Choi San (최산), a member of popular South Korean boy group ATEEZ (에이티즈), garnered significant attention for his signature “chest-trembling dance” in the group's new song “BAD.” Related clips not only sparked an imitation trend but also attracted numerous artists to take on the challenge, keeping his every move under public scrutiny. Recently, Choi San traveled to Italy for Milan Fashion Week, where he unexpectedly became entangled in dating rumors. A video of him walking alongside a woman on the streets of Milan quickly went viral, igniting heated discussions. However, there was another reason behind the video, and Choi San himself has come forward to reveal the truth.
Recently, a video circulated across South Korean online communities and social media platforms, showing Choi San walking with a woman on a street in Milan, Italy. The footage quickly sparked speculation that he was in a relationship, and discussions rapidly intensified.
In response, his agency, KQ Entertainment, issued a clarification, stating that the woman in the video was a local brand representative in Milan. At the time, they were simply purchasing items needed for work, and it was not a date as speculated by the public. The company also emphasized that Choi San was accompanied by local security personnel and his manager, among other staff members, at the time.
Choi San himself responded directly on October 26 via a fan communication platform, unequivocally denying the dating rumors. “Recently, dating rumors have surfaced, but they are completely untrue,” he stated.
However, it appears that what truly bothered Choi San more than the dating rumors themselves was being secretly filmed. He revealed that sasaeng fans (obsessive fans who invade artists' privacy) seemed to have access to his schedule, with people following him wherever he went, which left him quite flustered.
Choi San candidly expressed, “How do they even know? Every time I go to a scheduled event, they follow me, and it really makes me anxious.” He added that while he would be happy to encounter fans by chance on the street, the current situation is entirely different. He issued a stern warning: “Secretly filming is also a clear mistake. Please do not commit criminal acts before you get caught.”
Choi San debuted as a member of ATEEZ in 2018, and the group has since garnered immense global popularity. Since 2021, ATEEZ has charted on the U.S. Billboard 200 mainstream album chart with their “ZERO” series, with 11 albums successfully entering the chart to date, three of which reached number one.
Last year, ATEEZ also made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 mainstream singles chart with “Lemon Drop” and “In Your Fantasy.” Furthermore, they were invited to perform at major music festivals like Coachella and completed a large-scale world tour, continuously showcasing their high international popularity.
As ATEEZ’s main vocalist and main dancer, Choi San has captivated countless fans with his unique voice and powerful stage presence. Fans have even dubbed him the “Grand Duke of the North” due to his appearance and demeanor. In August of this year, he ranked third in the boy group individual brand reputation rankings, trailing only BTS members Park Jimin (박지민) and Jeon Jungkook (전정국).
While the dating rumors have now been denied by both Choi San and his agency, the issue of sasaeng fans — including secret filming and stalking — has once again drawn attention, leading fans to express their sympathy and support for Choi San.
