San (singer)

In this Korean name, the family name is Choi.
Choi San
San in 2024
Born (1999-07-10) July 10, 1999
Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea
EducationKorean Arts High School
Global Cyber University
Occupations
  • Singer
  • Dancer
  • Songwriter
  • Choreographer
Musical career
InstrumentVocals
Years active2018 (2018)–present
LabelsKQ Entertainment
Member ofAteez
Korean name
Hangul
최산
RRChoe San
MRCh'oe San
Signature

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]

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]

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

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]

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.[22][23] He has performed covers of "Breathe" originally by Lee Hi[24] and "Dear Name" originally by IU, which he performed as a duet with bandmate Jongho.[25][26] His solo dance performance, "Warriors", which he co-developed and co-choreographed, received praise from OSEN for its "diverse choreography composition"[27] and from Single List for San's "detailed facial expressions that matched the mood of the song".[28][29][30]

In November 2024, San appeared in the music talk show Lee Mujin Service where he delivered live vocal performances.[31][32]

Additionally, San collaborated with the brand Returnity to promote their acupressure ear sticker products.[33][34]

In June 2025, San made his first solo appearance on a talk-centered entertainment show on the show Naraesik, hosted by Park Na-Rae.[35][36] Later in the month, San was invited to a Tag Heuer gala event in Seoul.[37] 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.[38]

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]

Other ventures

Fashion

San has participated in events such as Milan Fashion Week[39] and Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria shows.[40] According to reports, his appearances contributed to an Earned Media Value estimated at approximately US $2 million for the Spring/Summer 2025 event,[41] and US $7.5 million for the Fall/Winter 2025 [42] Milan events. Fashion publications have noted his stylistic approach, describing it as a blend of classical tailoring and modern elements.[43][40]

Philanthropy

San is the promotional ambassador for his hometown Namhae,[44] and has supported local welfare initiatives in Namhae Village, including donations[45] and has participated in community events such as the Namhae Spring Walk.[46]

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.[45]

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.[47]

Public image

San has frequently appeared on the Korean Business Research Institute’s male celebrity brand reputation rankings, which measure online searches and engagement.[48][49] He also has ranked repeatedly in the combined male and female idol brand reputation lists.[50][51]

Personal life

His father is involved in disability-support sports in Namhae.[1]

Discography

For San's work with ATEEZ, see Ateez discography.

Soundtrack appearances

List of soundtrack appearances, showing year released, selected chart positions, and name of the album
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
DL
"Diamond"
(as Min-su of Sparkling) 		2021 — Imitation Original Soundtrack
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Other charted songs

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
DL
[52][53]
"Creep"[a] 2025 150 Golden Hour: Part.3 'In Your Fantasy Edition'
"IT′s You"[b] 2023 84 The World EP.Fin: Will

Unofficial releases

Title Year Album Ref.
"눈꽃 (Snowflake)" 2024 Non-album singles [22]

Filmography

For Choi's filmography with Ateez, see Ateez § Filmography.

Television series

Year Title Roles Ref.
2021 Imitation Min-su [54]

Radio shows

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2020 Idol Radio Special DJ with Wooyoung [55]

Awards and nominations

For Choi's accolades with Ateez, see Ateez § Awards_and_nominations.
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, award category, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Result Ref.
Elle Style Awards 2024 2024 Best K-pop Icon Award Won [56][57]

Listicles

Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement
Publisher Year Listicle Placement Notes Ref.
Genius Korea 2024 Best K-Pop Vocal Performances 3 For duet with Jongho, covering "Dear Name" by IU[25] [58]
WhosPICK 2022 Idol With the Best Facial Expressions 1 [18]
WhosPICK 2021 Idols with a Legendary Fancam That Will Be Remembered in K-pop History 1 For San's "200116 HALA HALA" fancam[59] [60]

Composition credits

All song credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association's database unless stated otherwise.[61]

Year Artist Song Album Lyrics Music
2018 Ateez "From" Non-album single Yes No
2023 San

with Wooyoung and Yeosang

"It's You" The World EP.Fin: Will Yes No
2025 San "Creep" Golden Hour: Part.3 'In Your Fantasy Edition' Yes No

References

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  2. ^ a b c "차세대 월드스타 '에이티즈 최 산' 그의 행보를 주목하라!" [Next generation world star 'ATEEZ's Choi San', keep an eye on his moves!]. NH Times (in Korean). 2019-01-03. Archived from the original on 2021-02-08. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
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  52. ^ Peak chart positions on the Circle Download Chart:
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Notes

  1. ^ credited to Ateez, but the track is a solo by San
  2. ^ the track is a sub-unit by San, Wooyoung and Yeosang
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