Before one can debut as an idol, one must first prove that they got what it takes and sometimes that requires putting them on an actual professional stage. This can help determine if they have not only the performance skills but also the work ethic to become idols themselves.
For this list, we’re gonna focus on the newer generation of K-pop idols in their roles as dancers during their pre-debut days. So without any further ado, let’s find out who has performed as a backup dancer for legendary idol groups and soloists:
1. Choi Yeonjun (연준)(Tomorrow X Together)
Many consider TXT’s Yeonjun the “It” boy of 4th generation K-pop. His stage presence, dance moves and rap skills make him distinguishable from his peers. Before he became the idol that he is, he was previously known as BIG HIT’s legendary trainee and one of those reasons why is because he got to perform alongside his senior BTS as one of their backup dancers. His most notable performance was when he took the stage with V for his song “Singularity” at the 2018 KBS Song Festival. Although half his face was covered, MOAs instantly recognised him after re-watching the broadcast.
2. Lee Know (리노)(Stray Kids)
Yeonjun wasn’t the only dancer to perform with BTS. Before debuting in Stray Kids and breaking multiple records, Lee Know was once a backup dancer for BTS for about a year. He even went on tour with them! Since he rehearsed and performed with the iconic group for so long, it’s no surprise that J-Hope recognised him after he became an idol himself.
3. Karina (카리나)(Aespa)
Known as the leader of Aespa. After the group debuted with “Black Mamba” back in 2020, fans took notice of Karina for her exceptional talent and beauty but that wasn’t the only thing they noticed. During her pre-debut days, she was actually a backup dancer for her senior Taemin (태민) and even appeared in his “Want” music video in 2019. She earned a lot of recognition for her work at the time.
4. Ni-Ki (니키)(ENHYPEN)
ENHYPEN’s Ni-ki is not only one of the best dancers in his group but also among the newer generation of K-pop idols. His background in dancing goes way back even before his trainee days. When he was just 11 years old, he actually performed with the iconic group SHINEE when they did a concert in Japan. Years after, he participated in the survival show “I-LAND” where he earned 4th place and the rest is history.
5. Kwon Eun-bi (권은비)
If you’re a K-pop fan then you’ve probably already seen her hot viral performance with PENTAGON’s Hui at the Waterbomb Festival. Before she made literal waves at the festival, the idol used to be a member of IZ*ONE before the group’s disbandment. Prior to that, she graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul and it was during this time that she had the opportunity to act as a backup dancer for not one but two 2nd generation groups; Secret and Girl’s Day. Can you find her in the clip below?
6. Sung Hanbin (한빈)(ZEROBASEONE)
Last but certainly not least is ZEROBASEONE (ZB1)’s leader Sung Hanbin. Just like the first two aforementioned idols, the 23-year-old was also once a backup dancer for BTS. The idol once performed with BTS on stage for their song “Dionysus”, one of their most energetic songs from their “MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA” album back in 2019. Not only that but Hanbin also once performed with Wanna One on their song “Boomerang”. Who knew that years later, he would become a star himself?
