Appearing on the July 25 episode of the YouTube show B-Class Hearing, choreographer Bae Yoon-jung , the creative mind behind some of K-pop’s most iconic routines, joined actress Bang Eun-hee and entertainers Jo Jin-hyung and Choi Joon-seok in an episode titled “Run or Die: Guests Who Turned Their Lives Around Through Daily Running.” There, she candidly shared untold stories from her decades-long career in the industry.
When asked whether it was the songs or choreography that made hits like Brown Eyed Girls’ “Abracadabra” successful, Bae confidently responded, “It was the choreography.” Despite her creative influence, Bae disclosed that she never received proper credit or financial compensation. “Someone in China impersonated me and made billions,” she said. “They claimed they created the ‘arrogant dance’ from ‘Abracadabra’ and profited hugely by presenting themselves as the original choreographer.”
The admission left both hosts and viewers stunned. Bae went on to reveal the industry norms at the time: “Back then, if you were close to a company CEO and they asked for a discount, you just did it. There wasn’t much choice. I choreographed ‘Abracadabra’ for 4 million KRW (around $2,900 USD). I got it in an envelope during a meal.” While lyricist Kim Eana and the company earned significant profits—reportedly over 10 billion KRW —Bae received no copyright royalties and minimal upfront compensation.
Discussing her viral choreography for EXID’s “Up & Down”, Bae admitted she never expected it to become a hit. “I honestly thought it would be banned from broadcast. People criticized it at first—saying things like, ‘Did the choreographer watch adult videos?’ But the company loved it. It didn’t take off right away, but later, it went viral. We told each other, ‘If it’s meant to be, it will be.’”
From crafting unforgettable routines for KARA, T-ara, and Brown Eyed Girls, to igniting trends with EXID, Bae Yoon-jung’s influence on K-pop is undeniable. Yet her story highlights a stark reality—one where creative visionaries are often overlooked or exploited, even as their work becomes global sensations.
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