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ATEEZ’s San is experiencing a major surge in popularity, with his powerful performance in the group’s latest single “BAD” attracting both longtime fans and new audiences around the world.
ATEEZ San Goes Viral With His “BAD” Performance
The momentum began with the release of ATEEZ’s “BAD” music video on June 26. During the chorus, San delivers one of the song’s most memorable moments through controlled movements, intense facial expressions, and commanding stage presence.
Although the sequence lasts only a few seconds, it quickly became one of the video’s most replayed sections. Clips highlighting San’s performance spread across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other social platforms, generating reaction videos, edits, memes, and dance covers.
His appearance on SBS’s “Inkigayo” two days later pushed the attention even further. Wearing a white sleeveless outfit, San once again transformed the chorus into the defining moment of the stage. His individual “BAD” facecam approached 2 million views within approximately three weeks, becoming one of the most widely watched performance videos from the promotional cycle.
Why ATEEZ San’s Stage Presence Stands Out
San’s appeal goes beyond his appearance. He is known for combining powerful choreography with precise control, expressive details, and a strong understanding of the camera.
Even while performing the same choreography, he adjusts his expressions and energy according to the stage, costume, and atmosphere. This ability makes every performance feel different and helps turn individual stage clips into highly shareable content.
Viewers who first discover San through a short video often continue exploring his other performances, ATEEZ’s music videos, and the group’s live stages.
ATEEZ San Gains More Than 1 Million Instagram Followers
International media has also taken notice of San’s growing influence. Forbes described him as a viral “gateway idol” who introduces overseas audiences to both ATEEZ and K-pop.
According to the publication, San gained more than 1 million Instagram followers following the release of “GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5” and “BAD,” reaching approximately 11.4 million followers at the time of its report.
The sharp increase suggests that interest in his performance is translating into lasting audience growth instead of ending with a single viral video.
ATEEZ San Rises to No. 4 in Brand Reputation Rankings
San’s rapidly growing popularity is also being reflected in South Korea.
In the July 2026 individual boy group member brand reputation rankings, San rose to No. 4 with a brand reputation index of 1,919,276. His score increased by 815.27 percent compared with the previous month.
The dramatic rise placed him behind only BTS’s Jimin and Jungkook and Wanna One’s Park Ji Hoon. It also demonstrates that San’s popularity is expanding beyond ATEEZ’s established fandom.
His name is increasingly appearing in media coverage, social media discussions, short-form videos, and public searches.
ATEEZ Reaches No. 1 on the Billboard 200
San’s individual momentum has arrived alongside another major milestone for ATEEZ.
“GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5,” which includes “BAD,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 after earning 228,000 equivalent album units in the United States.
The release became ATEEZ’s third No. 1 album on the chart and delivered the group’s biggest U.S. week to date. It also gave ATEEZ their ninth Billboard 200 top-10 album, the most among groups during the 2020s.
While the achievement belongs to the entire group, San’s viral performance helped introduce “BAD” to audiences who may not have previously followed ATEEZ.
ATEEZ San Becomes a Gateway for New K-pop Fans
San has created viral moments before. His intense performance at Coachella in 2024, his memorable appearance at the MAMA Awards, and his scenes in the “Ice On My Teeth” music video all generated considerable attention.
However, the response to “BAD” represents a new stage in his growth. Rather than attracting interest only within the existing fan community, the performance has become an entry point for people discovering San and ATEEZ for the first time.
A few seconds of choreography have translated into millions of views, more than 1 million new followers, a dramatic rise in domestic brand reputation, and increased international media coverage.
With his combination of precision, expression, physical control, and unmistakable stage presence, San is proving that one unforgettable performance can introduce an artist to an entirely new audience.
As “BAD” continues to spread across social media, attention is now turning to how far San’s rapidly expanding popularity will go.
Sources
#ATEEZ#Choi San#SAN
