Japanese YouTuber Gamix apologized after a parody of ATEEZ’s SAN used a racist eye-pulling gesture and drew heavy criticism.
August/25/2026 15:56
While parodying ATEEZ’s SAN’s dance, Japanese YouTuber Gamix caused an uproar by making an eye-pulling gesture, and has apologized for the controversy. He also apologized to SAN and his fans. YouTuber Gamix, who has 1.12 million subscribers, posted a video titled “I sincerely apologize” on his account yesterday (the 24th). Appearing in the video in a black suit, he sat in seiza and pressed his forehead to the floor, saying, “I sincerely apologize for the gesture I made,” and, “I apologize to ATEEZ’s SAN, the members, the fans, and the people of the Korean community who were hurt and made uncomfortable by it.” Previously, he had posted a dance challenge video for ATEEZ’s new song “BAD,” which has become a major topic on social media. After placing a photo of SAN on the screen, he pulled the outer corners of his eyes left and right with both hands. This action is a racist act that mocks the physical features of East Asians, and criticism poured in from K-pop fans and internet users. As the criticism flooded in, Gamix deleted the relevant video. Even after that, the criticism did not subside, and he posted an apology video. In the course of his explanation, he said, “I myself am Asian. I used that gesture as self-deprecating humor to belittle myself,” and confessed, “I had seen cases overseas where racist expressions were turned into humor, and I thought that if I, as an East Asian, caricatured this discriminatory gesture and processed it as humor, I might be able to soften the weight and discriminatory meaning of the act.” He continued, “I had absolutely no feelings of hatred or contempt toward SAN, the people of Korea, or the K-pop community,” and bowed his head again, saying, “Once again, I sincerely apologize to SAN and everyone who was hurt and made uncomfortable by my thoughtless actions.” ・ATEEZ’s SAN, people keep falling for his charm! The “fancam” of the new song “BAD” goes massively viral (with video) ・They appeared together on “Music Station”! ATEEZ’s SAN gets a reaction from the dance challenge video for “HOT LIMIT” with Takanori Nishikawa
Related Articles
ATEEZ’s SAN directly addressed recent dating rumors during a teaser for an upcoming appearance on TEO’s Salon Drip. He said he had just arrived from Milan, where rumors began after he was seen walking with a woman. His agency said she was a brand staff member, and SAN also denied the rumors on fromm, warning against偷拍 and illegal filming.
iKON’s Donghyuk posted photos of stars currently serving in the military, including Kim Young Dae, MONSTA X’s I.M, SEVENTEEN’s Woozi, Kang Daniel, Baekho, Song Gun Hee, and Rowoon. They also shared dance videos to songs like “BAD” and “GENIE,” and had recently appeared at the 2026 Ground Forces Festival.
Kstyle’s September article ranking looked back at major Korean entertainment news, from a tragic fan death before a Stray Kids concert and a police report involving Sakaguchi Kentaro, to ATEEZ’s SAN denying dating rumors, BLACKPINK Lisa speaking about hidden relationships, and an investigation into Olive Young.
ATEEZ’s SAN has unveiled a new pictorial for DAZED’s Fall 2026 issue. In the shoot, he expressed a sensory style with soft charisma and a distinctive presence. He wore a wide range of looks, from luxurious suits and coats to modernized knits and denim, naturally highlighting masculine charm and sophistication.
The 2026 MUSIC BANK GLOBAL FESTIVAL IN JAPAN will be held at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) on December 12 and 13, 2026. New artists added include ATEEZ, ITZY, LE SSERAFIM, &TEAM, RIIZE, RESCENE, Hearts2Hearts, and ALPHA DRIVE ONE. Single-day ticket presales run until October 4.
Hulu has announced exclusive Japanese livestream coverage of the 2026 Korea Grand Music Awards on November 7 and 8. The two-day event will feature more than 40 artists, including TREASURE, Novelbright, ATEEZ, ITZY, RIIZE, and Hearts2Hearts, plus red carpet and award ceremony coverage, with replay and subtitle options available later.
On the afternoon of the 1st, ATEEZ headed to Japan via Gimpo International Airport for an offline event commemorating the release of their 5th Japanese single, "BAD (Japanese Ver.)." This article is based on local media coverage, and the photos may vary. Additional related headlines are included.
U-NEXT has decided to exclusively livestream MMA 2026, the 18th MelOn Music Awards, on November 14 and 15, 2026. The awards, based on MelOn data and voting, will be held at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome, with artists including ALPHA DRIVE ONE, ATEEZ, ILLIT, RIIZE, and more.
KGMA will debut “KGMA Star Road” at the 2026 ceremony, replacing the traditional red carpet with a content experience that begins as artists enter the venue and interact with fans. SHINee’s Minho, MONSTA X’s Shownu and Hyungwon, DAY6’s Young K, and many others will appear. The event is set for November 7-8 at Gocheok Sky Dome, with tickets on sale October 2 at 6 p.m. via NOL.
MUSIC EXPO LIVE 2026 in Taipei will be held at TAIPEI ARENA on October 24 and 25, 2026, with Sho Sakurai as MC. Day 1 features AiNA THE END, FRUITS ZIPPER, Hearts2Hearts, and King & Prince, plus a special FRUITS ZIPPER x Hearts2Hearts dance collaboration. Day 2 features ATEEZ, NCT WISH, Sakurazaka46, and &TEAM, with &TEAM performing a special cover stage and a guest appearance planned. Tickets are on sale now.
