By Honorary Reporter Myrtle Iris Villaraza from Philippines

Choreography is one of K-pop's defining features, with signature moves often trending worldwide through dance challenges. 

Choi Young-jun is one of the most influential in the industry, working with groups like SEVENTEEN, BTS, TWICE, Red Velvet and MONSTA X. He is also the founder and leader of the choreography group Team Same and a director of 1Million Dance Studio, an influential Seoul-based dance academy. 

K-pop choreographer Choi Young-jun entered the industry in 2010. (Choi Young-jun)

In 2020, he earned a Prime Minister's Citation at the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards. He has also worked in television and theater, and in July this year, he held a workshop in Buenos Aires, Argentina, highlighting his role in spreading his art worldwide. 

The following are excerpts from an email interview with Choi from Aug. 6-14.

Briefly introduce yourself and your reason for going into K-pop choreography.
I became a dancer because I've always loved dance. Inspired by Seo Taiji and Boys as a child, I grew up imitating their moves and winning school talent shows. After moving from Gwangju to Seoul, I trained for nearly 10 years before starting my choreography career. I've since worked with artists like Shinhwa, BTS, SEVENTEEN and TWICE.

What is your choreography creation process like?
I start with the music and consider the artist's personality, style and identity. I also pay close attention to the lyrics and how to express them physically so that the performance connects with both the artist and their fans.

How has working with top K-pop acts been?
In general, K-pop acts are incredibly sincere, hardworking and deeply passionate about performing. While I enjoy rehearsal, the most meaningful moments are when my choreography comes alive in performance. A stage is the result of many people's efforts, and when fans respond with joy, I feel just as happy as the artists themselves.

How was being a judge at a K-pop contest and holding a workshop in Argentina?
I was deeply moved to see so many people, about 3,500 from the other side of the world, not only loving K-pop and choreography but also eager to dance with me. What touched me most was realizing how many people are helping spread K-pop and K-culture. 

In the past, I mostly worked with private companies but this time, through a project with the Korea Creative Content Agency and the Korean Cultural Center, I witnessed firsthand our country's efforts to share K-culture globally.

Choi Young-jun leads a dance workshop in Buenos Aires on July 20, 2025, organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency and the Korean Cultural Center in Argentina. (Korean Cultural Center in Argentina)

What act either Korean or foreign would you love to work with and why?
I don't think I have a fixed standard but I would personally find it very special to work with artists like Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Ne-Yo and Usher, the performers who once inspired me to practice so hard.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.