Over the years, more and more K-pop groups have been celebrated for their sharp, synchronized choreography. It’s become one of the defining traits of the genre, but how did it get that way?
Back in the late 90s, first-generation idol groups like H.O.T and Shinhwa helped lay the foundation. Their performances emphasized unity and group energy, though not always with razor-sharp precision. Later, acts like DBSK and Girls' Generation (SNSD) followed suit, making coordinated choreography a staple, even if it wasn’t yet the centerpiece.
But the group widely credited with turning synchronized dancing into an art form is INFINITE.
Debuting in 2010 under Woollim Entertainment, INFINITE gained attention with "Come Back Again," but it was their follow-up "BTD (Before the Dawn)" that changed the game. Their performances stunned fans with near-perfect synchronization, reportedly reaching 99.9% accuracy. With a reputation for training up to 18 hours a day, INFINITE became the face of what fans began calling 칼군무 (Kalgunmu), or “knife-like choreography.”
Groups like Teen Top and SHINee also delivered highly synchronized performances during this time, but INFINITE stood out for their consistency. Their performance of "Be Mine" in 2011 became a turning point. As media and fans took notice, more companies began training their idols specifically for this level of precision. Synchronization was no longer just a background element, as it was the main attraction.
As the third generation arrived, SEVENTEEN took knife-like choreography to new heights. With 13 members moving in perfect harmony, they proved that even large groups could be breathtakingly synchronized. Performances of songs like "Don’t Wanna Cry," "Hit," and "Fear" became instant fan favorites and continued the Kalgunmu tradition with a modern twist.
Debuting in 2015 under Source Music, GFRIEND stood out right away for their intense synchronization and technical skill. Even in early performances like "Glass Bead," their precision was evident. Before GFRIEND, girl group choreography was often clean but not the focal point. Their performances helped shift that perception, inspiring newer groups like IZ*ONE, LE SSERAFIM, and Kep1er to adopt a more powerful, detailed approach to dance.
What started as a cool visual trick has evolved into a core part of K-pop's DNA. Knife-like choreography isn't just about sharp moves: it represents unity, discipline, and the beauty of effort. For many groups, it's more than just a performance style; it’s part of who they are.
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