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.
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.
Many ATINYs expressed gratitude towards the camera person for highlighting moments showcasing the group's artistic expression.
However, not everyone shared the same sentiment.
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.
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.
"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.
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Written by Cassidy Jones.