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The Korea Times

Japanese influencer Gamix, who went viral for sobbing after Japan’s defeat at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, has sparked controversy after making a gesture widely considered racist towards East Asians while parodying Ateez member San’s viral “BAD” challenge.
Gamix uploaded a video to his social media account on Thursday in which he recreated the choreography from Ateez’s “BAD”, a viral trend that has recently gained traction online.
During the video, which displayed a photo of San at the bottom of the screen, Gamix used both hands to pull the outer corners of his eyes sideways.
The “slant-eyed” gesture is widely regarded as a racist gesture used to mock the physical appearance of East Asians. The fact that Gamix is himself East Asian added another layer to the backlash, with some viewers questioning why a Japanese creator would use the gesture while imitating a South Korean K-pop star.
Online commenters criticised the video, with reactions including, “Is he making fun of himself?” “Does he think he’s Western?” and “I don’t even know where to begin with this.”
As the controversy grew, Gamix deleted the video without issuing an apology or explanation.


He subsequently uploaded another clip in which he pointed to his eyes and said, “These are Asian eyes. Every morning, my eyes won’t open. Why does this happen every morning?”
That video failed to quell the criticism. Online reactions included, “What is he even thinking?” “Ateez is popular in Japan too, so why would he do that?” and “Westerners are going to laugh at this.”
Gamix eventually deleted the second video as well.
Gamix is a Japanese influencer who primarily creates football-related content and has around 2.16 million followers. He drew widespread attention during the 2026 Fifa World Cup when a video showed him crying after Japan lost to Brazil while watching the match surrounded by Brazilian fans.
Meanwhile, “BAD”, the title track from Ateez’s 14th mini-album GOLDEN HOUR: Part.5, released on June 26, has generated considerable buzz through its dance challenge.
San also performed the challenge after taking the ceremonial first kick at a 2026 Coupang Play Series match between Manchester City and Atletico Madrid on August 9.
This story was first published by The Korea Times


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Gamix faced backlash over the racist gesture in a video parodying the Ateez idol’s dance challenge


Gamix faced backlash over the racist gesture in a video parodying the Ateez idol’s dance challenge.


Japan

K-pop idols

Racism and other prejudice

Anger over Japanese influencer Gamix’s ‘slant-eyed’ jibe at K-pop star San

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Gamix faced backlash over the racist gesture in a video parodying the Ateez idol’s dance challenge

Gamix faced backlash over the racist gesture in a video parodying the Ateez idol’s dance challenge