If you are a K-pop fan, or at least have heard about K-pop, you may be familiar with the term "kalgunmu."
Kalgunmu, a combination of the Korean words for "knife" and "group choreography," is often translated as synchronized dance. It refers to a dance style that emphasizes the precise alignment of a group's unified movements, creating a powerful visual likened to the clean cuts of a knife.

As many K-pop artists perform in groups, kalgunmu has become a tool for creating visually captivating performances. The style's precise, synchronized movements amplify both the impact and appeal of a performance, while helping groups to gain recognition and viral success.
Although past generations of K-pop artists have also showcased impressive group dances, Infinite and Teen Top, who debuted in 2010, are often credited with popularizing the term kalgunmu. Fans took such pride in their groups' precision that debates over who the true "kalgunmu-dol," or kalgunmu idol, was often sparked fan wars.
Infinite's L recalled in an Aug. 5 YouTube appearance how the group practiced meticulously, reviewing video footage frame by frame until every member's moves were perfectly synchronized. "We had to practice endlessly to achieve that level of precision," he shared, underscoring the immense effort behind their renowned choreography.
Many others have delivered artistic displays of group choreography since then. Seventeen, with 13 members, has used this strength to stage performances on par with professional dance crews. GFriend garnered attention for combining their feminine aesthetic with powerful synchronized choreography that even extended to the movements of their outfits. Global sensation BTS also captivated audiences with the members' seamless, unified movements, as if all members moved as one.

Fans even praise such efforts on YouTube, sometimes with AI-analyzed videos breaking down the exact degree of synchronization in K-pop groups' performances. Comments on such videos often express marvel at the dedication they pour into establishing perfect synchronization. One fan commented on Seventeen’s "Super" practice video, "How much must they have practiced to dance in such perfect unison?"
“K-pop artists who perform kalgunmu are different from many overseas pop stars who often prioritize their own style or 'feel.' And such uniqueness has sparked a global subculture of cover dances and dance challenges, significantly contributing to establishing K-pop's dedicated international fan base,” said pop music critic Lim Hee-yun.
Lim speculated that the appeal of kalgunmu could reflect societal values in Korea, where hard work and competition are highly emphasized.
"Given the competitive academic environment and the comparatively low sensitivity to youth rights among the OECD countries, it’s not surprising that K-pop’s kalgunmu is popular."
An industry insider shared a similar sentiment, suggesting that fans may value kalgunmu partly because of the dedication it represents.
“Fans appreciate kalgunmu not only for the stunning imagery, but because they view the effort and practice behind it as essential to a K-pop artist’s role. They seem to hold greater affection for artists who succeed through hard work rather than just raw talent,” the insider said.
