The Choreographies of GFRIEND’s Music Trilogies

With Source Music confirming a GFRIEND reunion in January, let’s look back at one aspect that made the group popular: their powerful choreographies. Debuting in January 2016, the sextet of Sowon, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, SinB, and Umji rose to prominence with their “power innocence” image, combining cute concepts with striking choreographies. The various choreographers who helped create these performances deserve credit for helping the group gain star status. 

The School Trilogy

GFRIEND’s first set of EPs, dubbed “the school trilogy,” established the group’s qualities and quickly gained them acclaim. Released on January 15, 2015, GFRIEND’s debut title track “Glass Bead” premiered their school girl concept and dancing skills. Big Hit Music performance director Son Sungdeuk, known for creating BTS’s choreographies, and choreographer Park Junhee created the iconic dance, which features a high kick at the song’s climax. Though Son did not choreograph for the rest of the trilogy, he would return in 2017 for “Love Whisper,” known as GFRIEND’s hardest choreography to perform live.  

GFRIEND’s first comeback with “Me Gustas Tu” helped kickstart the group’s popularity when it came out on July 23, 2015. Its signature move features Yerin vaulting over Umji as Yuju slides underneath them. Park drew on “big and wild movements” when creating GFRIEND’s moves because the group reminded her of first generation girl group S.E.S. 

GFRIEND finished the school trilogy with the sentimental track “Rough,” which came out on January 25, 2016. Park consulted many friends in the industry to create the unique moves in “Rough.” Its standout formation closes the song with SinB rotating her arms like the hands of a clock. This collaborative work between GFRIEND and their choreographer paid off as “Rough” went on to achieve  15 music show wins. Park would go on to also create the choreography for “NAVILLERA” and “Summer Rain.”       

The 回 Trilogy

GFRIEND’s last set of releases in 2020 came with the “回” title, meaning “go back.” Its first installment 回:LABYRINTH, lead by the track “Crossroads,” released on February 3, 2020. Though the “Crossroads” music video lacked choreography scenes, GFRIEND did not skimp on the performance aspect. Enlisting the aid of “Fever” choreographer Chae Dasom, “Crossroads” took a more interpretive approach. Its highlight happens in the song’s latter half, where the members walk in various intersecting directions. Chae also choreographed the EP’s promoted B-side “Labyrinth,” which featured many backup dancers and large arm movements.  

After seeing the multitude of paths created by “Crossroads,” GFRIEND released “Apple” on July 13, 2020. Where the “Crossroads” lyrics contemplate their decisions, those in “Apple” indicate a change in concept that boldly accepts their choices . Choreographers Jeon Mose, Bae Wanhee, and Park Yohan collaborated to translate this confident feeling into dance. Jeon previously choreographed GFRIEND’s “Time for the moon night,” “Sunny Summer,” and “Sunrise.” “Apple” stuns in many aspects, it’s hard to pick just one signature move; the members’ model-like strut stands out, but so does the apple tree formation near the beginning. As its opening instrumental builds, the members' hands extend to imitate tree branches as SinB, donning bright red hair like an apple, stands in front.   

GFRIEND’s final title track before disbandment, “MAGO,” released on November 9, 2020. Choreographed by Source Music performance director Park Soyeon and current ADOR performance director Kim Eunju, the “Mago” dance shows GFRIEND pulling off many hand gestures to a disco beat. It isn’t without a few turns and a kick by Sowon though. As Park told Weverse Magazine, “the deep trust shared by the members shines through powerfully” in performances that emphasize cohesiveness. The “eye mask” version of the “MAGO” dance practice, where the members perform blindfolded, exemplifies this trust.   

GFRIEND disbanded on May 22, 2021, but the members’ talents still translated to other activities. Sowon debuted as an actress, Yerin and Yuju debuted as soloists, and Eunha, SinB, and Umji formed VIVIZ. While waiting for GFRIEND’s reunion, feel free to check out these social media accounts: 

GFRIEND members’ Instagram accounts: 

Choreographers’ Instagram accounts:

  • Son Sungdeuk (“Glass Bead” and “Love Whisper” choreographer): @sonsungdeuk 

  • Park Junhee (“Glass Bead,” “Me Gustas Tu,” “Rough,” “Navillera,” and “Summer Rain” choreographer): @daniella_jjune  

  • INSANE CREW (“Fingertip” choreographers): @insane_crew33  

  • Jeon Mose (“Time for the Moon Night,” “Sunny Summer,” “Sunrise,” and “Apple” choreographer): @mosi_pd 

  • Chae Dasom (“Fever” and “Crossroads” choreographer): @fm__dasomm__  

  • Bae Wanhee (“Apple” choreographer): @lego_dkero 

  • Park Yohan (“Apple” choreographer): N/A, previously @yohan__park 

  • Park Soyeon (“Mago” choreographer): @soyeon__amy

  • Kim Eunju (“Mago” choreographer): @im_jeikim

    Edited by Clark Royandoyan

Ladies CornerJacob Aron LeungGFRIEND, Girl GroupsComment