When you think of powerful stage presence and incredible talent in the K-pop world, Choi San from ATEEZ immediately comes to mind. This South Korean performer has captured hearts worldwide with his intense dance moves, captivating vocals, and genuine personality. Since debuting with the eight-member boy group ATEEZ in October 2018, San has become one of the most recognizable faces in the industry, known for his expressive performances and dedication to his craft. Fans and followers often turn to the celeb portal to keep up with his latest projects, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Born on July 10, 1999, in the coastal town of Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province, San is currently 26 years old. His journey from a small-town boy to an international sensation is nothing short of inspiring. What makes San’s story even more remarkable is how he balanced his natural talent with years of hard work and perseverance to reach where he is today.
ATEEZ Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Choi San |
| Stage Name | San |
| Date of Birth | July 10, 1999 |
| Age | 26 years old (as of February 2026) |
| Birthplace | Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea |
| Height | 172 cm (5’8″) |
| Position | Main Dancer, Lead Vocalist |
| Group | ATEEZ |
| Agency | KQ Entertainment |
| Debut Date | October 24, 2018 |
| Education | Global Cyber University, Korean Arts High School |
| MBTI Type | ISFJ |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Net Worth | $5 million to $10 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Solo Song | “Creep” (2025) |
| Acting Debut | “Imitation” (2021) |
| Fashion Partnership | Dolce & Gabbana Global Ambassador |
| Languages | Korean (fluent), Japanese (basic), English (basic) |
| Hobbies | Sleeping, sports, gaming, watching dramas |
| Favorite Color | Purple |
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Namhae, a charming seaside town in South Korea, San experienced a childhood filled with warmth and strong family values. His father, Choi Jong Cheol, runs a taekwondo studio, while his mother, Kim Nam Ji, supported his artistic dreams from an early age. San has an older sister named Choi Ha Neul, whose name translates to “Sky.” Interestingly, San’s name means “mountain,” chosen by his father to represent both strength and a comforting presence.
San spent considerable time with his grandparents during his formative years, which helped shape his caring and thoughtful personality. His father introduced him to taekwondo at a young age, a discipline that would later prove invaluable for his dancing career. The flexibility and physical conditioning he gained from taekwondo training became one of his greatest assets as a performer.
During his school years, San attended Namhae Middle School before moving on to Korean Arts High School, where he honed his performance skills. He later enrolled in Broadcasting and Entertainment at Global Cyber University, balancing his education with his demanding career. His early exposure to music came through watching K-pop groups like SHINee and BTS, which inspired him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
The Path to ATEEZ
San’s entry into the entertainment world came through an unexpected connection. Trot singer Na Sang Do, who happened to be a student at his father’s taekwondo studio, recognized San’s potential and recommended him for an audition with KQ Entertainment. This recommendation would change San’s life forever.
Before officially debuting, San was part of a pre-debut team called KQ Fellaz. This group of eight trainees trained together and even participated in a web series documenting their journey at Los Angeles’ Millennium Dance Complex. During this period, San also auditioned for YG Entertainment’s survival show MIXNINE, though he did not pass the initial audition. However, this setback did not discourage him from pursuing his dreams.
On October 24, 2018, San officially debuted as one of the main dancers and lead vocalists of ATEEZ. The group released their first mini-album “Treasure EP.1: All to Zero” with the title tracks “Pirate King” and “Treasure.” From the very beginning, San’s powerful stage presence and emotional expressiveness set him apart. His ability to convey intense emotions through facial expressions and movements quickly became his signature trait.
Career Achievements and Milestones
Since their debut, ATEEZ has achieved remarkable success, and San has been instrumental in the group’s rise to international fame. The group has sold over seven million physical albums worldwide and earned numerous accolades. In December 2018, just months after their debut, ATEEZ won the “New Asian Artist” award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), marking a promising start for the young group.
Throughout his career with ATEEZ, San has contributed to the group’s discography and choreography. In 2023, he co-wrote the song “It’s You” with fellow members Wooyoung and Yeosang, which appeared on the album “The World EP.Fin: Will.” His creative input extended to choreography in 2024 when he was credited with contributing to the title track “Work.”
San has also ventured into solo activities while maintaining his commitment to ATEEZ. In July 2025, he released his first official solo song “Creep,” which was featured in the album “Golden Hour: Part.3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition.'” The song showcased a different side of San’s artistry, and in November 2025, he released an animated music video for “Creep” that combined live-action shots with digital painting.
His solo performances have garnered significant attention from both fans and critics. San’s self-choreographed dance performance “Warriors” received praise for its diverse choreography composition and detailed facial expressions. He has also released several impressive covers, including Lee Hi’s “Breathe” and IU’s “Dear Name,” which he performed as a duet with bandmate Jongho.
Acting and Entertainment Ventures
Beyond music, San has explored acting opportunities. In 2021, he made his acting debut in the KBS drama “Imitation,” portraying Minsoo, a member of the fictional boy group SPARKLING. His performance was well-received, demonstrating his versatility as an entertainer. The drama’s soundtrack also featured San’s contribution with the song “Diamond.”
San has made several appearances on Korean entertainment shows. In November 2024, he appeared on the music talk show “Lee Mujin Service,” where he delivered impressive live vocal performances. In June 2025, he made his first solo appearance on a talk-centered entertainment show called “Naraesik,” hosted by Park Na-rae. More recently, in December 2025, he appeared as a presenter at the KBS Entertainment Awards alongside Forestella’s Go Woo-rim.
Fashion Ambassador and Brand Partnerships
San’s influence extends into the fashion world, where he has made significant waves. In October 2025, luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana officially announced San as their Global Ambassador. This partnership highlighted his growing influence in the fashion industry and his ability to blend classical tailoring with modern elements.
His Milan Fashion Week appearances have been particularly impactful. According to reports, his presence at the Spring/Summer 2025 event generated approximately $2 million in Earned Media Value, while the Fall/Winter 2025 event brought in $7.5 million. Even when promoting remotely for the Spring/Summer 2026 event due to scheduling conflicts, he generated $912,000 in EMV, ranking 12th in the Top Korean Influencers of Women’s Milan Fashion Week list.
San has graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines, including Elle Korea, Arena Homme Plus Korea (with six different cover versions showcasing Tag Heuer watches), and 10 Magazine. His distinctive style and photogenic presence have made him a favorite among fashion publications.
Additionally, San collaborated with the brand Returnity to promote their acupressure ear sticker products. This digital campaign won both San and Returnity a Silver Prize at the ICT Awards Korea 2025, demonstrating his effectiveness as a brand ambassador.
ATEEZ’s Global Success
ATEEZ has consistently broken records and achieved remarkable milestones. In 2024, they became the first K-pop boy group to perform at Coachella, one of the world’s most prestigious music festivals. They also headlined Morocco’s Mawazine festival, where their performance received widespread acclaim.
The group’s 2025 world tour “IN YOUR FANTASY” has taken them across the globe, with stops in North America, Asia, and beyond. The tour kicked off in July 2025 at Korea’s INSPIRE Arena and has included major cities like Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, and Mexico City, with additional dates in Japan and other countries. ATEEZ was recently honored as iHeartRadio’s “K-Pop Artist of the Year,” further cementing their status as global performers.
In November 2025, ATEEZ received two major awards at the Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA), including the “Best Artist 10” Award and the prestigious “Grand Artist Award.” These accolades recognized their outstanding performance throughout the year. Their 12th mini-album reached number two on the Billboard 200 in June 2025, and the title track “Lemon Drop” entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 69, making them the third K-pop boy group ever to achieve this milestone.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Estimating the exact net worth of K-pop idols can be challenging due to the private nature of their finances and the collective revenue structure of groups. However, based on various industry sources and San’s diverse income streams, his estimated net worth in 2025 ranges between $5 million and $10 million.
San’s wealth comes from multiple sources. As a member of ATEEZ, he benefits from the group’s album sales, which have exceeded seven million copies worldwide, including platinum-certified albums. The group’s extensive touring schedule, including sold-out world tours and performances at major festivals like Coachella, contributes significantly to his earnings through ticket and merchandise sales.
His individual activities also add to his income. His solo song releases, acting roles, fashion endorsements (particularly the Dolce & Gabbana Global Ambassador contract), and magazine features all contribute to his financial success. Brand collaborations and advertising deals have become increasingly lucrative as his influence has grown both domestically and internationally.
The steady growth in San’s net worth reflects not only ATEEZ’s rising popularity but also his personal brand value. From an estimated $500,000 in 2021, his wealth has shown consistent year-over-year growth, reaching $1.5 million in 2022 and $3 million in 2023. This upward trajectory is expected to continue as both ATEEZ and San’s individual activities expand.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Despite his busy schedule, San maintains a strong connection to his hometown of Namhae. On April 14, 2021, he was appointed as the Public Relations Ambassador of Namhae County, a role he takes seriously. For three consecutive years through 2025, San has donated 5 million won to his hometown through the Hometown Love Donation Program. When speaking about these donations, he expressed his desire to continue helping his hometown in meaningful ways.
San has also participated in various social campaigns, supporting causes that align with his values. His involvement in initiatives like Polished Man, Dear Heart, and Happy Hippie Ring demonstrates his commitment to using his platform for positive social impact.
Personality and Interesting Facts
Off-stage, San is known for his warm and sometimes dorky personality. His fellow ATEEZ members affectionately describe him as the “strict yet dorky dad” of the group. He is particularly famous for his love of plush toys, especially his beloved Shiber, which he used to hug every night. Member Yunho later gave him an old teddy bear called “Kuma,” which San now cherishes.
San speaks Korean fluently and has basic knowledge of Japanese and English. His English pronunciation is notably clear, which helps during international promotions. His hobbies include sleeping, sports, gaming, and watching dramas. According to his fellow members, San is considered the comedian of the group in private settings, bringing laughter and lightness to their daily lives.
His favorite color is purple, and he enjoys eating meat and chocolate, though he dislikes vegetables. San has special talents including whistling and being what the members call a “happy virus” because of his positive energy. He attended Namhae Middle School and graduated from Korean Arts High School before attending Global Cyber University.
San has appeared repeatedly on the Korean Business Research Institute’s male celebrity brand reputation rankings, which measure online searches and engagement. He has also ranked on combined male and female idol brand reputation lists, showcasing his widespread popularity.
His zodiac sign is Cancer, and his MBTI type has evolved over time, currently showing as ISFJ as of June 2025. San is known for his intense facial expressions and commanding stage presence when dancing, traits that have become his trademark. His flexibility and physical conditioning from taekwondo training have been crucial in helping him execute complex choreography with precision.
Looking Forward
As San continues to grow as an artist, his influence shows no signs of slowing down. With ATEEZ’s ongoing world tour and his expanding solo activities, 2026 promises to be another exciting year. His partnership with Dolce & Gabbana and potential new music releases suggest that fans can expect even more diverse content from this talented performer.
What makes San particularly special is his ability to remain grounded despite his success. He maintains close relationships with his family, stays connected to his hometown, and continues to work hard on improving his craft. His dedication to both his group and individual growth serves as an inspiration to many aspiring artists.
San’s journey from a small coastal town in South Korea to international stages demonstrates that talent, hard work, and genuine passion can overcome any obstacle. As he approaches his mid-twenties, San has already achieved what many can only dream of, yet he continues to push boundaries and explore new artistic territories.
Conclusion
Choi San’s journey from a small coastal town to global stardom is truly inspiring. At 26 years old, he has established himself as one of K-pop’s most captivating performers with his intense stage presence and genuine personality. His success with ATEEZ, combined with his solo ventures, acting roles, and fashion partnerships, showcases his versatility as an artist.
With an estimated net worth between $5 million and $10 million, San’s hard work and dedication have paid off significantly. As he continues to grow both individually and with ATEEZ, his influence in the entertainment and fashion industries keeps expanding, making him a role model for aspiring artists worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Choi San and when is his birthday?
Choi San was born on July 10, 1999, making him 26 years old as of February 2026. He is a Cancer zodiac sign. San was actually born in Jinju rather than his hometown of Namhae because there were no hospitals in Namhae at the time.
What is Choi San’s position in ATEEZ?
San serves as the main dancer and lead vocalist of ATEEZ. He is particularly known for his powerful stage presence, intense facial expressions, and exceptional dance skills. His background in taekwondo has significantly contributed to his flexibility and physical conditioning as a performer.
Did San pass the MIXNINE audition?
No, San did not pass the audition for YG Entertainment’s survival show MIXNINE. However, this setback did not discourage him from pursuing his dreams. He continued training with KQ Entertainment and eventually debuted with ATEEZ in October 2018, going on to achieve remarkable success.
What is the meaning behind San’s name?
San’s name means “mountain” in Korean. His father, Choi Jong Cheol, chose this name with the hope that San could be a comforting presence to some people and an unreachably high inspiration to others. San has mentioned that he wants to be like a strong, dependable mountain that offers a place to rest for those who need it.
What is Choi San’s estimated net worth in 2025?
Choi San’s estimated net worth ranges between $5 million and $10 million as of 2025. His wealth comes from multiple sources including ATEEZ’s album sales (over 7 million copies worldwide), world tours, his solo music releases, acting roles, and fashion endorsements, particularly his partnership as Dolce & Gabbana’s Global Ambassador.