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As a crowd applauds the invigorating stages of their favorite idols or idol groups, behind the scenes are the creative forces behind incredible choreography that often fly completely under the radar. Some of these choreographers create big names and build exceptional careers for themselves in dance, with K-Pop being just one part of their portfolio. So why would anyone leave their success and prestige to begin again from scratch, training long hours and following an industry-controlled image, as an idol?
Although the occurrence is rare, many choreographers and professional dancers crave all that comes with being in the spotlight and more. Whether for influence or artistry, these incredible individuals are willing to endure a whole new set of obstacles to achieve their dreams. And with K-Pop progressing with more elaborate choreographies and on bigger, brighter stages, the switch isn’t aimless.
These are 6 talented choreographers who left their studio to face a new challenge: debut.
1. ALLDAY PROJECT’s Bailey Sok
Before the age of 10, Bailey was recognized as a legendary dancer across the United States, performing and competing on shows like “America’s Got Talent” and “World of Dance”. By her teenage years, she grew into an international name, teaching combos with distinguished artists on a global scale.
Never heard of her? At 15, she choreographed for some of the most prominent names in K-Pop from Red Velvet to one of the most legendary dancers in the industry: SHINee’s TaeMin. She’s credited with having worked on EXO Kai’s ‘Peaches’, TaeMin’s ‘Idea’, and aespa’s ‘Savage’ among others.
In February 2024, she was noted as one of The Black Label’s trainees rumored to debut in MEOVV. Now, she has earned the respect of many dancers and the high expectations of many K-Pop fans following her debut in The Black Label’s coed group ALLDAY PROJECT on June 23rd.
2. BADVILLIAN’s Chloe Young
Known for their amazing performances, BADVILLIAN has a strong dance team with Chloe Young as their leader for good reason. Following her graduation from Seoul’s Performing Arts High School in dance, she worked her way up to earn the title of choreographer.
By 2022, Chloe was teaching original choreography at many accredited studios like YGX, Just Jerk, and the infamous 1MILLION Dance Studio.
While Chloe Young only taught for only a short time, her absence eventually led to her debut in 2024 as leader of the girl group BADVILLIAN, where she is currently active.
3. BADVILLIAN’s Emma
Also a part of BADVILLIAN, Emma Song accumulated a grand reputation before debuting in the group. After attending Seoul Performing Arts High School and later graduating from Hanlim Entertainment Arts High School, she began choreographing for Urban Play Dance Academy among other studios. Simultaneously she was gaining attention as a backup dancer for established K-Pop idols like TaeMin and CL.
By 2021, Emma joined a dance team known as WANT and competed with other famous studio members on the survival program “Street Woman Fighter”. Although her performance showcased her bone-less movement quality and strong power, the team was ultimately eliminated by the 7th episode. Nevertheless, she continued her career as a backup dancer and even went viral for her high-energy performance in Hyuna & Dawn’s ‘PING PONG’.
Emma’s public career then took a turn in 2024–as foreseen by many K-Pop fans–and debuted in BADVILLIAN, where she is currently active now.
4. “BOYS II PLANET”’s Yumeki
Following his announced participation in “BOYS II PLANET,” many are questioning why global choreographer and professional dancer Yumeki is competing with his solid career at just 25. After studying abroad in the United States and learning all kinds of styles, Yumeki came to South Korea to begin an international legacy teaching choreography starting at 19. Fresh out of high school, SM Entertainment contacted him to teach a workshop to the dance icon NCT’s Ten. The following year, he traveled to China to choreograph for the dance crew KINJAZ until being contacted by 1MILLION in 2020 as an exclusive instructor.
From then on Yumeki’s been a familiar face in the background of many K-Pop MVs like EXO’s BaekHyun’s ‘Candy’ and the mastermind behind many viral K-Pop choreography like ITZY’s ‘Wannabe’. Outside of instructing, he’s also participated with 1MILLION in “Street Man Fighter” in 2022 as a contestant. In 2023, Yumeki continued his international influence full circle and back to his home country for “Produce 101 Japan The Girls” as a dance trainer and choreographer. Although his contract with 1MILLION expired that same year, Yumeki later signed with Jam Republic in early 2024.
Now, he’s facing his first audition as an idol in “BOYS II PLANET” with “Boys II Planet K”, airing on July 17th. But will his exceeding dance résumé secure his spot to debut?
5. Jun Liu previously of IXFORM
Originally from Malaysia, Jun Liu broke many boundaries and took many chances throughout his career; his track record reflects just that.
He began dancing at the young age of 7 before traveling to South Korea to continue studying following his High School graduation. When he arrived in 2016, he joined 1MILLION and worked his way up to becoming the studio’s youngest choreographer and first instructor of Chinese descent.
After two years with the dance studio, Jun Liu transitioned to Chinese entertainment and participated in “Hot Blood Dance Crew,” a dance competition where he worked with LuHan and GOT7’s Jackson Wang. Throughout 2019, he continued featuring in many competitions as both a mentor in “Typhoon Project” and “Jungle Voice 2” and then as a participant in “Dance Smash.”
Until 2020, when Jun Liu was given the opportunity to compete in the third season of “Youth With You.” Praised and adored by global voters, he was able to make it to the finale and debuted with the show’s boy group IXFORM in 2021.
Despite the group’s disbandment in late 2022, Jun Liu continues to dance and hold workshops teaching choreography.
6. Lee LeeJung
You may know her from the viral clip of her dancing to Ludacris’ ‘What’s Your Fantasy’ with BTS’s V, Lee LeeJung is a largely recognized choreographer responsible for so many famous K-Pop choreography.
While her love for dance began at a young age, LeeJung officially started her career at 17 auditioning for one of South Korea’s top dance crews in 2014: Just Jerk Crew. Following her audition., she became the first female dancer a part of the team and rose to great popularity both within her home country and internationally. Some of her biggest accomplishments with the crew were their invitation to compete in “America’s Got Talent” and their performance for the opening ceremony of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
However, by 2019 LeeJung parted ways with the group and made a name for herself creatively, joining YGX Entertainment as a choreographer. Her work was immediately credited to a legendary level with pieces like TWICE’s ‘Fancy’, ITZY’s ‘In the Morning’, and BLACKPINK’s ‘Pink Venon’ among many others. Two of her choreographies brought home awards as well with BLACKPINK’s LISA’s ‘Money’ nominated for the Best Choreographer of the Year award from the “Mnet Asian Music Awards” and BLACKPINK’s ‘Pink Venom’ nominated as Best Choreography from “MTV Video Music Awards”.
In 2021, LeeJung’s incredible skill landed her an invitation to build a team to compete in “Street Woman Fighter” and later come back as a judge for both “Street Dance Girls Fighter” and “Be Mbitious.”
In early 2025, she left YGX and signed with The Black Label where she plans to expand her range as an entertainer. Following her long-winded career as a dancer, K-Pop fans are dying to support her potential as an idol.
Regardless of the outcome of their career change, each of these brilliant individuals made brave efforts to develop their futures and we wish them the best of luck. Who’s pre-debut story did you find the most surprising?
English (US) · 