In the glamorous world of K-pop, the journey to stardom often begins far from the spotlight. While many idols start off as trainees, enduring rigorous training and gruelling schedules, there are those who take a unique path—starting their careers as backup dancers. These Kpop idols who started as backup dancers not only showcased their incredible dance skills on stage but also learned the ins and outs of the industry by supporting other artists.
Before they were idols dominating the stage with millions of fans chanting their names, they were honing their craft in the background, waiting for their moment to shine. Here, we highlight seven talented performers who began their careers in the shadows but rose to fame through sheer talent, charisma, and relentless hard work.
Kpop Idols Who Started as Backup Dancers
ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin
Hanbin’s story starts like a classic underdog tale. In high school, he joined a dance crew and quickly gained recognition for his dynamic performances. Fast forward to 2018, and he’s on stage with Wanna One, dancing to their hit song Boomerang at SBS Gayo Daejeon. And that wasn’t the last time he stood alongside the giants of Kpop. In 2019, he performed as a backup dancer for BTS’ Dionysus during the MAMA Music Awards.
Those who noticed him back then probably had a hunch that this boy was destined for more. And they were right. He later participated in Boys Planet, ranking second, and debuted with ZEROBASEONE, finally making his dream come true. Not only that, but he also recently showed off his incredible tutting skills as the STUDIO CHOOM Artist of the Month in July 2024, making us all forget that he ever wasn’t in the spotlight.
TXT’s Yeonjun
If you ever watched BTS’s V performing Singularity and felt drawn to the backup dancers, chances are you caught a glimpse of a pre-debut Yeonjun. Yes, before becoming the multi-talented performer in TXT, he was already gracing the stages with the industry’s best. And it wasn’t just BTS; he even danced with SISTAR at a point, proving his versatility. As a backup dancer, his movements were sharp and expressive, making it almost impossible not to notice him even when he wasn’t the star of the show.
Fast forward to his debut with TXT, and Yeonjun has kept that same captivating energy. His powerful dance moves, coupled with his charisma and stage presence, make it clear that his backup dancing days were just the beginning of his journey to the top and now he know as the 4th gen IT boy.
aespa’s Karina
Who could forget Karina’s iconic look while dancing behind SHINee’s Taemin during his Want era? aespa’s leader didn’t always have the limelight on her, but even as a backup dancer, she left a lasting impression. Her sharp dance lines and the way she carried herself on stage already screamed “idol material.” When she made her debut with aespa, fans who remembered her from those Taemin performances knew she was going to be a force to be reckoned with. And they weren’t wrong. As the group continues to rise, her star shines even brighter, all thanks to the solid foundation she built while dancing in the shadows.
Stray Kids’ Lee Know
Some might say that Lee Know was destined to be on stage. Before debuting as the versatile dancer and singer of Stray Kids, he was a backup dancer for none other than BTS. Yes, the same guy you see dominating the stage with Stray Kids used to be part of BTS’ Wings tours, dancing during their Fire and Not Today stages. If you’re familiar with these performances, you know just how high the energy was. He not only kept up but thrived, showcasing his skills even when the spotlight wasn’t on him. His journey from a BTS backup dancer to one of the most beloved members of Stray Kids is nothing short of inspirational.
BADVILLAIN’s Emma
Emma’s story is one of perseverance and hard work. Long before her official debut with BADVILLAIN in 2024, she was a well-known face in the backup dancing scene. She’s danced for a lineup of top artists like HyunA & Dawn, Key, Taemin, and Kang Daniel, showing her versatility and adaptability. Her ability to seamlessly shift between different styles made her a sought-after dancer. But even as she lit up stages as a backup dancer, it was clear she was meant for bigger things. Now, as part of BADVILLAIN, she’s proving she can be the star she always supported.
Kwon Eun-bi
Before becoming the charismatic leader and dancer of former group IZ*ONE and now as a soloist, Kwon Eun-bi was already a pro on the dance floor, having worked as a backup dancer for Girl’s Day and Secret. Her fluid movements and ability to convey emotion through dance made her a standout even back then. As soon as she stepped into the spotlight with IZ*ONE, fans immediately recognized the polish and poise of a seasoned performer. Even after disbanding the group, Eun-bi continued to carve her path as a solo artist, forever grateful for those early days as a backup dancer that shaped her into who she is today.
TWICE’s Momo
Before she was known as TWICE’s dancing machine, Momo was making waves in the dance world as a backup dancer. Originating from Japan, Momo moved to South Korea and trained tirelessly to achieve her dream. She appeared in music videos and live stages, backing up several artists with her natural talent and relentless energy. It wasn’t long before JYP Entertainment noticed her, and the rest is history. Today, Momo is celebrated not only as TWICE’s main dancer but as one of the best dancers in the K-pop industry, and it all started with her hard work as a backup dancer.
From backup dancers to Kpop idols, these stars have all paid their dues in the background before stepping into the spotlight. Their stories remind us that success in the Kpop industry isn’t handed over; it’s earned through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering passion for performing. As they continue to capture our hearts, we can’t help but respect the journey they’ve taken to get here. It’s a reminder to every aspiring artist out there: never underestimate the power of starting from the bottom.