NCT WISH's Ryo, aespa's Karina, and IVE's Rei join viral 'reverse challenges'

A fresh phenomenon dubbed 'reverse challenges' is reshaping how K-pop goes viral — and this time, it's the fans calling the shots. Top idols including NCT WISH's Ryo, aespa's Karina, and IVE's Rei have all jumped in, according to a Korean media report on June 24.

Unlike traditional challenges where agencies push a song's key choreography, reverse challenges flip the script entirely. Fans pluck a dance move from a stage performance or fancam, mash it with a completely different track, and post it to short-form platforms. Idols then respond by performing these fan-created versions themselves — keeping the momentum alive long after the original song's release.

One standout example is NCT WISH's Ryo, whose reverse challenge video racked up over 100 million views, drawing in countless other celebrities and influencers.

The trend first picked up steam last year with 'Marching Song' videos on Chinese platform Douyin. Other memorable instances include RIIZE's Wonbin's 'Chopping Board' challenge, former ENHYPEN member Heeseung's 'Marching Song,' and Hearts2Hearts' Ian's 'Marching Song.' The magic formula? Addictive choreography, a perfect rhythmic fit with the new audio, and intuitive humor that resonates far beyond the fandom.

Then there's girl group MEOVV's "Ddi-ro-ri" challenge. The song initially drew mixed reactions for sampling Bach's 'Toccata and Fugue in D minor,' but when fans started creating 'Ddi-ro-ri removal versions' and other playful classical edits, MEOVV leaned into it — performing the reverse challenges directly. That strategic pivot turned early criticism into genuine buzz.

Industry insiders say that while agencies are increasingly designing intuitive sounds and easy choreography to lower the entry barrier for global listeners, the actual viral moments often veer far from what was planned. The takeaway is clear: the center of idol short-form culture now belongs to active fandoms, and an agency's ability to respond flexibly and wittily to fan-initiated trends has become the new key to viral success.