Exploring the Korean Pikki Pikki Dance: Tutorial, Origins & More

Download Article

Learn the steps & story behind the viral Korean dance challenge

Co-authored by Bailey Cho Reviewed by Dannica Robertson

Last Updated: January 25, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

What is “Pikki Pikki?”

|

Pikki Pikki Dance Tutorial

|

Origin & Spread

|

More Viral Dance Trends

|

Video

If you’ve been seeing a bunch of South Korean cheerleaders flooding TikTok and Instagram, you’re not alone. They’re probably performing the viral “Pikki Pikki” dance, but if you’re still confused, we’re here to break it down for you! In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the “Pikki Pikki” dance, including what it is and how to do it. We’ll also cover the dance’s origin and spread to help you understand why it’s so popular.

What is the Pikki Pikki dance?

The Pikki Pikki dance is a viral routine from the Kia Tigers, a professional baseball team in South Korea. Set to the song “Lecon Studios” by Olive Beat, the dance features a simple thumbs-up movement that matches a catchy, squeaky beat. The cheerleaders perform it when their team strikes out an opposing batter.

Section 1 of 4:

What is “Pikki Pikki” in Korean?

Download Article

“Pikki Pikki” refers to the viral South Korean cheerleading dance routine. Created by the cheerleaders of the Kia Tigers (a professional baseball team), the Pikki Pikki is performed when the favored team strikes out an opposing batter.^{[1]
X
Research source} The dance involves moving each hand in a thumbs-up position up and down, while maintaining a cool, nonchalant expression.
- What is the music for the Pikki Pikki dance? The dance is performed to the song “Lecon Studios” by Olive Beat, which samples “My Lecon” by the Korean boy band JTL.
- Why is the Pikki Pikki dance popular? The dance is popular due to its catchy rhythm and simple choreography, making it ideal for TikTok challenges. The contrast between the high-energy moves and the deadpan facial expression also makes it highly memeable.

Section 2 of 4:

How to Do the Pikki Pikki Dance

Download Article

Sway your hips and alternate moving your hands up and down with a thumbs-up. Stand at an angle to the front with your feet about hip-width apart. Raise one hand with a thumbs-up toward your armpit, then push it down toward your hip, alternating it up and down to the beat. Shift your body to the other side and repeat. When the music speeds up, cross both wrists in front of your chest to form an “X” horizontal to the ground (with both thumbs up), and quickly open and close them, matching your movements to the squeaky sounds.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Maintain a cool, nonchalant facial expression throughout the entire dance.
- Check out this TikTok from @purpleleeworld for an example of how the dance should look.
- When you raise your hand toward your armpit and move it down, you want to push your hips back and pop your chest out. It should match the song’s beat.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Dannica Robertson
  Dance Instructor
  
  Expert Interview}

Section 3 of 4:

Origin & Spread of the Pikki Pikki Dance

Download Article

1
The Pikki Pikki dance was created by the Kia Tigers cheer squad in 2022. Named after the song’s squeaky sound effect, the Pikki Pikki dance was a way for the cheerleaders to applaud their team and tease the opposition. The dance is rooted in the cheer culture of South Korean baseball, where cheerleaders perform specific routines to energize the crowd throughout the entire game.
- The Pikki Pikki dance is interpreted as telling the batter to leave immediately and can be easily followed by fans.
2
A clip of the dance went viral on social media in 2024. In June 2024, a fan shared a 19-second clip of Tigers cheerleader Lee Ju-eun seamlessly transitioning from fixing her makeup to performing the Pikki Pikki dance. The YouTube video quickly went viral and spread to other platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The original clip by @내맘찍영 currently has over 95 million views.
- Other celebrities and influencers posted their own versions of the Pikki Pikki dance, increasing its popularity. Here’s a TikTok of J-Hope (BTS) performing the dance, and a YouTube clip of Mina, Nayeon, and Momo (TWICE) performing it.
- Several American celebs have also jumped in on the trend. Check out this TikTok from @livbedumb (pop star Olivia Rodrigo) doing the dance backstage before her Seoul concert, or this TikTok from @kylie.dickson, a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader!

Section 4 of 4:

More Viral Dance Trends

Download Article

Check out these other viral dance trends and challenges! Things move fast online, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Users are constantly coming up with new dance moves, memes, and challenges, so check out the articles below for upcoming dance trends you need to know about: