ATEEZ’s San says the growing popularity of BAD makes him happy as his viral performance and the group’s chart success gain attention

ATEEZ member San shared his thoughts on the growing popularity of the group’s latest title track, BAD, and promised to continue improving without forgetting his original goals.

In a written interview on July 29, San said the strong public response has made him feel both thankful and responsible.

“As much as people are showing us interest, I also feel responsible for presenting better stages and performances,” he said. “I will work hard to become an artist who delivers positive energy and meaningful emotions through the stage without forgetting where I started.”

ATEEZ released its 14th mini album, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5, on June 26. Its title track, BAD, has achieved some of the group’s strongest results on Korean music charts.

The song ranked No. 6 on YouTube Music’s latest weekly chart for July 17 to 23. It also reached No. 17 on Melon’s daily chart dated July 27.

San expressed his happiness over the results, saying, “Good results on music charts mean that many people are enjoying ATEEZ’s music.”

He continued, “I always hoped that our songs would naturally become part of the public’s playlists and achieve good results. That is why I feel even more thankful for these rankings. I am happy that ATEEZ’s music seems to be reaching more people.”

BAD is a Brazilian funk track about becoming increasingly connected to someone who creates a strong and natural attraction.

One of the song’s most talked-about moments is San’s performance near the end of the track. During his center part, he leans his body to one side before moving his upper body with strong control. His expressions and powerful movements helped the section gain attention among K-pop fans and users of short-form video platforms.

San said he was surprised to see other artists and members of the public copying the choreography.

“It was amazing to see many senior and junior singers, as well as members of the public, following the BAD performance,” he shared. “I felt very thankful.”

He added, “It is difficult to say exactly what connected with people, but I think many viewers found the expression and mood of that section memorable.”

According to San, one of the reactions he remembers most was, “I keep replaying San’s part.”

San explained that he pays close attention to every movement so he can clearly communicate the song’s emotions.

“I was truly thankful that people seemed to recognize those efforts,” he said.

The popularity of BAD has also brought renewed attention to San’s growth since his trainee days. He recalled receiving comments that questioned whether he would perform well as an idol.

“Looking back, those words made me stronger,” San said. “I practiced every day with the determination to prove myself through results and to give my best so I would have no regrets.”

He added that he still does not consider himself a finished performer.

“I see every stage as part of the learning process,” he explained.

Since debuting in 2018, ATEEZ has built a strong global fan base through its powerful music and performances. The group recently earned its third No. 1 album on the Billboard 200.

Speaking about the achievement, San said, “Hearing that we reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 is always meaningful, and I am very grateful because it shows that many people connect with and support ATEEZ’s music.”

He credited the group’s members and fans, known as ATINY, for ATEEZ’s continued growth.

“I do not think there was one special secret,” he said. “It is the result of the time we spent steadily working toward the same goal. We tried to give our best with every stage and album, and we were able to come this far because ATINY trusted us and stayed with us.”

San concluded by sharing the mindset he brings to every performance.

“Even now, I go on stage thinking that it could be my last performance,” he said. “That mindset helps me focus on every moment and give my best without regrets.”