In the world of Kpop, choreographies and fan service are its core defining aspects.
But what happens if both are laid in front of you at the same time, by your favorite idols, no less?
With the rise of brief, engaging and short form videos, made popular by Tiktok, the K-pop industry has found ways to integrate it—creating a whole new environment and trend for fans to enjoy. The result? Mini dance collaborations between idols from different groups and agencies are emerging—breaking long-standing fandom barriers and forming a new profound connection and enjoyment for fans all over the globe.
Not long ago, interactions between idols from different groups—especially across agencies— were considered rare and even scandalized. However, this new trend has brought a different light in the world of K-pop, offering fans a new lens to enjoy and anticipate their idols.
The Start In The Tiktok Era
This trend started way back in the pandemic—when Tiktok has been the main source of entertainment during global lockdowns. Around this time, Zico’s ‘Any Song’ was released, later becoming a hit song across the platform.
The song became more significant when Zico later created the ‘Any Song Challenge’, collabing with different idols and sparking a new wave in the Kpop industry. Most notable of this was his collaboration with Mamamoo’s Hwasa and Chungha, which kickstarted the buzz among these types of challenges.
By 2021, idols from major groups began participating in challenges — though mostly within the same label or group. But it wasn’t until 2023 that things reached a new level.
That year, on the release of ‘Rover’, EXO Kai also created a trendy wave called the ‘Rover Challenge’ where he danced with different idols. One particular collab stood out — a duet with another main dancer— TWICE’s Momo.
Two top-tier idols from different “Big 3” companies (SM & JYP) dancing side by side on TikTok? For fans, this moment was iconic, creating a significant moment in Kpop culture history.
While it was Zico’s ‘Any Song’ that laid the groundwork for these challenges, it was Kai x Momo’s collaboration that took the trend to another level, drawing massive attention across fandoms and platforms.
From then on, it’s common for idols today to launch Tiktok dance challenges with every comeback. Some film with fellow group members, others with labelmates, and even with idols from different groups or agencies. Fans would anticipate each comeback, hoping to see which idols would participate in these challenges.
In a space where idol interactions were once tightly managed, TikTok has opened a window into something more relaxed, collaborative, and fan-centric.
What do they mean for fans
On the surface, these challenges look just like any dance videos found on Tiktok. But for someone who’s deeply immersed in K-pop, these challenges give a whole different experience on being a fan of this community.
These moments foster multifandom engagements, creating hype mainly for those who are part of a ‘multifandom’ or someone who is a fan of one or more groups. Watching their favorite idols interact with another favorite of theirs, creates a special kind of thrill that only these challenges could bring.
In an industry where competition between groups — and sometimes even between fandoms — can be intense, TikTok dance collabs act as small moments of unity. Seeing two idols from different groups interact creates a sense of mutual respect, collaboration, and community that fans often crave but rarely get to witness.
And beyond all that, they’re fun. They show a lighter, more spontaneous side of K-pop that feels accessible and real. For fans, that shift isn’t just refreshing — it’s revolutionary.
