ATEEZ (San) Biography: Profile, Net Worth 2025, Career, Background, And Family

Profile:

Birth Name: Choi San (최산)  

Stage Name: San (산)  

Nickname: Sanjook, Shiber (after his favorite plush toy)  

Date of Birth: July 10, 1999  

Age: 25 (as of April 2025)  

Zodiac Sign: Cancer  

Birthplace: Namhae-gun, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea  

Hobbies: Collecting plush toys, playing video games, watching dramas  

Languages: Fluent in Korean, with rudimentary knowledge of Japanese and English
Often referred to as the "strict yet dorky dad" of ATEEZ, San is praised for his expressive nature. His affection for stuffed animals, especially his beloved Shiber, has won him admirers who value his ability to combine kindness off-stage with powerful stage presence. His physical characteristics, such as his athletic yet slender frame and his constantly shifting hair color (from blonde to pink to purple), add to his remarkable allure.

2025 Net Worth:

Because of the private nature of their finances and the combined revenues of groups like ATEEZ, it can be difficult to estimate the net worth of K-pop idols like San. However, according to the sources that are now available, San's estimated net worth in 2025 will be between $5 million and $10 million, reflecting both the group's worldwide popularity and his diverse career.
Revenue Sources: Music Sales and Streaming: ATEEZ has sold more than seven million physical records globally, including platinum-certified albums like Zero: Fever Part.1 and South Korea's million-seller The World EP.1: Movement. These profits are greatly enhanced by San's work as a singer and entertainer.
Tours and Concerts: ATEEZ's electrifying live performances have earned them spots at Coachella 2024, Mawazine, and sold-out globe tours, such as The Expedition Tour. A sizable portion of San's income comes from concert earnings, which includes ticket and merchandise sales.
Endorsements & Brand Deals: ATEEZ has collaborated with companies in the fashion, beauty, and technology sectors. San is a sought-after ambassador due to his captivating personality.
Acting and Solo Projects: San's earnings have increased as a result of his solo single "Wave" and his acting debut in the 2021 K-drama Imitation.
Social Media Influence: With more than 2 million followers on Instagram, ATEEZ's presence on social media sites like YouTube and Instagram raises the possibility of earning money from sponsored content.

Career:

San's career in entertainment is evidence of his skill, tenacity, and commitment. His career has had many notable turning points, from his early days as a trainee to his current position as a worldwide K-pop star.

Pre-Debut and Training:
San had an early love for the performing arts. He started training with BigHit Entertainment (now HYBE) in 2016 after being influenced by K-pop heavyweights like SHINee and BTS. He and fellow ATEEZ member Mingi moved to KQ Entertainment in 2017 after a year. He tried out for the survival show MIXNINE during this time but failed, which strengthened his resolve.
San took part in the YouTube series KQ Fellaz American Training in 2018 as a member of KQ Entertainment's pre-debut group KQ Fellaz. He received training at esteemed dance studios such as Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. His vocal and dancing skills were on full display in the pre-debut song "From," which was created by group leader Hongjoong.

ATEEZ Debut and Rise to Fame:
Originally known as KQ Fellaz, ATEEZ made their debut on October 24, 2018, with the lead singles "Pirate King" and "Treasure" from their mini-album Treasure EP.1: All to Zero. Fans were immediately drawn to San's passionate dancing and expressive singing. The group stands out in the cutthroat K-pop scene thanks to their distinctive fusion of pop, hip-hop, and EDM as well as their theatrical performances.
Since their debut, ATEEZ has released:
11 Korean EPs, such as the Zero: Fever and Treasure series.
4 studio albums, including The World EP.1: Movement and Treasure EP.Fin: All to Action.
They increased their presence in Japan by releasing two studio albums and three Japanese EPs.
San's contributions go beyond dance and singing. Both fans and critics have praised him for his powerful stage presence and passionate delivery in songs like "Inception" and "Déjà Vu." San is a key component of ATEEZ's choreography because of his strength and flexibility, which enable him to push the limits of performance, according to choreographer Lia Kim.

Acting Career:

San debuted as Minsoo, a member of the made-up boy band Sparkling, in the KBS drama Imitation in 2021. His versatility was further demonstrated by the inclusion of the single "Diamond" on the drama's soundtrack. Despite playing a supporting part, his performance was favorably received and provided opportunities for possible acting roles in the future.

Notable Achievements:
Global Performances: In 2024, ATEEZ became the first K-pop boy group to play Coachella. They also played as the main act at Morocco's Mawazine festival, where they received a lot of praise for their compelling stage appearance.
Awards: ATEEZ has received recognition such as a Grand Honor's Choice (daesang) at the 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards and the Worldwide Fans' Choice at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (2019, 2020, 2023).
Cultural Impact: San's dedication to utilize his position for good is demonstrated by his involvement in social programs such as Polished Man, Dear Heart, and Happy Hippie Ring. He gave ₩5 million to his hometown of Namhae in 2023, redistributing the Hanwoo beef sets that were given to single-parent homes.

Background

Early Life:
On July 10, 1999, Choi San was born in Namhae-gun, a charming seaside town in South Korea's South Gyeongsang Province. San was raised in a loving home and had a strong relationship with his grandparents by spending a large portion of his early years with them. His mother supported his artistic endeavors, while his father, who runs a taekwondo studio, taught him self-control and physical conditioning.
San became interested in the performing arts at a young age. His passion for singing and dancing stemmed from K-pop artists like SHINee and BTS. He refined his performance and musical abilities at SIMS Academy during his high school years. He displayed his athleticism by playing volleyball as well.
Cultural Heritage: A major aspect of San's identity is his Korean ancestry. His father chose his name, which means "mountain," to represent a reassuring presence as well as a powerful force. His personality reflects this dichotomy; he is forceful on stage but compassionate off.

Family:

As is customary for K-pop stars to shield their loved ones from public scrutiny, San keeps his family life private. He has, however, disclosed certain information in interviews and fan interactions.
Parents: San has had positive things to say about his parents, saying they have helped him with his career. His rigorous yet compassionate personality has been molded by his mother's loving presence and his father's taekwondo studio.
Siblings: San has an elder sister, but no one knows who she is. He finds inspiration in her, and their intimate bond demonstrates his familial orientation.
ATEEZ as a Family: San views his ATEEZ members—especially his roommate and close buddy Jeong Yunho—as his second family. Their relationship, which was developed by common hardships and victories, offers emotional support in the demanding K-pop industry.
San loves his hometown just as much as his family. He demonstrates his dedication to give back to his community by donating to Namhae's Hometown Love Donation Program in 2023 and then distributes gifts to houses headed by single parents.

Hobbies and Personality:

Collection of Plush Toys: San is known for his love of plush toys, particularly Shiber. His habit of sleeping with a plush toy makes him popular with fans.
Fitness and Health: San, who calls himself a "health fanatic," keeps up a toned body by working out frequently, which is influenced by his taekwondo training.
Entertainment: He likes to play video games, watch dramas, and listen to music, especially Paul Kim and other artists.
Social Campaigns: San's support of programs such as Polished Man demonstrates his capacity for compassion.
Warmth and intensity coexist in San's personality. Off-stage, he is humorous and kind, frequently checking in on his bandmates and interacting with fans (ATINY) on social media. On stage, he radiates confidence and passion.