2023 was a weird year for K-pop choreography. There didn’t seem to be too many iconic point moves, even as TikTok challenges continue to necessitate catchy, easy-to-replicate routines. As usual, this is not a ranking of the most technically impressive performances of the year. Instead, here are ten routines that caught my eye in 2023.
Hint: I tend to prefer choreography that’s more “fun” than “cool.”
10. AESPA – SPICY
This doesn’t feel like one of their most intricate routines, but the moves during the chorus are definitely memorable. I love when groups look like they’re moving as one.
9. NEWJEANS – SUPER SHY
This routine has always reminded me of aerobics, which really shouldn’t work for a song as smooth as Super Shy. However, the focus on upper body movement made this stand out.
8. THE NEW SIX – KICK IT 4 NOW
K-pop choreo doesn’t have to be overly complex to gain my attention. Most of the time, I just want to see artists having fun onstage. With all the jumps and shimmies (see my number three entry, too!), this fits the bill.
7. JUNGKOOK – STANDING NEXT TO YOU
Just pure showmanship. This may not be all that inventive, but it deftly encapsulates Jungkook’s inspirations into one super-smooth package. Add Usher to the mix and the choreo would rank even higher.
6. J.Y. PARK – CHANGED MAN
I love retro choreography, and J.Y. Park knows how to hit the sweet spot. Toeing the line between pastiche and tribute, this is incredibly fun to watch and occasionally quite goofy.
5. LE SSERAFIM – EVE, PSYCHE AND THE BLUEBEARD’S WIFE
This was definitely one of the catchiest routines all year, perfectly complimenting the song while delivering a ton of attitude.
4. TXT – BACK FOR MORE
I have a strong bias toward Jackson-style dance routines, and much of Back For More feels like an MJ tribute. The extended dance breakdown is thrilling.
3. ENHYPEN – SWEET VENOM
Some of this is a little silly (the head-and-finger hook in the chorus), but there’s this move they do when they jump and simultaneously shimmy their shoulders. For whatever reason, I find this absolutely magnetic and I wait for it every time.
2. IVE – I AM
IVE were in this same spot last year, and I Am is an equally strong entry in different ways. The bulk of the choreo is solid but unspectacular, but the strutting finale elevates the entire package. I just love those last thirty seconds.
1. RIIZE – GET A GUITAR
No matter how many times I watch this performed, I’m still captivated by it. The ‘strumming guitar’ move is among the year’s most iconic, but it’s the thrilling breakdowns that truly steal my attention. It’s one of those performances that elevates an already-great song into something very special. The group also looks like they’re having a blast dancing to it. This is a very easy number one for me, and it’s not particularly close.