{
  "id": 2301162,
  "title": "Japanese influencer sparks backlash with 'slant-eye' parody of ATEEZ member San",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/japanese-influencer-sparks-backlash-with-slant-eye-parody-of-ateez",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T04:42:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/20260821/japanese-influencer-sparks-backlash-with-slant-eye-parody-of-ateez-member-san"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japanese social media influencer Gamix has faced backlash after recreating a viral dance challenge by ATEEZ member San, while employing a gesture that many consider to be racist. Gamix's video, uploaded on Thursday, showed him imitating San's choreography from the popular trend \"BAD.\" However, the key moment involved Gamix pulling the outer corners of his eyes sideways using both hands, a move known as the \"slant-eye\" gesture. This gesture is widely regarded as offensive, as it mocks the physical appearance of East Asians. The fact that Gamix identifies as East Asian himself added complexity to the situation, prompting questions about his motives and intentions. Online users expressed their disappointment and outrage, with comments like \"Is he making fun of himself?\" and \"I don't even know where to begin with this.\" As the controversy escalated, Gamix chose to delete his video in response to the criticism.",
  "summary": "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 toward East Asians while parodying ATEEZ member San's viral \"BAD\" challenge. Gamix uploaded a video to his social media account Thursday in which he recreated the choreography from ATEEZ's \"BAD,\" a viral trend that has…",
  "key_points": [
    "Japanese influencer Gamix sparked backlash with slant-eye parody of ATEEZ member San",
    "Gesture mocking East Asian appearance widely regarded as offensive",
    "Gamix, identifying as East Asian, deleted video amid controversy"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The incident highlights the risks of cultural insensitivity and misinterpretation, even among people from the same cultural background, and underscores the challenges of navigating complex social issues online.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Japanese influencer sparks backlash with 'slant-eye' parody of ATEEZ member San",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/japanese-influencer-sparks-backlash-with-slant-eye-parody-of-ateez-2302818",
        "published": "2026-08-21T04:52:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}