“This lame joke was never funny”- Fans fume over ATEEZ members’ remarks about SAN’s facial features

On Thursday, November 21, ATEEZ members were criticized for allegedly making fun of their fellow member SAN's facial features. During an ATEEZ livestream that was held after the first-day event of the 2024 MAMA Awards, the members went around talking about their experience at the show, and their recent activities, among other things.

At one point, when a fan talked about getting accepted into college through the comments section, member Jongho went towards SAN and pressed his cheekbones. He then stated that having smaller cheekbones that might make one look less scary, can help one get accepted into college. Jongho remarked:

"It's just right! Why isn't it coming off? (Pressing on SAN's cheeks). You got accepted. Totally accepted. Congratulations! They are all stuck together."

He also allegedly made fun of the idol's structured and bony cheekbones, and fellow ATEEZ members, along with the staff who were present in the background to monitor the livestream, laughed at the jokes that were made about the idol. However, many fans noticed that SAN was seemingly not happy with the joke.

Fans react to the incident (Image via X/@sanfans0710)

This left many concerned and netizens expressed their views online. This wasn't the only time that fans were disappointed with ATEEZ members' behavior towards SAN and their comments on his cheekbones. Previously on the same day, during the 2024 MAMA Awards, a fan cam of the ATEEZ members surfaced online.

Fans alleged that Mingi was seen asking SAN to smile because his resting face and his cheekbones supposedly made him look scary. However, netizens believed the idol "doesn’t look scary" and took to social media to express their views.

"At the awards show San was obviously very tired, was it necessary to tell him this? He doesn’t need to smile all the time, because he doesn’t look scary ffs! He looks great, he looks manly! Leave him alone. This lame joke was never funny," they said.

"seeing the sad look on san’s face made me sad. I think we’ve all had moments where friends have crossed the line," said a fan.

"He shouldn't have heard bad things like that even as a joke. It's not funny. Pls be careful of ur actions so not hurting other people," added another fan.

More fans and netizens talked about how the incident didn't sit well with them.

"i can’t imagine how this affects his self image. this is not okay and ateez need to be held responsible for encouraging it," commented a netizen.

"The fact that his cheekbones are one of the main reasons he’s attractive? It’s literally a modeling standard wtf," added another netizen.

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ATEEZ's SAN talks about his cheekbones, responds to a fan who suggests cheekbone reduction surgery

Following the incident that recently landed on the internet, fans recalled previous interactions and other comments that SAN has made about his cheekbones. During a livestream with the idol, a fan commented that he should get cheekbone reduction surgery done.

The idol replied:

"Get cheekbone reduction surgery? Unfortunately, I just have to accept my big cheekbones. Should I cut it down or reduce them? What should I do? If I were to cut it down, I should've done it from the start. I am satisfied with them as they are."

The idol further stated that the members often touch his cheekbones and make comments about it, which he finds "annoying" at times.

"I'm satisfied with them as they are. I only receive Meridian massage well but it's been so long since I received one. What's big about my cheekbones? You'll know if you touch it. Whenever the members touch it, they go "Woah!". It's annoying to think about it."

Therefore, despite the idol being vocal about his insecurities, fans were unhappy with the ATEEZ members' comments.