In K-pop, where choreography and vocals often take center stage, a handful of idols have stepped outside the usual spotlight by picking up the drums and performing live. These aren't just rehearsals or quick clips for variety shows. They're full-stage moments during concerts, showing real musical skill from idols not typically known as band members.
1. Kim Heechul (Super Junior)
Kim Heechul may be better known for his TV appearances, but he's also one of the rare idols who performs fast double-bass drumming live. This technique, common in metal, is physically demanding and requires serious coordination. Heechul has proven more than once that he's got the chops to handle it in front of a crowd.
2. Daesung (Big Bang)
Daesung is mainly known as a vocalist, but fans of his solo tours in Japan know he’s also taken a seat at the drums. During the “D-Lite Japan Dome Tour,” clips from the shows show him holding his own behind the kit. It’s a cool moment that mixes his vocal talent with solid live drumming.
3. Chanyeol (EXO)
Chanyeol is known for his musical versatility, and his drumming moments are a big part of that. He’s performed drum solos at EXO concerts and even pulled off a performance while blindfolded. That kind of showmanship, paired with real rhythm control, shows just how comfortable he is on stage with or without a mic.
4. Joohoney (MONSTA X)
Joohoney brings his energy from rap to the drum set during concerts. He’s been seen opening shows or transitioning into solo moments with drumming that fits his bold stage vibe. It’s another side of him that shows he’s more than just a front-line performer.
5. Woozi (Seventeen)
As SEVENTEEN’s vocal leader and producer, Woozi is already known for wearing many hats. But when he joins in during band-style sets or intros for songs like “Rock With You,” he steps up as a live drummer too. It adds another musical layer to his already impressive presence.
6. Huening Kai (Tomorrow X Together)
TXT’s youngest member, Huening Kai, gave fans a surprise during their 2025 world tour by starting “Good Boy Gone Bad” with a live drum intro. Footage from Europe shows him handling the moment smoothly, even after dropping a stick mid-song. It was a fun, genuine display of quick thinking and live performance skill.
Other idols who’ve shown drum skills
A few others have also been seen drumming on stage or during variety shows. These include Leeteuk, Siwon, Eunhyuk, and Donghae from Super Junior, as well as Jungkook (BTS), Junho (2PM), Changsub (BTOB), and Wheein (Mamamoo).
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