In the world of Ateez, animals are not just random emojis.
Over the years, fans began associating each member with a specific animal and what started as simple emojis eventually evolved into official Ateez characters known as ANITEEZ.
If you have ever wondered why Hongjoong is a squirrel, why Yeosang is a Maltese instead of a Doberman, or how these spirit animals became official, here is the full breakdown of how Ateez and ANITEEZ became inseparable.
How Ateez Got Their Representative Animals
In K-pop, almost every group ends up with animal representatives. Sometimes it starts as a joke. Sometimes it is based on personality. And sometimes it is just because fans think a member looks like a certain emoji. Over time, those little symbols stick.
For ATEEZ, the animal associations began the same way. ATINY started using emojis to represent each member. A cat for San. A squirrel for Hongjoong. A bunny for Seonghwa. A dog for Yunho. A chick for Mingi. A bear for Jongho. Wooyoung was often seen as a fox before fans leaned into the black cat. Yeosang wanted to be known as a Doberman, but fans had already been calling him a Maltese for years.
It is important to understand that these emojis are not official. They are fan culture. Some people use a star for Seonghwa instead of a bunny. Some still use a fox for Wooyoung. The emoji you see next to a member’s name usually comes down to personal preference.
That is where ANITEEZ comes in.
ANITEEZ are the official Ateez characters, created as animated and plush versions of each member’s spirit animal. While they are related to the fan emojis, they are not exactly the same. The members themselves were involved in choosing the animals they felt matched them most. The only real debate came with Yeosang, who originally wanted a Doberman but ultimately became the Maltese fans already associated him with.
Since then, ANITEEZ has grown into its own universe. Every Ateez comeback now includes an ANITEEZ version with new themes and styling, tying directly into the group’s larger storytelling and lore.
Meet the Official ANITEEZ Characters
While fans helped shape the early animal emojis, ANITEEZ are the official Ateez characters chosen to represent each member. These are not random mascots. They reflect personality, habits, inside jokes, and how the members see themselves.
Here is how each member found their spirit match.
Hongjoong – JJOONGrami the Squirrel
Hongjoong’s representative animal is JJOONGrami, a squirrel and the captain of ANITEEZ. Fans often used the squirrel emoji for him long before it became official, mostly because of his sharp features and energetic presence.
JJOONGrami is described as loyal, responsible, and unable to ignore injustice. That tracks perfectly with Hongjoong’s leader energy. He is friendly but observant, playful but serious when it matters. The tiny ears and strong tail are cute details, but the captain personality is what makes this match feel right.
Seonghwa – DDEONGbyeoli the Bunny
Seonghwa’s ANITEEZ character is DDEONGbyeoli, a bunny. Even though many fans still use a star emoji for him, the bunny fits his soft but steady personality.
DDEONGbyeoli is calm, friendly, and deeply caring toward the other members. He loves star-shaped things and is connected to both the forest and the sea in ANITEEZ lore. Just like Seonghwa, he can be gentle one moment and playfully dramatic the next.
Yunho – TYUdeongi the Golden Retriever
Yunho’s TYUdeongi is pure golden retriever energy. Bright, cheerful, and always ready for an adventure.
He values happy memories and unpredictable journeys. He laughs easily, loves food, and brings warmth into every room. The heart detail on his ear feels intentional. Yunho has always been the steady, uplifting presence in Ateez, and TYUdeongi captures that perfectly.
Yeosang – HETmongi the Maltese
Yeosang originally wanted his ANITEEZ character to be a Doberman. Fans, however, had already been calling him a Maltese for years, and that is the direction that stuck.
HETmongi is optimistic, bright, and never loses his smile. He speaks his mind but keeps a soft energy. The sparkling eyes and free-looking ears mirror Yeosang’s calm but quietly unpredictable personality.
San – SANdeoki the Purple Cat
San’s SANdeoki is a purple cat. While fans often use a mountain emoji for him because of the meaning of his name, the cat has always been a strong match.
SANdeoki is shy at first but expressive once comfortable. She loves romance and food and has charming half-moon eyes. San is known for intense stage presence paired with soft off-stage reactions, and the cat duality fits him naturally.
Mingi – bbyongMING the Chick
Mingi’s ANITEEZ character is a baby chick. It contrasts with his deep voice and tall frame, which makes it even better.
bbyongMING is straightforward, outspoken, and occasionally chaotic, but also shows a very obvious cute side. The two small dots on his face and simple design make him instantly recognizable. It reflects how Mingi balances bold confidence with playful softness.
Wooyoung – WOOYOnyang the Black Cat
Wooyoung started as a fox in fan culture, but officially he is WOOYOnyang, a black cat.
The black cat fits his mischievous personality. Despite a slightly cold facial expression, WOOYOnyang laughs easily and loves being around others. The small dot detail near his eye mirrors Wooyoung’s own features. It feels intentional and personal.
Jongho – JJONGbear the Bear Cub
Jongho’s JJONGbear is a bear cub, often compared to a Haribo gummy bear by fans.
He may look cute, but JJONGbear is bold and strong. He is the youngest, a little shy, but carries serious courage. The double eyelids and sprout detail make the character unmistakably him. It reflects Jongho’s quiet confidence and powerful presence within Ateez.
What Makes ANITEEZ Different From Regular Ateez Characters
It is easy to assume that ANITEEZ are just cute mascots. They are not.
Unlike simple fan emojis, ANITEEZ are official Ateez characters with their own storyline, themes, and comeback concepts. They are directly connected to the group’s larger lore. When Ateez shifts eras, ANITEEZ shifts with them.
That is why you will see ANITEEZ versions styled in sailor outfits, darker HALA HALA-inspired concepts, or themed comeback looks that mirror whatever Ateez is promoting at the time. It is not random. It is intentional.
Another key difference is involvement. The members themselves had input in choosing their animals. These were not assigned by fans alone. They reflect how each member sees themselves, even if the fandom emojis vary.
That is what makes ANITEEZ more than just plushies. They are an extension of Ateez’s identity, built into the storytelling of the group itself.
Why ANITEEZ Became So Popular With ATINY
Part of the reason ANITEEZ became so popular is simple. They are collectible, adorable, and instantly recognizable.
Each character feels personal. Fans already had emotional connections to the members’ representative animals before they became official. So when the plush versions launched, it felt like something ATINY helped shape from the beginning.
There is also the comfort factor. A plush version of your bias’s ANITEEZ character feels like a small extension of the group you love. It is easy to hang from your purse, easy to gift, and easy to collect.
Where to Find Official ANITEEZ and Ateez Merch
With every comeback, demand for ANITEEZ and official Ateez characters rises fast. Plush releases, themed drops, and limited-edition items often sell out quickly, especially during active promotion periods.
If you are collecting for a specific era or looking for your bias’s ANITEEZ character, it is always better to secure official merchandise early. First releases tend to move the fastest.
You can explore official Ateez albums, ANITEEZ plush, and character merchandise directly through Aidol House. Whether you are building a full collection or just starting with one character, this is the perfect time to celebrate your Ateez spirit match.