20+ Best Kpop Slang Terms Every Fan Must Know in 2024

Kpop Slang terms

K-pop is a vibrant world full of eclectic music, dance, fashion, and so much more. It has evolved into a full-fledged genre and “culture” by itself. Hence, there are some key words or KPop slang terms or catch phrases that you must know before you enter into a fandom. Long-time K-pop fans might already be familiar with some of these kpop slang terms. However, if you’re a newbie, this is the perfect glossary of KPop slang terms to get started with. Let’s begin!

20+ Best KPop Slang Terms in 2024

1) Idol

An idol refers to a K-pop star in the K-Pop fandom realm. An Idol could be a solo artist or member of a K-Pop boy or girl group. Generally, idols are musicians who’ve made their debut through an entertainment agency.

2) Aegyo

Denoting super cuteness, Aegyo is a Kpop slang used in relation to Idols who are often asked to showcase their ‘aegyo’ on TV talk shows. It could also connote a serious idol softening their public image. Aegyo involves many things that run the gamut from imitating popular dance moves to singing children’s songs.

3) Maknae

Also referred to as a K-Pop Idol group’s youngest member. You may also come across the term, golden maknae which is used to refer to the youngest member who is multi talented or a multi-instrumentalist.

4) Hallyu

Also known as the Korean Wave, Hallyu is the umbrella term referring to the rising popularity of Korean culture globally since the 1990s.

5) BIAS

Your “bias” in K-Pop is your favourite member or idol from a group. Likewise, your “bias” group refers to your favourite K-Pop group. So the next time someone would ask you: “who’s your bias in that fandom?” You know very well what to answer in perfect K-Pop Slang.

There is another term called “ult bias” which refers to your absolute favourite member of all K-Pop idol groups. 

6) Daesang

Often touted as the highest award an idol can receive, Daesang are usually given in categories such as Artist Of The Year, Album Of The Year, and Song Of The Year based on the total number of sales they accrued.

7) All-Kill

All-kill happens when a K-Pop song becomes number one across all eight Korean music charts. That being said, it’s quite a feat to accomplish for any K-Pop idol group as many of those music charts are updated hourly. 

8) Jeongmal 

This K-Pop slang word or rather catch phrase is used to express disbelief or annoyance in Korean culture. It might as well be used as the Korean equivalent of saying “Seriously?” or “Really?”

9) Fighting!

Symbolic of its name, Fighting! is a catchphrase used to emphasize that you can do it! Although the literal meaning in the English dictionary is quite different, the Korean phrase gives it a whole new meaning!

10) Sasaeng

Sasaeng (also Stan in English) refers to an overly enthusiastic fan known for their erratic and questionable behavior. In short, a stan treads the fine line between being stalkers or people who invade the privacy of their idols and normal fans. This extreme behavior by some Sasaengs/Stans is usually looked down upon by other fans.

11) Andwae

This popular K-Pop slang loosely means, “No way.” It is incredibly popular in Korean culture meaning disbelief, shock, or fear. You might end up using Andwae while stumbling upon a scandalous story or outrageous fan fiction about your favourite K-Pop idol.

12) Body Rolls

Body Rolls refer to an athletic dance move imitating somersaults used by K-Pop idols in music videos or live shows. Body rolls exactly look like how they sound.

13) Sunbae and Hoobae

Sunbae are senior or more experienced K-Pop idols within the industry. They could also refer to a group having debuted before the hoobae groups. Conversely, hoobaes are idols with less experience, relatively new and have immense respect for their sunbaes.

14) Kkab

When someone is acting overly crazy or frantically to the point that it starts getting on your nerves, you can shout out Kkab…

15) Omo

This one is the K-Pop version of “OMG!”. You may come across many idols using this term in talk shows!

16) Jjang

Jjang is a common catchphrase that you may come across often! It’s a popular Korean slang word that means “the best” or simply “awesome!”

17) Simkung

This Korean word can be roughly translated to “heartthrob” in K-Pop culture. Simkung is made up of two words that refer to heat. You may also use it to refer to a huge crush on someone.

18) Haengsyo

Popularized by BIGBANG member G-Dragon, Haengsyo means goodbye. When translated, it is similar to saying “peace out!” when you leave a friend after an argument or discussion.

19) Godabi

Remember that one friend who’s always slow to catch inside jokes? Godabi is a catch phrase derived from the Korean word for sweet potato. It is used to describe someone who just doesn’t get anything.

20) Jinjja

It means “really?!” Jinjja is one of the most common expressions used in daily Korean conversations.

And…that’s a wrap! Did you like our extensive list of Kpop slang terms? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay posted for more Kpop updates. 

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