Creator Drama
Gamix Racism Controversy and Apology to Ateez Member San
Resolved
Via SAN on YouTube All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 6 events from Jun 26, 2026 to Aug 27, 2026, drawn from 4 sources.
“I have seen people overseas take a racially derogatory expression that was directed at them and turn it into humor,”
via biz.heraldcorp.com
Background
Gamix is a Japanese influencer born in 2007 with over 2 million followers, primarily known for producing soccer-focused content. He previously gained viral attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup when a video showed him crying in the stands among Brazilian fans after Japan's defeat.
Ateez member San performed a viral dance challenge to the song "BAD" — the title track from Ateez's 14th mini-album "GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5" — after taking a ceremonial first kick at a match between Manchester City and Atletico Madrid at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 9, wearing an Atletico Madrid jersey.
The timeline
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Ateez Releases Mini-Album and "BAD" Challenge
Ateez released their 14th mini-album "GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5," featuring the track "BAD," which reportedly generated considerable buzz and inspired a viral dance challenge online.[2620]
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San Performs Ceremonial Kick and Dance
Ateez member San reportedly performed the "BAD" dance challenge after taking the ceremonial first kick at a Coupang Play Series match between Manchester City and Atletico Madrid at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, wearing an Atletico Madrid jersey.[2619]
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Gamix Uploads "BAD" Challenge Video With Racist Gesture
Gamix reportedly uploaded a video to his Instagram and social media accounts recreating Ateez member San's "BAD" dance challenge while wearing a replica of San's Atletico Madrid jersey. Midway through the routine, he allegedly used both hands to pull the outer corners of his eyes sideways in an "eye-pulling" or "slant-eye" gesture.[2617]
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Initial Deletion of the Viral Video
As heavy criticism and outrage reportedly spread online regarding the racist caricature of East Asian appearance, Gamix allegedly deleted the original video without providing any immediate explanation or apology.[2617]
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Gamix Posts Follow-up Clip About "Asian Eyes"
Gamix reportedly drew additional backlash by uploading a second clip in which he pointed to his own puffy eyes, stating, "These are Asian eyes," and questioning why they do not open every morning. Critics allegedly argued this extended the racist stereotype, and Gamix subsequently deleted this video as well.[2618]
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Gamix Posts Sincere Apology Video
On Monday, following four days of reportedly sustained criticism and calls for accountability, Gamix posted a video titled "I sincerely apologize." Dressed in a black suit, he allegedly knelt and bowed until his forehead touched the floor, stating he had naively thought using the gesture as self-deprecating humor as an East Asian person would lessen its weight, while offering apologies to San, Ateez, their fans, and the Korean community.[2617]
Frequently asked
What racist gesture did Gamix perform?
Gamix performed the "eye-pulling" or "slant-eye" gesture by using both hands to stretch the outer corners of his eyes sideways while mimicking Ateez member San during a "BAD" dance challenge video.
How did Gamix initially react to the backlash?
Initially, Gamix deleted the original video without offering an explanation. He then drew further criticism by posting a second clip where he pointed to his eyes and talked about his eyes not opening in the morning, which critics argued extended the stereotype before that clip was also deleted.
When did Gamix issue his formal apology?
Gamix posted a formal apology video on Monday, four days after the controversy began, in which he wore a black suit, knelt, and bowed with his forehead touching the floor to express remorse to San, Ateez, fans, and the Korean community.
What was Gamix's justification for the gesture?
Gamix claimed that because he is also Asian, he had naively thought that mocking the gesture himself and reframing it as self-deprecating humor might somewhat lessen the weight and meaning of the act, stating he had no feelings of hatred or contempt.
Related drama
Sources
- biz.heraldcorp.com, Gamix performs the "eye-pulling" gesture while doing the "BAD" challenge, mimicking Ateez member San. [SNS] Japanese influencer Gamix, who has more than 2 million followers, knelt in apology after mak, Aug 27, 2026.
- biz.heraldcorp.com, Gamix performs the eye-pulling gesture while mimicking Choi San's "BAD" challenge. [SNS] Japanese influencer Gamix, who has more than 2 million followers, has sparked a racism controversy after pullin, Aug 27, 2026.
- koreaherald.com, Japanese influencer Gamix (left) and K-pop band Ateez member San (Gamix's Instagram account) A Japanese influencer with more than 2 million followers on Instagram has come under fire online for making, Aug 27, 2026.
- koreatimes.co.kr, Gamix, left, and San / Captured from social media of eachJapanese influencer Gamix, who went viral for sobbing after Japan's defeat at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has sparked controversy after making a g, Aug 27, 2026.
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 6 dated events from 4 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Gamix Racism Controversy and Apology to Ateez Member San.”
GenZHype, 4 September 2026,
https://genzhype.com/drama/gamix-racism-controversy-and-apology-to-ateez-member-san/.