The Pikki Pikki dance is a South Korean cheerleading routine created in 2022 by the cheerleaders for the KIA Tigers baseball team. The dance is performed when the team’s pitcher strikes out an opposing batter.

  • Going Viral: The dance gained popularity through a 19-second YouTube video uploaded in June 2024, featuring cheerleader Lee Joo-eun transitioning from fixing her makeup to performing the dance. The video went viral on various social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram. The original video has garnered over 80 million views, and celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders have performed the dance.

  • The Music: The music for the Pikki Pikki dance is a remix of the 2001 K-Pop song “My Lecon” by the group jtL. The remix was created by Indonesian DJ Prengky Gantay and was already popular in Indonesia as part of the Olive Beat Dance Challenge in 2021 and the Escalator Dance Challenge in South Korea in 2021. The original song was written by Tony Ahn.

  • Misinformation about the Music: Both TikTok and The New York Times incorrectly attributed the remix to an artist named Olive b. The actual producer is Indonesian producer Pranky Gantai.

  • The Genre: Gantai’s music is an example of the Indonesian dance genre “Jedag Jedug,” known for its fun, addictive, and unique qualities. Jedag Jedug music is frequently played in aerobics classes in Indonesia.

  • Key Takeaways:

    • The Pikki Pikki dance is an example of how trends can quickly spread through social media, crossing cultural boundaries.
    • The misinformation surrounding the music highlights the importance of verifying information, especially online.
    • The global popularity of the dance showcases the increasing influence of Southeast Asian EDM subgenres, like Jedag Jedug.
    • The Pikki Pikki dance has drawn attention to South Korean baseball culture.
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