Today, May 24th, is the sixth anniversary of the amazing male idol group VIXX!
Over the course of six years, VIXX have been given various nicknames due to their activity in other forms of media. These include “variety-dols” and “acting-dols.” However, VIXX has definitely become known the most as “concept-dols.” This nickname was a positive way of showing the group’s heavy usage of concepts and storytelling through their comebacks.
The band, their company, and their producers have worked hard to create beautifully written stories throughout their music that coincide with the comeback’s song tune, song lyrics, choreography, music video, visuals, album style, photoshoots, and even stage performances. To celebrate the group’s sixth anniversary and those amazing dance skills for which they are known, let’s go through the top six most theatrical, unique, and concept-heavy choreography routines that match the song’s every detail!
1- “Hyde”
Released back on May 19th, 2013, “Hyde” follows the story of a man who feels conflicted in his relationship. Taking on the concept of “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” the six members split into two groups of three and act as if one group represents the light side (Dr Jekyll) and the other is the dark side (Mr Hyde). Having heavy usage of mirroring/shadowing each other’s movements and grasping at their own hands in fear, it really gives an air of the group being one man struggling with his split identity. Some of the moves are quite difficult (like each member standing up “in reverse” near the beginning) and the formations are detail-oriented. These include Leo acting as Ravi’s “wings” in the beginning (which is like the black-wing form they take in the music video), and N claiming in the lyrics “there is someone different and crazy inside of me,” to which the other five members show their faces behind him in succession (around the 0:28 mark in the video below).
2- “Eternity”
On May 26th, 2014, “Eternity” was a VIXX release that, once again, surprised fans with its unique concept. The song lyrics speak of a love that is lost through time— being unsure of their significant other’s intentions— and the wish to reverse that time. Starting from the very beginning, the choreography is heavily influenced by being in “reverse.” You will notice Hongbin and Ken walking backwards, followed by N and Ken who are lifted up in a skillful way by the members; it is as if they are in reverse and use little effort. Hyuk is seen turning the clock arms during his lines and the group as a whole turn the clock gears in their head during the chorus choreography. Perhaps one of the most looked-over, but detail-oriented pieces in VIXX choreography history is the moment at around the 2:14 mark when each member “jumps ahead in time” to shadow the standing position of the member prior. This dance was also the origin of VIXX’s red-sun “body roll” that they later became known for. At the end, Ken is seen being lowered to the ground, backwards, as if time is coming to a slow stop.
3- “Voodoo Doll”
November 19th, 2013 marked the release date of VIXX’s “Voodoo Doll.” This dark track was given a lot of harsh criticism due to the nature of the concept and grotesque music video imagery. Thankfully, there is a clean version of the music video for those who are a little squeamish. “Voodoo Doll” speaks of a one-sided love and a man who will take all the pain and turmoil from that person he loves, even if they do not love him back. All the talk of torture and taking pain is mirrored with an actual stabbing motion into the chest of various members by using a giant voodoo needle prop. The words that talk about being controlled by some force outside of themselves is mirrored with the group impressively throwing Ken into the air while still being held down by the shackles of his member’s hands. The lyrics that depict time ticking on is shown with each member shaking their hand back and forth like a ticking clock. The stabbing motions within the dance were quickly deemed unfit for Korean media, and Jellyfish Entertainment was forced to change it in order to continue promotions. Funnily enough, it was simply changed to the stabbing member reaching through the other’s chest instead. Just be sure to keep a careful eye on that prop, and watch how smoothly it is handed off from one group member to the other!
4- “Shangri-La”
May 14th, 2017 marked the release of “Shangri-La,” a song that speaks of living in a sense of euphoria when around the person you love. Speaking in a poetic form from an ancient era, the explanations of beauty are highlighted by mirroring smooth movements in the choreography. VIXX took on the concept of Hwarang: beautiful, young, flower-boy warriors of ancient times who both fought and danced in graceful ways. The boys are seen showcasing fancy footwork and flourishing traditional fans in various ingenious ways throughout the entirety of this Keone Madrid choreography. Fans agree another great detail to this choreography is the sound the fans make in unison as they are flicked outwards for use.
5- “Chained Up”
Get ready to be captured by the allure of this VIXX choreography. Back on November 9th, 2015, VIXX released the dark and brooding track, “Chained Up”. Much like the name states, the lyrics speak of being chained down in a controlling relationship. The dance begins with Hongbin controlling the other members as if they were connected to leashes. The group’s hands are constantly clasping together as if in cuffs, and they frequently reach up to grasp the ghost collar that binds them. Hongbin is seen being surrounded by his band members, creating a theoretical cage while he sings of feeling trapped. Hongbin and Hyuk also become puppet masters by controlling their tied-up members near the climax of the song.
6- “Error”
VIXX returned as cyborgs in “Error” on October 13th, 2014. The song speaks of a hurt man leaving a harsh relationship but being unable to emotionally live the same way again. It’s as if he were torn apart, replaced with unfeeling pieces, and still unable to forget the past. The most notable part of “Error” is the “arm-entangled” formation the group takes on in the beginning and middle portions of the song. When the song picks up the pace in the beginning, leader N is seen being pulsed as if with electronic charge by his members. The unique, puzzle-like connecting moves during Ravi’s rap portion is an impressive showing of teamwork and attention to detail. The main chorus dance move is smooth, yet hits hard. It gives the feeling of the boys being inanimate due to their blank expression and heads moving separate from bodies. It comes to a well-rounded finish by the members “unplugging” themselves at the end of the song.
VIXX has had so many incredible and unique choreography routines throughout the years that it’s impossible to include them all. Some honorable mentions include: “On and On” (vampires rising from coffins), “Rock Ur Body” (video game characters), “Fantasy” (a feeling of being lost and losing one’s mind), “Super Hero” (cute chorus movement like a super hero flying), “Love Me Do” (smooth movements that mirror the lyrics), and “Scentist” (holding out of wrists and smelling, as if with perfume).
Congratulations and happy sixth anniversary to the incredibly talented VIXX! Here’s to six more years of amazing performances!
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: Jellyfish Entertainment, CJE&M