TALK | TNX #KCON2023THAILAND ⏰2023.03.19 14:45 (ICT) 2023.03.19 16:45(KST) 📍KCON official https://t.co/6PQVzJxQSf 🧡 3/18 - 3/19 💚 Let's #KCON! pic.twitter.com/8FowkQtoUO — KCON official (@KCON_official) March 19, 2023 × The event was warmed up with a Bangkok-specialised stage configuration and a stage upgrade. Performers, collaborations and sets by ATEEZ, BamBam, (G)I-DLE, iKON, ITZY, Kep1er, and Youngjae (GOT7) were prepared (G)I-DLE, iKON, ITZY, Kep1er, and Youngjae (GOT7) were presented. On the first day of the cultural event KCON, (G)I-DLE performed the girl version of the signature song "POPPIA." [#TT] TNX Today | 230319 🎞 KCON 2023 THAILAND@YOUNGJAExArs @BAMBAMxABYSS #KCON #KCON2023THAILAND#TNX #LoveOrDie #I_Need_U #GOT7 #갓세븐 #하드캐리 #HardCarry#영재 #YOUNGJAE #뱀뱀 #BamBam#피네이션 #PNATION pic.twitter.com/nsjoEQ1CGj — TNX Official (@TNX_Official) March 19, 2023 × Following this performance, MCs BamBam and Minnie well-linked to the country also appeared and announced the beginning of the event. BamBam and Youngjau performed GOT7's "Harry Carry" with junior artist TNX. "Meet & Greet" P1 Harmony, JO1, (G)I-DLE, ATEEZ, iKON, Kepler, Youngjae, BamBam, and ITZY performers interacted with their fans through games and talks, giving them an opportunity to know their favourites more. Knowing the aggressive tendencies of 'Thai K-pop fans,' KCON 2023 had its content optimised. The 'Impact International Exhibition Hall,' where the event was held, was divided into four sections, "KCON Stage," "KCON Square," "We Are K-Pop," and "K Collection," each with its own set of experiential and interacting contents. 230319 KCON Thailand この尾崎さん良すぎて声出なかった🫠 たくみさんの投げ𝒄𝒉𝒖…💋（世界崩壊）#KCON2023THAILAND #INI_LogintoThailand #尾崎匠海 #池崎理人 pic.twitter.com/NIQVVKtkdZ — 𝗞 (@tag_you5) March 20, 2023 × Due to such a long break, local reactions heightened. This year, almost 5.13 million people online and offline attended the KCPON and enjoyed trademark conventions. Upcoming KCON 2023 in Japan & United States: Dates for the upcoming "KCON 2023" in Tokyo, Japan, in May and Los Angeles, California, USA, in August have been announced. ' 💘KCON 2023 JAPAN SHOW 2nd LINEUP💘#ITZY@ITZYofficial#KCON2023JAPAN ✨05/12~05/14✨ Let's #KCON ! pic.twitter.com/fGHa5fEGXM — KCON Japan (@kconjapan) March 20, 2023 × In Japan, as per Billboard, the event is supposed to be held between May 18-20 at the Makuhari Messe convention centre in Chiba, where some J-pop stars are expected to perform. Last year, after holding some 90,000 audiences at the KCON Los Angeles 2022, this year it expects to host more fans.

KCON 2023 Thailand successfully wraps up! Take a look at some star performances; dates for LA announced

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