Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Who Is ATEEZ’s San, the K-pop Star Behind BAD?
Choi San is a singer and performer in the K-pop group ATEEZ.
He became widely noticed after a short chest-thump move in the song “BAD” spread online.
Many people shared the clip even before learning his name or knowing ATEEZ.
San was born in Namhae-gun, South Korea.
Before joining ATEEZ, he trained at KQ Entertainment and appeared on a television competition called MIXNINE.
He worked hard to improve his dancing and performance skills.
On stage, he looks very serious and powerful, but off stage he says he is gentle and soft-spoken.
San says his biggest talent is effort, and he practices carefully so audiences enjoy watching him.
Choi San’s chest-thump moment in ATEEZ’s “BAD” has gone viral across short-form platforms.
San was born in Namhae-gun and became a KQ Entertainment trainee before joining ATEEZ.
He appeared on JTBC’s MIXNINE in 2017 but was eliminated relatively early.
San is ATEEZ’s lead vocalist and one of its principal performers, known for intense stage presence.
San says effort, extensive practice and giving audiences a worthwhile performance are central to his success.
- Who
- Choi San, lead vocalist and principal performer of the K-pop group ATEEZ.
- What
- His performance in ATEEZ’s song “BAD,” especially a brief chest-thump sequence, became widely viral online.
- When
- “BAD” was released on June 26; San appeared on MIXNINE in 2017 and ATEEZ debuted in October 2018.
- Where
- San was born in Namhae-gun, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea; the viral clips spread across short-form video platforms.
- Why
- His intense gaze, controlled choreography, styling and contrast between his serious stage persona and softer off-stage personality attracted widespread attention.
- Full name
- Choi San
- Role in ATEEZ
- Lead vocalist and principal performer
- Birthplace
- Namhae-gun, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea
- Group debut
- ATEEZ debuted in October 2018 with Treasure EP.1: All to Zero.
- Viral song
- “BAD,” the title track of GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5
- Release date
- June 26
- Earlier television appearance
- JTBC’s MIXNINE in 2017
- Stated greatest talent
- San has said that his greatest talent is effort.