ATEEZ, the popular K-pop group, continued their much-anticipated world tour "TOWARDS THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER" with a performance in Oakland, CA, on July 17.

They captivatingly captured fans with their energetic choreography and electrifying stage presence. However, amidst the excitement, a controversial moment during their song "It's You" ignited a heated debate among fans and observers alike. 

SOURCE 

During the performance, the camera zoomed in on member San as he briefly touched his crotch, a move choreographed as part of the song's routine.

This particular shot quickly went viral, garnering over 122,000 views on social media platforms within hours.

For some fans, the camera angle was seen as a bold and appreciative move to capture the essence of the performance.

GIVE THIS CAMERA MAN A RAISEEEEEE https://t.co/kNuJ8jeVPn

— kiz ♡ (@bbddszn) July 18, 2024

Many ATINYs expressed gratitude towards the camera person for highlighting moments showcasing the group's artistic expression.

cameraman i love you https://t.co/5zWbwTDUh7

— 🍊mapa (@mp_d30) July 18, 2024

I need to be in that meeting/rehearsal when they were figuring out the best camera angles and shots for everything and somebody went "crotch shot – we gotta get that 8k crotch grab super booster zoom just right." https://t.co/do0ULiUiBK

— it's mountiny. (@mountiny_1024) July 18, 2024

However, not everyone shared the same sentiment.

READ MORE: ATEEZ Yunho's Symbolic Lock Goes Missing - ATINYs in Fury  

A significant number of fans voiced concerns over the choice of camera angles, suggesting that such close-ups, mainly focusing on intimate parts of the performers' bodies, contribute to the over-sexualization of ATEEZ.

can the camera men stop zooming in their sensitive parts?
this is not the first time.
idc what you say but they're overdoing it and it's not cool at all.
atz has been s3xualized so many times and i dont like seeing people focus on those. https://t.co/TABZCBUC3J

— "૮₍ ˶•⤙•˶ ₎ა (@gyeomtensan01) July 18, 2024

This isn't the first time such concerns have surfaced during the tour; at a previous concert, similar attention was drawn to Yeosang's posterior, prompting a broader discussion about boundaries and respect for artists' dignity.

PUT THE TOUR ON HOLD THE CAMERA MAN JUST ZOOMED IN ON YEOSANG'S ASS pic.twitter.com/rfySt3S6wy

— wommy ever ྀི (@mingitized) July 15, 2024

I can't be the only one who thinks this is getting weird. Last show they zoomed in on Yeosang's ass and today on San's crotch. Even when they are doing sexy moves, the camera angles shouldn't be these. https://t.co/nGEI5c64nz

— 💜⁷ (@tssharma2607) July 18, 2024

"It's important to appreciate their talent without crossing personal boundaries," remarked one fan on social media.

Many others share this sentiment, feeling that the focus on physical aspects detracts from the group's musical prowess and stage charisma.

ALSO READ: ATEEZ Unveils 2 Fresh Tracks in Tacoma: Fans Go Wild at US Tour Kickoff

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Cassidy Jones.