While difficulty isn’t the be-all-end-all when it comes to K-pop performances, there’s something to be said for groups that can pull off some of the hardest choreos in the industry. These stages are totally awe-inducing—you’ll be stunned by how well these idols can perform! In no particular order, here are some of the toughest choreographies in K-pop.
SEVENTEEN – “MAESTRO”
Synchronizing 13 members is a feat in and of itself, but this dance break has some of the most complex footwork that K-pop has ever seen! The level of detail required to make this choreography look good is a feat that is difficult to truly achieve. SEVENTEEN is known for great choreography, but “MAESTRO” might just be their best yet!
ITZY – “WANNABE”
This is one of the most iconic fourth generation girl group choreos for a reason! You might be fooled by how easy the ITZY members make this choreography look, but there are a lot of fast-moving details that take even experienced dancers hours to master. Plus, with a five-member group, the focus is on everyone at all times—there’s no room for mistakes!
NCT U – “The 7th Sense”
An NCT U unit comprised of incredibly talented members, the choreographer most certainly took advantage of their dance skills when creating this choreography. With complex jumps and turns as part of practically every move, this one definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. NCT is another group known for tough choreo, but “The 7th Sense” might be one of their hardest of all.
Red Velvet’s Irene & Seulgi – “Naughty”
It’s not always about the energy required to perform a dance—sometimes technique is everything! There’s a massive amount of detail in this choreo, and even professional dancers can struggle to get it right. Based on a genre of dance called tutting, the amount of practice required to nail each and every angle in this choreo earned Irene and Seulgi massive respect.
TXT – “Can’t We Just Leave The Monster Alive?”
Speaking of energy, you better hope that your cardio (and your knees) are in great shape if you want to perform this one! With fast footwork and a ton of jumps, TXT’s B-side track “Can’t We Just Leave The Monster Alive?” might be one of the B-side tracks with the most difficult choreography. It’s amazing that the members can perform this song in concert and just keep going!
Kep1er – “We Fresh”
On tempo alone, this choreo is amazingly difficult to master! The level of synchronization that the Kep1er members display in this song even at high speeds is remarkable, as are the numerous formation changes that make this choreography stand out. Most dancers will tell you that floor work is some of the most exhausting choreo, but the members make it look easy!
SHINee’s Taemin – “MOVE”
Known all over the industry, Taemin’s hit song “MOVE” features some deceptively difficult choreo. The key to this one is the ability to isolate different parts of your body, and it’s not something just anyone can do like Taemin. Anyone who’s tried it can tell you that it’s super hard to make this dance look good because it’s so isolation-focused.
BTS – “Run BTS”
This choreography took the world by storm, and it’s easy to see why! It’s some of the most energetic and complex choreo in K-pop, with a ton of big movements and little details. It even starts with a stunt, which really sets the tone for the rest of the dance. There is some seriously crazy footwork in here, so be prepared to get your cardio in!
What do you think are some of the hardest choreos in K-pop? Tell us below!