Top 10 Hardest K-Pop Dances to Pull Off
#10: “What U” (2015) SPEED
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Masterpieces like these are made when people dare to push the limits of dance. In the ‘30s, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers changed the game with their roller skating tap dance. In 2015, K-pop group SPEED did their own modern take, only featuring heelys. Need we say more? The members put on a masterclass in balance as they glide through formation changes and incorporate rolling steps and turns into their footwork. Not only does the routine require an entire skillset outside of dance, but in true SPEED style, they still manage to incorporate some acrobatic tricks!
#9: “First Love” (2013) After School
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As if dancing wasn’t difficult enough on the ground, the girls of After School take to the air for this sultry routine. Pole dancing is often discounted when it comes to performance art, but it’s notorious for looking way easier than it actually is. In this number, the members execute tricks and partner work on a set of poles with elegance and ease. In reality, they reportedly trained for six months to master each and every move. This not-so-traditional girl group choreography proves its performers’ versatility, with its hybrid style floating above the rest in more ways than one.
#8: “Don’t Wanna Cry” (2017) SEVENTEEN
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This group is known for intricate choreographies, but for this emotional piece, they went above and beyond, mastering contemporary dance. The number impressively combines story-driven movement with powerful popping and tricky floor work. Choreographer Choi Youngjoon admitted that the dance was far from easy, but said that SEVENTEEN had “no problem” taking on the challenge. Even with thirteen members, the group somehow hits every beat with perfect synchronization. But this isn’t their only difficult piece. In “Hit,” the boys’ energy is infectious. If you want to get up and join in on the showcase of intricate steps and flying leaps, prepare to be breathless.
#7: “Move” (2017) Taemin
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This entry might have you asking “how hard can it be?” But even if the moves look simple, the body control required to dance so “effortlessly” takes a lot of strength and skill. Not only that, but Taemin is legendary among idols for his unique dance style. Watching “Move”’s choreography, it’s easy to see how he earned his reputation. He combines elegant technique with a popping twist that few people can replicate. While anyone can move their hips, it takes a true performer to keep the audience enraptured with every tiny move. As the song progresses, the K-pop veteran maintains a powerful laid-back illusion with his steely and sultry gaze.
#6: “HALA HALA” (2019) ATEEZ
Ateez first caught the world’s attention as a dance team, and it shows. The routine for “HALA HALA'' doesn’t just feature skilled dancing and advanced choreography. Indeed, it tells a story through both facial expressions and acting skills. When member San switches into what’s been dubbed “demon mode”, Ateez transports you into their multiverse, and it’s nearly impossible to match their insane energy. They didn’t stop with this one routine, either. The 2022 “Guerrilla” dance challenge was so difficult it became a viral joke. While a few stepped up to the plate, the response showed just how elevated the group’s choreography truly is.
#5: “Blood Sweat & Tears” (2016) BTS
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In this high-energy number, BTS’ members catch air in a series of jumps, turns, and fast-paced formation changes. Yet they’re also able to rein in their energy on a dime for the controlled intricacies in between these moments. Even though it’s one of the group’s most difficult routines, they somehow still make it look easy. That’s something they do often. You might think back to these crazy hat tricks in “We Are Bulletproof Pt. 2.” Or maybe you’re out of breath from just watching the dance break in “On.” No matter the dance style or era, you can always count on BTS to raise the bar.
#4: “The 7th Sense” (2016) NCT U
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Finding a way to bring this dance’s many layers to life in a way that feels natural is a big challenge. The performance is sultry but aggressive, part hip hop and part hypnotic. The one of a kind piece blends styles into full body choreography with an impressive combination of smooth grooves and powerful beats. As some of NCT’s best dancers move in unison to create complex formations, you can tell that the routine is anything but simple or easy. Our eyes are open, and we’ll never get tired of watching the group do its thing. The unit manages to pull off the detailed moves with a finesse we seriously envy.
#3: “Rocking” (2013) Teen Top
We couldn’t talk about legendary K-pop choreographies without mentioning Teen Top. When it comes to fancy footwork, they’re in a league of their own. While it’s no secret that the group knows how to pull off a shuffling sequence for the ages, “Rocking” might just be their most iconic routine. Not only are the constant weight changes and speedy steps incredibly difficult to master, but the group also executes everything in unison. To clarify, the dance isn’t just fast. It takes an incredible amount of energy to isolate each individual step while still keeping the fast-paced choreography tight. Still, Teen Top nails every detail.
#2: “Butterfly” (2019) LOONA
There’s a widespread misconception that girl groups’ dances are easier than boy groups’, but LOONA shows everyone how incorrect that generalization is with “Butterfly.” The complex choreography tells a visual story that makes it feel like the girls are taking flight, fusing athletic strength and delicate grace. Each unique formation change is calculated and intricate, and each of the members’ tiny finger flicks and hair flips are perfectly synced. That magic je ne sais quoi comes from the dance’s texture; sweeping arms flow into slow grooves that are punctuated by tiny isolated hits. The routine doesn’t hold back, but even with stunts, floorwork, and formation changes, among other things, LOONA makes it seem weightless. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Scream” (2020), Dreamcatcher A Scary Fast & Complex Routine “Cactus” (2017), A.C.E A Fast-Paced Electronic Dance Break with Rapid-Fire Rhythms “Lucifer” (2010), SHINee When the World Started Taking K-pop Dance Seriously “Secret Story of the Swan” (2020), IZ*ONE High Energy Hits & Hairography “Wannabe” (2020), ITZY The Iconic Shoulder Shimmy Is No Joke!
#1: “Naughty” (2020) Red Velvet - IRENE & SEULGI
If your jaw wasn’t already on the floor, this duet from Red Velvet members Irene & Seulgi is sure to do the trick. The duo puts on a breathtaking display of tutting: a dance style that involves a series of precise wrist, arm, hand, and finger movements to create intricate shapes and lines. Not only does each quick gesture have to be uniform and perfectly timed, but every angle has to be carefully calculated. Otherwise, the end result won’t look clean. It’s no easy feat, but like the top-notch performers they are, the pair elevate the technical routine with their cool, calm, and collected demeanors.
