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San (singer)
South Korean singer From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Choi San (최산; born July 10, 1999),[1][2] known mononymously as San, is a South Korean singer and dancer.[3][4] He is the lead vocalist and main dancer of the boy group Ateez, formed by KQ Entertainment.[5][6]
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San made his acting debut in the web series "Imitation" with bandmates Seonghwa, Yunho, and Jongho; this marked his first acting role.[7] He contributed his vocals to the official soundtrack as a member of "Sparkling", a fictional 4-member group.[8]
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Early life and education
Choi San was born on July 10, 1999, in Namhae, South Korea to mother Kim Nam Ji, and father Choi Jong Cheol.[1][2] He attended Namhae Middle School and graduated from the Korean Arts High School.[1] San was introduced to KQ Entertainment by trot singer Na Sang Do, who's also his father's taekwondo student and the one who recommended him for an audition with the company.[1]
Career
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2017: Pre-debut
San was introduced as a member of the pre-debut group KQ Fellaz alongside seven others, who now all are members of Ateez.[9][10]
2018–present: Debut and activities with Ateez
While San debuted with Ateez on October 24, 2018, as the group’s lead vocalist and lead dancer,[11][12] he is now known as and referred to as one of the main dancers of the group.[2][13]
San has contributed to Ateez’s discography and choreography. He co-wrote the song "It's You" with bandmates Wooyoung and Yeosang[14] as well as his solo song "Creep",[15] and contributed choreography for the title track "Work".[16]
San is known for his intense facial expressions and stage presence when dancing.[17][18][19]
2021–present: Actor debut and solo projects
In 2021, San made his acting debut in the web series "Imitation" with bandmates Seonghwa, Yunho, and Jongho; this marked his first acting role.[7]
In August 2021, San collaborated with Pentatonix on a remix of their song “A Little Space,” alongside fellow Ateez members Yunho and Jongho. The project combined elements of K-pop and Western a cappella music.[20][21][22]
Between 2023 to 2024, San released song covers and a performance video. San’s song "Snowflake" is an original track that highlights his vocal abilities.[23][24] He has performed covers of "Breathe" originally by Lee Hi[25] and "Dear Name" originally by IU, which he performed as a duet with bandmate Jongho.[26][27] His solo dance performance, "Warriors", which he co-developed and co-choreographed, received praise from OSEN for its "diverse choreography composition"[28] and from Single List for San's "detailed facial expressions that matched the mood of the song".[29][30][31]
In November 2024, San appeared in the music talk show Lee Mujin Service where he delivered live vocal performances.[32][33]
Additionally, San collaborated with the brand Returnity to promote their acupressure ear sticker products.[34][35]
In June 2025, San made his first solo appearance on a talk-centered entertainment show on the show Naraesik, hosted by Park Na-Rae.[36][37] Later in the month, San was invited to a Tag Heuer gala event in Seoul.[38] Following this, he was announced to feature as a cover model for the August issue of Arena Homme Plus Korea with 6 different cover versions, showcasing 6 different Tag Heuer watches.[39]
In July 2025, San released his first ever official song "Creep" which featured in the album Golden Hour: Part.3 'In Your Fantasy Edition'.[15]
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Other Ventures
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Fashion
San has participated in events such as Milan Fashion Week[40] and Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria shows.[41] According to reports, his appearances contributed to an Earned Media Value estimated at approximately US $2 million for the Spring/Summer 2025 event,[42] and US $7.5 million for the Fall/Winter 2025 [43] Milan events. Fashion publications have noted his stylistic approach, describing it as a blend of classical tailoring and modern elements.[44][41]
Philanthropy
San is the promotional ambassador for his hometown Namhae,[45] and has supported local welfare initiatives in Namhae Village, including donations[46] and has participated in community events such as the Namhae Spring Walk.[47]
In March 2023, he donated ₩5 million, the maximum amount allowed, to his hometown of Namhae through the Hometown Love Donation Program. The local government indicated that the funds were intended for regional development and youth welfare projects.[46]
In 2024, San made a second donation of ₩5 million through the same program. In recognition of his contribution, he received Hanwoo beef sets valued at ₩1.5 million from the local government, which he subsequently donated to 22 single-parent households in Namhae.[48]
Public image
San has frequently appeared on the Korean Business Research Institute’s male celebrity brand reputation rankings, which measure online searches and engagement.[49][50] He also has ranked repeatedly in the combined male and female idol brand reputation lists.[51][52]
Personal life
His father is involved in disability-support sports in Namhae.[1]
Discography
Unofficial releases
- "눈꽃 (Snowflake)" (2024) - Non-album single[53]
Filmography
Television series
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Awards and nominations
Listicles
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Composition credits
All song credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association's database unless stated otherwise.[61]
References
External links
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