There was a time when I was really into dance. I was a member of our "breakdance club" in the latter years of high school, and the first season of America's Best Dance Crew was the coolest reality show I'd seen up until that point.
My body can't keep up anymore with all the fancy dance moves of this generation, but I still appreciate dance choreography when it's done well. And let me tell you: a well-choreographed dance is like magic to the eyes.
In my article on the best of bubblegum K-pop, I said I wasn't a fan of K-pop. Well, I ended up down a rabbit hole of K-pop music videos after writing that post, and was surprised at what I found.
Here are some of the most entrancing K-pop music videos with dance choreographies.
1. "Cry Cry" by T-ara
I'm actually blown away by the choreography in this music video. There's nothing too technically challenging, but it's so fitting for the song and the editing really pushes it up to another level.
T-ara, often called the "chameleons of K-pop" because they've successfully pulled off so many different styles, really impressed me in "Cry Cry."
2. "Monster" by EXO
For those who haven't heard much K-pop before, you may be surprised by how much Western influence there is in the sound style of "Monster."
But more than that, you'll be surprised by the crazy group dance choreography. It looks even better combined with its interesting use of color palettes. Downright mesmerizing.
3. "Liar Liar" by Oh My Girl
Cutesy and colorful, "Liar Liar" isn't just another bubblegum K-pop banger—it has some inventive and imaginative dance moves that may not be immediately impressive but are strangely captivating to watch.
Oh My Girl is a great example of a bubblegum K-pop group that's cute but not too cute.
4. "Heart Shaker" by Twice
The international girl group Twice sports members from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, which partly explains why they have such a massive fan base.
The other part of the explanation is that they keep coming out with smash hits like "Heart Shaker" that feature excellent choreography set to catchy tunes that just won't leave you alone.
5. "Very Very Very" by I.O.I
"Very Very Very" is super catchy and will burrow in your ears. You may even wake up some mornings with it stuck in your head. (Cough.)
More so than that, the dances for the music video are fun to watch, and the bright colors and camera techniques just add to the fun. It's a shame I.O.I has since disbanded.
6. "The Chaser" by Infinite
The dance version of "The Chaser" music video—it isn't uncommon for K-pop groups to release a normal music video and a dance-heavier version—is a sight to behold.
If you like this one, you should check out more of Infinite's other music videos; this K-pop group is known for its dance music and choreographies.
7. "Round N Round" by Sonamoo
OK, so "Round N Round" doesn't actually have an official music video, but this dance choreography is too fun to not include—plus the song itself is super catchy with its groovy bop.
I don't know too much about this girl group as this is the only song I've heard from them, but it's a killer.
8. "Eternity" by VIXX
I wish there was more dancing in this music video because the moves and costumes are pretty sick.
I actually don't know too much about VIXX except that they have some awesome instrumental tracks on Spotify. So, moving on!
9. "Decalcomanie" by Mamamoo
The individual moves in "Decalcomanie" aren't out-of-this-world impressive on their own, but Mamamoo will have your eyes boggling for one reason: the massive heels they're wearing during this upbeat dance.
Not to downplay the choreography, of course. It's well-made and thoughtful and interesting to watch, for sure.
10. "Move" by Taemin
Taemin built his K-pop career on his dance moves and unique choreographies, so I'd be remiss if I didn't have at least one of his music videos on this list.
Not only is "Move" an unusually soulful song for K-pop, and not only is the retro kick downright addicting, but the choreography is out of this world. He breaks a lot of K-pop dance expectations and presents something uniquely expressive.
