Leejung, the famous choreographer behind Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, recently shared her thoughts on the viral “Soda Pop” dance challenge. She specifically praised ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo for his performance, saying it felt like “human Jinu” had come to life.
The animated film KPop Demon Hunters features a fictional boy group called Saja Boys, with Jinu as one of its members. The character’s dance moves in the movie became a viral trend, with many K-pop idols and fans trying the “shoulder dance” from the song.
Leejung’s Inspiration Behind Saja Boys’ Choreography
Leejung, known for working with top K-pop acts like BLACKPINK and TWICE, was the main choreographer for KPop Demon Hunters. She revealed that she didn’t base the moves on any real-life idol but was inspired purely by the music.
“There wasn’t a specific reference. For me, good inspiration comes from music itself. The music was so good that I was able to let my imagination run wild.” – Leejung
Despite not referencing anyone directly, she admitted that Cha Eunwoo’s performance stood out the most. His cover of “Soda Pop” at his fan meeting THE ROYAL went viral, with fans loving his playful yet polished execution.
Cha Eunwoo’s Adorable Soda Pop Performance
During his fan event, Cha Eunwoo surprised fans by performing the full “Soda Pop” choreography. Dressed in a princely outfit, he nailed the dance but burst into laughter afterward, making the moment even more charming.
The clip spread quickly on social media, with fans flooding comments with praise:
“He’s insanely handsome and his proportions are seriously unreal lolol.”
“Shouldn’t princes be exempt from military service?”
“I don’t know much about this, but when someone tries their best and ends up getting embarrassed later — that’s what really drives people crazy. It’s just too funny lol.”
Leejung noticed his performance and said it was the closest to how she imagined Jinu in real life.
The Impact of KPop Demon Hunters’ Dance Trend
The “Soda Pop” challenge has become a global trend, with fans and idols recreating the shoulder-shaking move. Leejung expressed gratitude for the love her choreography has received.
“I’m thrilled so many people are doing the ‘Soda Pop’ challenge. The shoulder-shaking move—yep, that’s mine.” – Leejung
The film’s success has also highlighted the growing influence of K-pop in animation, blending music, dance, and storytelling in a unique way.
Behind the Scenes of KPop Demon Hunters
Leejung worked on the movie for over three years, starting when the characters were still in early sketches. She did motion capture for the dance scenes, and even small details like how the characters rested or interacted were based on her movements.
“They told me, ‘There are no physical limits here. Do whatever you want. Fulfill your dreams,’ and I felt something stir in me.” – Leejung
Her work helped bring authenticity to the animated performances, making the dances feel as dynamic as real K-pop stages.
What’s Next for the Soda Pop Trend?
With Cha Eunwoo’s cover gaining massive attention, more idols might join the trend. The song itself has crossed over from fiction to reality, with fans streaming it on music platforms.
Leejung hopes to see more creative takes on her choreography and is excited about how KPop Demon Hunters has connected with audiences worldwide.
Also read: Fans React As ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo Prepares for Military Enlistment with New Haircut
Source: Star News
