“Pikki Pikki” Dance: K-Cheerleading’s Viral Sensation

The “Pikki Pikki” (삐끼삐끼) dance has recently taken social media by storm, shining a spotlight on K-cheerleading and captivating audiences worldwide.  Performed by the cheerleaders of South Korea’s Kia Tigers baseball team and accompanied by a catchy tune, this lively dance kicks off whenever the team strikes out an opposing batter. It begins with energetic drum beats and the playful squeak of sneakers, leading to the cheerleaders’ signature thumbs-up gesture, all delivered with a nonchalant expression that seems to urge the batter to leave the field. The name “Pikki Pikki” is inspired by the onomatopoeia that mimics the tune’s distinctive creaking sound effect. The catchy tune, known as “Lecon Studios” by Olive Beat, samples “My Lecon” by Korean boy band JTL, and has earned the title of the “strikeout song” among the cheering squad.

Although the “Pikki Pikki” dance has been around since 2022, it really exploded in popularity in June 2024, when a short clip featuring cheerleader Lee Ju-eun transitioning from fixing her makeup to dancing went viral on YouTube, amassing over 80 million views. This wave of attention sparked a flurry of imitations from fans, influencers, and even other sports teams. The key element in these imitations is the artful shift from daily routine to dancing – a hallmark of the original video.

But the “Pikki Pikki” dance is more than just a catchy routine; it offers a glimpse into the dynamic world of Korean baseball culture. In Korea, attending a baseball game is an experience that goes far beyond the sport itself. The stadium transforms into a festive concert-like atmosphere, with fans chanting personalized songs for each player, while cheerleaders lead the crowd through synchronized, energetic routines.  With tickets as low as US$5 – $10 and the freedom to bring your own food and drinks, baseball games have become a beloved pastime for young people seeking fun and connection.  

The “Pikki Pikki” dance also marks the first time K-cheerleading has gained global recognition. It also symbolizes the growing popularity of Korean baseball, particularly among the social media-savvy young people.

K-cheerleading has also been featured in K-dramas, such as “Cheer Up” (치얼업) released in 2022. This series uses K-cheerleading as a backdrop to explore themes of youth, struggle, and personal growth. It follows Do Hae-yi, a financially struggling freshman who joins her university’s cheering squad initially for the money, but ultimately discovers the joy and camaraderie that comes with being part of the team.  Click here for the drama’s trailer.

The viral success of the “Pikki Pikki” dance underscores the cultural impact of K-cheerleading and the resurgence of interest in Korean baseball, captivating audiences both locally and internationally.

Note: A video version of this post is available on “Korean Culture Village” YouTube channel.

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References:

Moon Ki-hoon, “Pikki Pikki dance: Korean cheerleader dance routine takes social media by storm”, The Korea Herald, 2024-09-23

“Pikki Pikki Dance Goes Viral”, KBS News, 2024-08-30

Rachel Sherman, “Korean baseball team’s cheerleaders taking over TikTok with viral dance”, The Japan Times, 2024-08-29