ATEEZ's latest single, "Drip," is generating buzz ahead of the group's upcoming 15th mini-album, GOLDEN HOUR: Part 6.

While the pre-release track has attracted attention for its energetic sound and performance, a particular choreography sequence has sparked criticism online, with some viewers arguing that a hand gesture resembles a Nazi salute.

The discussion has divided fans, with critics questioning the move's inclusion and supporters arguing that it is a common dance gesture being misinterpreted. The debate has also shifted some attention away from the music and toward the visual elements of the newly released video.

ATEEZ released Drip before their 15th mini-album, GOLDEN HOUR: Part 6. X/@ATEEZofficial

Released ahead of GOLDEN HOUR: Part 6, "Drip" features forceful trap beats, catchy hooks, and a confident performance style that highlights ATEEZ's musical identity.

The music video reportedly surpassed 10 million views on its first day, while early Spotify streaming figures indicated interest in the release. The single has helped build anticipation for the upcoming mini-album, giving fans an early look at the group's latest musical direction.

However, one moment in the choreography has become a separate talking point since the video's release.

The controversy centers on a sequence in which the members raise one hand in front of them and move it from side to side. Some viewers believe the gesture resembles a Nazi salute and have questioned whether it is appropriate for the choreography.

The Nazi salute is closely associated with Adolf Hitler's regime and the persecution and mass murder carried out under Nazi rule. Its historical significance makes perceived references to the gesture particularly sensitive, especially in widely distributed entertainment content.

The criticism has circulated on X, where some users have called for the move to be changed. Their concerns focus on how the gesture appears to audiences, although its intended meaning has not been confirmed in the available information.

Not all viewers share the criticism. Some fans have defended ATEEZ, arguing that the movement is a conventional dance gesture and should not automatically be interpreted as a Nazi salute simply because of a perceived visual resemblance.

One user wrote, "What is that really happy nazi salute esque dance part? what is going on like right hand, fingers together, and all," while another commented, "Black cultural appropriation wasn't enough apparently they also had to add in a n@zi salute while they were at it"

"Yall are genuinely not okay in the head if you see a random choreo and the first thing that comes to your mind is THAT this is an insane thing to say, don't you realise...?", said a third user on X.

The disagreement has placed the choreography at the center of a wider discussion about artistic choices and audience interpretation. While critics believe the sequence should be reconsidered because of its potential associations, supporters caution against drawing conclusions about intent from a brief movement.

No confirmed explanation from the group regarding the gesture's meaning has been provided in the information surrounding the debate. As a result, claims about the intention behind the choreography remain unverified.

'Drip' Music Video reached 10 million views on YouTube. X/@ATEEZofficial

The response to "Drip" highlights how a single performance moment can shape conversations around a new release. Although the track has drawn attention for its sound and initial viewership, the debate has added another dimension to its reception.

For artists with international audiences, choreography and visual imagery can be interpreted through different cultural and historical perspectives. A movement intended as part of a performance may carry different associations for some viewers, particularly when it appears similar to a symbol linked to historical atrocities.

For now, the discussion remains divided between calls to modify the sequence and arguments that the gesture is being misinterpreted. Without further clarification, its intended meaning remains unclear.

As ATEEZ prepares to release GOLDEN HOUR: Part 6, "Drip" continues to attract attention for both its musical presentation and the debate surrounding its choreography.