Creator Drama
Gamix Racism Controversy and Apology to Ateez Member San
Resolved
Cover: GenZHype original graphic. All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 3 events from Jun 26, 2026 to Aug 27, 2026, drawn from 3 sources.
“I sincerely apologize for the gesture I made,”
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.
In August 2026, 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.
In August 2026, 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.
In August 2026, 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.
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.[3]
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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.[2]
Screenshot of koreaherald.com, captured Oct 3, 2026. Source [2] -
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.[1]
Screenshot of biz.heraldcorp.com, captured Oct 3, 2026. Source [1]
Our read of the evidence
Partly documented. The three timeline events are each reported by a different outlet, with no primary source confirming them. All information rests on secondary reports, and there is no indication that both parties spoke on the record. Consequently, the evidence is only partly documented.
Our rating counts evidence, not opinions about anyone: events confirmed by a primary source (the person's own post, their official site, a court or government record) weigh most, then how many independent outlets report the story.
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.
More related drama (4)
Sources (3)
- biz.heraldcorp.com, Japanese influencer Gamix kneels in apology to Ateez's San over racist 'eye-pulling' gesture, Aug 25, 2026.
- koreaherald.com, Japanese influencer slammed for racist eye gesture mocking Ateez’s San, Aug 21, 2026.
- koreatimes.co.kr, Japanese influencer sparks backlash with 'slant-eye' parody of ATEEZ member San, Aug 21, 2026.
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 3 dated events from 3 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Gamix Racism Controversy and Apology to Ateez Member San.”
GenZHype, 29 August 2026,
https://genzhype.com/drama/gamix-racism-controversy-and-apology-to-ateez-member-san/.