Tracking the racism controversy involving Japanese YouTuber and influencer Gamix after he used an anti-Asian eye gesture while imitating ATEEZ member San in a viral dance video.
Gamix Pulled His Eyes Back While Imitating ATEEZ Member San. In August 2026, Gamix uploaded a video recreating San’s viral dance to ATEEZ’s “BAD,” displaying an image of the Korean singer while mimicking his movements and facial expressions. During the video, Gamix used both hands to pull the corners of his eyes sideways, a gesture widely recognized as a racist caricature of East Asian people. [SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST]
Gamix Deleted The Video After A Racism Backlash. The video generated widespread criticism online, including particular disbelief that a Japanese influencer would use an anti-Asian gesture while mocking a Korean performer. Gamix subsequently removed the video from his account. [KOREA ECONOMIC DAILY]
Gamix Posted Another “Asian Eyes” Video After Deleting The Original Clip. Rather than immediately apologizing, Gamix subsequently posted another video pointing to his own eyes and referring to them as “Asian eyes,” while joking about his eyes not opening properly in the morning. The follow-up prompted further criticism that he was continuing to invoke stereotypes about Asian eyes rather than addressing the original controversy. [KOREA ECONOMIC DAILY]
Gamix Did Not Apologize To San During A Lengthy Livestream Following The Controversy. Gamix later held an approximately 50-minute livestream in which he discussed and apologized for previous controversies involving Lionel Messi and YouTuber MrBeast, but reporting noted that he did not apologize to or discuss San despite the mounting criticism over the eye gesture. [ASIA ECONOMY]
Gamix Faced Criticism For Removing The Video Without Issuing An Explanation Or Apology. Korean entertainment coverage reported that after the original video disappeared, Gamix had not provided a separate apology or explanation to San, leading commenters to demand that he directly address the incident. [STARNEWS]
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.