Street Dance is an umbrella term that encompasses street performances like busking, battle culture, and a lot more. Its main attraction is freestyle. A dancer does not rely on choreography but rather a free flow of movements that results from hours of polishing foundations of the respective genres. There’s Hip-Hop freestyle, Locking, Popping, Krump, Whacking, House, and various other new styles that stem from them. But it’s not just about movements, it’s a commitment to the dance form’s history and knowledge of culture as well. There are quite some K-Pop idols who have their roots in the street dance culture. While many may know about different styles, some of the K-Pop idols have a deeper connection that goes to the battle culture as well. In no particular order here are 9 K-Pop idols who were freestyle dancers before their K-Pop careers!  

1. BTS’s J-Hope

One of the most well-known and respected dancers in the K-Pop world, J-Hope has not only amazed everyone with his choreography talent but also for his roots in the Hip-Hop culture. J-Hope specializes in Hip-Hop freestyle where he mixes elements from Old School Hip-Hop, Popping, House, and LiteFeet. Fans were introduced to his freestyling talent with the Mnet show “American Hustle Life” which captured BTS exploring and honing skills in the US. Since then J-Hope often shares his street connection with his posts and V Lives under the tag ‘Hope On The Street’, showcasing practice and freestyling sessions. His fashion style too majorly consists of Streetwear.

— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) January 30, 2018  

2. Kang Daniel 

Kang Daniel nurtured his love for movement with Breaking more generally known as B-Boying. He participated in local battles and also went busking with his crew in Busan. He has some impressive skills with strong foundations and power. His battle knowledge was also highlighted when he took on the role of MC on “Street Fighter Woman” and he fit the role like a glove bringing authenticity to the atmosphere.   

3. fromis_9’s HaYoung 

While being the only girl on the list, HaYoung sure stands out and is here to give some stiff competition. Very different from her idol image, HaYoung’s pre-debut videos showcase her engaging in Hip-Hop battles. She uses her body well while switching to different levels and grooves along with the music. We sure love to see some women in Hip-Hop!  

4. SEVENTEEN’s The8

K-Pop idols have a lot of Break Boys aka B-Boys and one of them is the extremely talented  The8. He formed a B-Boy crew from a very young age in China and lead them in various crew on crew competitions. This indicates not only his individual skills but also his praiseworthy battle strategies that require sharp on-spot skills. We sure know he’d also be conquering the B-Boy world if he ever chose this as his career.   

5. AB6IX’s WooJin 

Stunning musicality, hard hits, and just the right attitude, WooJin has it all. His style is popping but he is often seen doing different styles as well. This video is testimony to his polished skills that are at power with his senior counterparts. His confidence and aura truly show that he was meant for dance.  

6. Roh TaeHyun 

Roh TaeHyun is a passionate dancer and his forte is Krump. The dance form has a unique aggressive energy to it and yet requires meticulous body control. Roh TaeHyun possesses awesome musicality and just the right facial expressions that is one key attraction of Krump. He also left the “Produce 101 S2” judging panel blown with his technique and flow. Check out his Instagram for some sick freestyle videos he shares here.  

7. Trainee A’s JJ 

Age is just a number when it comes to craft. All that matters is practice. This stands true for 2022’s most highly anticipated debut trainee JJ. For those familiar with the global dance community, JJ is a seasoned dancer. Prior to his trainee revelation, JJ was a freestyle Locker, winning prestigious national as well as international championships at home, Japan, and abroad garnering attraction and respect from junior as well as senior dancers. His musicality, Locking fundamentals, and grooves are impeccable and always leave the viewer in awe. His love for dance has now branched into music and we’re very excited for whatever the future holds for him.  

8. Jay Park 

Jay Park truly embodies the Hip-Hop culture with both his dance and music. He is a member of the widely respected and globally popular B-Boy crew Art of Movement. The crew is also a major factor in bringing Breaking to a mainstream audience in South Korea through their televised performances as well. Jay Park carries on the legacy of the crew through various artistic modes.  

9. GOT7’s YuGyeom

YuGyeom was part of street dance crew Body & Soul and his style was House which heavily relies on footwork and grooves. He entered various individual as well as crew on crew battles and won as well. The street influence is very much part of his identity to this very day. He often shares Hip-Hop choreography videos on his Instagram as well.   Who is your favorite among these amazing dancers? If you know any other upcoming idols with street dance roots let us know in the comments below!   5 K-Pop Idol Dancers We Want To See On Studio Choom’s “Artist Of The Month” KPOP STORIES|Dec 1, 2021 These Are The Top 15 Best Male Hip-Hop Dancers In K-Pop KPOP STORIES|Aug 19, 2021

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