Choi San (최산), a member of popular South Korean boy group ATEEZ, recently gained widespread attention for his signature 'chest-shaking dance' in the new song "BAD." Fans nicknamed him the 'Duke of the North' for the move, which sparked an imitation trend among celebrities. On a recent variety show, Choi San unexpectedly revealed his family's past struggles with debt, sharing that he worked hard after his debut and personally paid off all outstanding loans. The revelation that his family is now free from financial pressure and living happily touched many fans.
On the October 24 broadcast of MBC's variety show Omniscient Interfering View, Choi San appeared alongside group leader Kim Hong-joong (김홍중) to share updates on ATEEZ's recent activities. Discussing changes since their rise to fame, Kim Hong-joong revealed, "Our schedule seems three times busier than usual, and San has taken on various advertisements in different fields." This indicates a significant increase in Choi San's individual work offers as his popularity continues to soar.
The program also offered a glimpse into Choi San's private interactions with his family. He was seen talking to his father on the phone in the car, their affectionate and natural dynamic leaving a strong impression. Speaking about his father, Choi San couldn't hide his admiration, stating, "I really want to talk about my dad properly." He described his father as a very traditional parent, sharing that his father often says, "Leave all household matters to me; the women of the family don't need to worry, just rest well."
Choi San explained that even when his father faced difficulties outside the home, he would return and tell his family, "You don't need to know about these things," unwilling to let them bear any stress and always prioritizing their feelings. However, despite his father's consideration for the family, he was quite strict when raising Choi San.
Choi San recalled that when he had gastroenteritis, his father would tell him, "Just eat it and let it pass." Even when he fell off his bicycle and injured his forehead, his father simply said, "Just put on some ointment, and it'll be fine." He laughed, saying he could only obediently apply the medicine and endure it. After hearing this story, Kim Hong-joong also chuckled, remarking, "San's eyes look a bit like his dad's," pointing out their similarities.
In addition to sharing his father's parenting style, Choi San also spoke about the financial difficulties his family once faced. He revealed, "Actually, my family once carried some debt." He recalled that during high school, his family would eat fried chicken once a week, but his mother confessed to him at the time that their financial situation was not good.
After learning about his family's situation, Choi San began to hope he could earn money quickly and become financially independent to help alleviate their burden. He admitted that he was determined to start working as soon as possible to help pay off the family's debts. Later, he debuted as a singer and indeed used his hard-earned income to support his family.
Choi San personally revealed, "Now, all of my family's debts have been paid off by me." These words highlight the results of his hard work since his debut. Kim Hong-joong also confirmed that he witnessed Choi San's dedication during his first one or two years after debut, stating, "I watched him use the income he earned during that time to help his family."
Now, Choi San's family has finally overcome their financial difficulties, and he expressed his relief, saying, "It's a happy ending now; my family is doing very well." From hearing his mother confess their financial struggles in high school to working hard after his debut to pay off his family's debts, Choi San's journey not only demonstrates his sense of responsibility towards his family but also reveals the heartwarming story of an idol who worked tirelessly to protect his loved ones behind his dazzling stage presence.
