If there’s one collective reason many people are drawn to Korean entertainment and Kpop in particular, it’s the unique music and dance style that many of these artists have. When it comes to the dancing, Kpop has seen all types and styles of well-executed choreography throughout the years.
A neat pattern in the Kpop industry is the rise in using props for more dynamic stage performances. Artists have taken to using various props, objects, and pieces of furniture within their choreography, leading to unique stages and dances. Many objects, however, have been used many times and by many different artists! Below, I’ve compiled a list of the best, most-used props in Kpop choreography.
*The list only includes props that have been used multiple times by different groups. I have left out singular prop uses, as well as using clothing as props, for the sake of future compilation lists. This list is also only for props that are used within the choreography and not simply there as an accessory or set for the stage. These are in no particular order.
1) Chairs
I wanted to start the list off with the obvious: chairs! There have been so many artists that have utilized this common piece of furniture in their choreography, it is guaranteed the number one spot for most-used stage prop. Whether they’re sitting on the chairs, standing on them, straddling them, or even simply dragging them around, chairs and stools have been used by girl groups, boy groups, duos, and solo artists alike. FIESTAR‘s “You’re Pitiful” is a great example of the variety of options you can get out of using chairs as a prop. Other songs that have used chairs or stools in their choreography include Shinhwa‘s “Wild Eyez,” SHINee‘s “Love Like Oxygen,” Nu’est‘s “Face,” JYJ‘s “Back Seat,” Hyomin‘s “Sketch,” AOA‘s “Miniskirt,” Brave Girl‘s “Rolling,” Boyfriend‘s “Obsession,” Teen Top‘s “To You,” BTS‘s “Just One Day,” BTOB‘s “It’s Okay,” SISTAR19‘s “Ma Boy,” 9MUSES‘s “Gun,” and 2PM‘s “A.D.T.O.Y” and “Beautiful.”
2) Couches/Benches
Along the same line as chairs, occasionally the Kpop industry has seen benches or couches used within choreography. With space for multiple people, couches and benches can also provide a more open concept for dances. It can also give more options to play with since the front, back, and sides of the furniture can be utilized. SEVENTEEN‘s “Pretty U” became quite the talked about dance due to its unique use of one small couch and all 13 members of the group. The band even filmed a dance practice from the back so fans could see what is really happening behind that couch. Other songs that use a couch or bench include B1A4‘s “Tried To Walk” and “Baby Goodnight,” 9MUSES’s “Sleepless Night,” Sunmi‘s “Full Moon,” TTS‘s “Adrenaline,” EXID‘s “Hot Pink,” and AOA’s “Confused.”
3) Tables
To finish off the subject of furniture, there’s an interesting entry that may have been used more than most people realize: tables! Whether it’s simply a tall table that is being danced on or perhaps a table-and-chair set, there are many ways Kpop choreography has used these four-legged dining pieces. Brown Eyed Girls‘ member and solo artist Gain‘s track “Bloom” is a perfect example of this. She (and her back-up dancers) use the table in various ways, including sitting at the table, dancing on it, and even sitting on a chair on top of the table. Other songs that have used tables in choreography includes Super Junior M‘s “Swing,” Nu’est’s “Hello,” Sunmi’s “Gashina,” and SISTAR19’s “Gone Not Around Any Longer.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWxu_M1KFEE
4) Instruments
Of course, there are actual rock/indie bands out there who play instruments onstage during their performances. However, some idol groups and solo artists have taken to using instruments simply as props rather than a live instrument. Henry‘s popular track “Fantastic” made use of his amazing violin skills by actually using the violin as a prop in the choreography! Henry’s debut song “TRAP” also uses a piano as a prop. Some other songs that have used instruments in this way include VIXX LR‘s “Beautiful Liar,” Wonder Girls’ “I Feel You,” and Super Junior‘s “Shirt”.
5- Poles/Bars
There’s one another item on this list that can be utilized in many ways and has been featured throughout many Kpop dances! Despite not having been used as much as chairs or tables, poles and bars have definitely been used enough to make a lasting mark in Kpop history. After School definitely made the best use of poles when they literally learned a toned-down version of pole dancing for their song “First Love.” The members are seen doing impressive and difficult moves on their own, as well as working together to make detailed forms. Other instances of poles or “ballet bars” being used in choreography includes Miss A‘s “Hush,” and Hyomin‘s “Nice Body.”
6- Curtains
While on the subject of bars and racks, curtains also come to mind. Curtains have shown themselves in various ways throughout Kpop choreography. For a while, the six-member group Boyfriend had taken a liking to dark, fantasy concepts and magical stage performances. The dance for their track “WITCH” heavily involved huge, red curtains that were transported all over the stage by back-up dancers. They utilized the curtains for hiding members and making them reappear— a concept which made fans want to avoid blinking in case they missed something. Other songs that have used curtains includes MISS A’s “Hush,” and SISTAR‘s “I Like That.”
7- Hand Fans
This next object is something that has become almost a trend for Kpop Choreography. Hand fans are a beautiful object that gives the artist an air of sophistication and sensuality when being used. Whether it’s a group or solo artist using them, fans have proven to automatically spice up dance performances for years now. VIXX has been known for their amazing concepts, matching choreography, and prop usage throughout the years. Their most recent track “Shangri La” shows all six members pointing with folded fans and then flourishing them in a smooth way that manages to perfectly capture their style. Other instances of hand-fan usage includes Brown Eyed Girls’ “Sign,” Song Jieun‘s “Bobby Doll,” and Topp Dogg‘s “Arario.”
8- Microphone Stands
Of course, you can’t forget about microphone stands! Mic stands are definitely the next most-used prop in Kpop after chairs and tables. It only makes sense for idols to use these objects since, after all, they are singers. However, many groups have taken it to the next level with how well they have utilized mic-stands. One of these groups is SHINee! The famous boy band has been known for their distinct, synchronized dancing that often changes the way you originally thought about choreography and the “lines” in which it should fit. Their hit song “Dream Girl” shows all five members with their own mic stands. However, rather than just standing behind them, the stands are dipped, turned, stepped on, and even twirled in the air for the sake of unique entertainment. Other instances of using mic-stands in their choreography include KARA‘s “Step,” Super Junior’s “This Is Love,” Wonder Girl‘s “Nobody,” Red Velvet‘s “One Of These Nights,” MONSTA X‘s “Ex Girl,” Stellar‘s “Fool,” BtoB’s “Way Back Home,” and Teen Top‘s “Missing” and remix of “Crazy.”
It’s no doubt the Kpop world is filled with amazing choreography and unique uses of props! Who knows what objects will be used in the next big hit’s dance? What has been your favorite instance of using props on stage? What other items and props do you think will be used next?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
CaptainMal has been into Korean Entertainment for seven years now, since 2010. She travels to conventions in her area, showcasing her “Kpop Game Show’” and occasional Kpop cosplay. Although her favorite bands are Infinite, Super Junior, and VIXX, she boasts a love for a huge variety of artists. Other than Kpop, CaptainMal loves Disney, 80’s rock, Daft Punk, Gaming, and Orange Juice.
Media: As Credited