K-pop Lore

1. #111-absselective

   Keys: 11-abs

   A flat stomach/abs that are defined enough to be able to see two lines of definition running down them (the '11'). Reserved for women; see chocolate abs for the male equivalent.

2. #24Dselective

   A way in Korean slang to call someone quirky or eccentric, the opposite of calling someone "two-dimensional"

3. #3Aegyo (애교)selective

   Keys: Aegyo

   Displaying through facial expressions and/or body language any sort of cuteness, childishness, or innocence. This could range from adopting an infantile voice to blushing modestly about something crass. Often exaggerated for effect.

4. #4Age-lineselective

   Refers to (usually) idols born in the same year. Koreans often identify their age by the year they were born in (ex., "I'm an '88-liner"). The '88-line would refer to idols born in 1988.

5. #5All-killselective

   Keys: All-kill

   When a K-POP song becomes number one on all major music charts at the same time. Usually happens soon after it has just released. Examples include: Daily all-kills, Weekly all-kills, Monthly all-kills, Realtime all-kills, Certified all-kills, Perfect all-kills.

6. #6Biasselective

   Keys: Bias

   Specifically, in K-pop culture, a bias refers to an artist/celebrity who you are most attracted or attached to. In a sense, the person you are biased to can do no wrong. You like everything they do. A K-pop fan might have an ultimate bias, someone who they like above anyone else in the culture. They may also have group-based biases that are specifically their favorite from the bands they follow.

7. #7Body Rollsselective

   Keys: Body Roll

   a sexy dance move performed by kpop idols that looks exactly how it sounds

8. #8Commercial filmselective

   Keys: Commercial film

   Used to sponsor a company/brand/item/company/etc. A Korean way of saying commercial.

9. #9Chocolate absselective

   Keys: Chocolate abs

   Defined, muscular abdominal muscles that look like the subdivided parts of a chocolate bar. Reserved for males since females rarely achieve the same sort of definition

10. #10Comebackselective

    Keys: Comeback

    A comeback does not refer to an artist that is coming back after being inactive for a long time. An artist/group has a comeback for every promotional cycle. Essentially, anytime a single, mini-album, or album is released and the artist does TV broadcasts/performances to promote them. It is used to simply mean 'coming back' rather than a special circumstance.

11. #11Daesang (대상)selective

    Keys: Daesang

    Major award at the end-of-year award ceremonies. Usually in the categories of 'song of the year', 'artist of the year', and 'album of the year'.

12. #12Debutselective

    Keys: Debut

    A debut is the first performance (usually on TV broadcast). It could refer to the first release/performance of a brand new artist, or to the first performance of a certain song, or to either of these done on each of the major TV channels.

13. #13Dispatchselective

    Keys: Dispatch

    A major Korean news outlet. Dispatch is notorious for having accurately exposed dating scandals in the past, including those with big stars (both actors/actresses and idols). A few of those couples include Rain/Kim Taehee, SHINee's Jonghyun/Shin Sekyung, Jo Insung/Kim Minhee, Song Hyegyo/Hyun Bin, Girls' Generation's Yoona/Lee Seunggi, and so on. Dispatch is apparently also 'credited' with started the real trend of airport fashion.

14. #14Fandomselective

    Keys: Fandom

    'Fan domain'. Fandom encapsulates everything going on in a fan community (TV, movies, literature, comic books, music). This could include conversation, fanfiction, fanart, blogs/vlogs, fansites, audience support, conventions, fanclubs, etc. Some examples of really huge fandoms are Harry Potter, Star Trek, and Lady Gaga.

15. #15Fighting!selective

    Keys: Fighting!

    Sounds more like figh-ting or high-ting. This is chanted or shouted as an encouragement for someone who is about to do something challenging—similar to 'break a leg!'. Or it is said as a personal statement expressing 'I'll do my best!'.

16. #16Hanbok (한복)selective

    Keys: Hanbok

    Traditional Korean clothing. Hanbok literally means 'Korean clothing', but now that it isn't worn commonly, it refers to the specific traditional garb. These days it is typically worn for special occasions and formal ceremonies.

17. #17Hoobae (후배)selective

    Keys: Hoobae

    'Junior'. In the entertainment industry it is usually used to describe somebody who has trained for less time than you (among trainees) or those who debuted after you (among artists). Korean culture places heavy emphasis on seniority and hoobaes/juniors are expected to always be respectful to their sunbaes/seniors. Similarly, sunbaes/seniors are generally expected to take care of their hoobaes/juniors.

18. #18Hyung (형)selective

    Keys: Hyung

    What a male would call a close older male (used for actual brothers as well as close friends). It can be used as a stand-alone ('hyung') or appended after their name like all Korean honorifics ('name-hyung').

19. #19Hallyu (할류)selective

    Keys: Hallyu

    The Korean Wave. Hallyu is a term used to describe the surge of culture and entertainment from South Korea to the overseas and International community (originally to China and Japan, but now, everywhere).

20. #20Leaderconstantselective

    Keys: Leader

    The leader is often the oldest member or the one with the most experience. They are responsible for guiding the group, making decisions, and representing the group in public settings. Leaders are expected to maintain harmony among members and communicate with the agency.

21. #21Main Vocalistconstantselective

    Keys: Main Vocalist

    The main vocalist has the best vocal skills and typically sings the most challenging parts of a song, including the chorus. They often receive the most lines in a track and may also participate in solo projects.

22. #22Maknaeconstantselective

    Keys: Maknae

    The youngest person in a group or family is the maknae. Age is a significant factor in the Korean social hierarchy. The maknae is expected to obey, submit to their elders, and not rock the boat. They are also expected to take care of things like chores and setting things up/putting things away (for example, the maknae might set the table for dinner and then do the dishes after). Conceptually, they are allowed/somewhat expected to be more childish, cutesy, and display 'aegyo'.

23. #23Netizenselective

    Keys: Netizen

    'Internet Citizen'. Netizen broadly refers to a large, faceless, population of (Korean) internet-users. Typically, netizens pop up when there is a hot topic to weigh in on. Netizens are generally not very forgiving.

24. #24Noona (누나)selective

    Keys: Noona

    What a male would call a close older female (used for actual sisters as well as close friends). It can be used as a stand-alone ('noona') or appended after their name like all Korean honorifics ('name-noona').

25. #25Nugu (누구)selective

    Keys: Nugu

    'Who'; English-speaking K-pop fandom has adopted the word as an equivalent to 'nobodies'. Often used for brand new groups or for groups that debuted and failed to gain any recognition.

26. #26Oppa (오빠)selective

    Keys: Oppa

    What a female would call a close older male (used for actual brothers as well as close friends). It can be used as a stand-alone ('oppa') or appended after their name like all Korean honorifics ('name-oppa').

27. #27Photocardselective

    Keys: Photocard

    Collective trading card usually included in an album. Often shortened to "pc". The Korean term is 트레카, treca. It is popular among fans to collect the cards, or trade for their bias' card.

28. #28Roof hitselective

    Keys: Roof hit

    When streams and downloads for a certain song on a streaming site, usually MelOn, surpasses a certain limit set by the streaming site. In the hourly chart for the song, this is illustrated as "going through the roof".

29. #29Sajaegi (사재기)selective

    Keys: Saejaegi

    Manipulation/inflation of (usually digital) chart rankings by companies. Songs or albums that do unexpectedly well tend to sometimes be accused of sajaegi.

30. #30Sasaeng (사생)selective

    Keys: Sasaeng

    asaengs are 'stalker fans'. These are individuals who will do virtually anything to follow or get close to their favorite idol. The stalker culture among these 'fans' would make the worst paparazzi look like kittens. Sasaengs steal personal information, invade private property, and hire taxis to follow celebrities all day... every day. It's a serious issue that has led to idols being assaulted, groped, threatened, poisoned, and forced into traffic accidents. Some sasaengs have been known to break into dorms and steal personal items as well.

31. #31Skinshipselective

    Keys: Skinship

    Skin + relationship. Skinship is engaging in physical affection with another person. In Korean culture, public displays of affection between people of the opposite sex (ie. kissing/hugging) are considered rather impolite and should be kept private. However, it is considered normal, healthy, and 'safe' to have skinship with members of the same gender. It's very common to see hugging, hand-holding, and close physical contact (male/male or female/female) within Idol groups. Note: male/female skinship can spark scandals and wreck careers.

32. #32SNSselective

    Keys: SNS; Social Media

    Stands for 'social networking service'. What's usually seen in Korean entertainment is Twitter, Instagram, weibo (the Chinese version of Facebook), me2day, Cyworld, and so on.

33. #33Sub-unit/Sub Unit/Subunitselective

    Keys: Sub-unit

    A smaller promoting group comprised of members of a larger group. Usually sub-units include members from the same group; however, some sub-units can include other groups either under the same label or different labels.

    Examples of sub-units: Orange Caramel (members of girl group After School), Super Junior-M (members of Super Junior who promote Mandarin-language songs), Trouble Maker (HyunA (former 4Minute/soloist) and Jang Hyunseung (former B2ST), both from Cube Entertainment) Toheart (SHINee's Key (SM Entertainment) and INFINITE's Woohyun (Woollim Entertainment)

34. #34Sunbae (선배)selective

    Keys: Sunbae

    'Senior'. In the entertainment industry it is usually used to describe somebody who has trained for more time than you (among trainees) or those who debuted before you (among artists). Korean culture places heavy emphasis on seniority and hoobaes/juniors are expected to always be respectful to their sunbaes/seniors. Similarly, sunbaes/seniors are generally expected to take care of their hoobaes/juniors.

35. #35Triple Crownselective

    Keys: Triple Crown

    A triple crown is traditionally viewed as being achieved when an artist wins a trophy at a music show three weeks in a row. A Gaon Triple Crown means that an artist has ranked as number one on three of Gaon's charts for a certain week.

36. #36Ulzzangselective

    Keys: Ulzzang

    'Best face'. The term comes from '얼짱' (directly transliterated as 'eoljjang'); '얼'/eol/ul is from '얼굴' (face) and '짱/jjang is slang for 'best'. An ulzzang is a person whose fame is founded purely on their looks. This is more specifically used for internet 'celebrities'.

37. #37Unnie (언니)selective

    Keys: Unnie

    What a female would call a close older female (used for actual sisters as well as close friends). It can be used as a stand-alone ('unnie') or appended after their name like all Korean honorifics ('name'-unnie).

38. #38Lead Vocalistconstantselective

    Keys: Lead Vocalist

    Lead Vocalist: The lead vocalist supports the main vocalist and usually sings the second most important parts of a song. They may take on significant vocal lines but are not the primary singer.

39. #39Sub Vocalistconstantselective

    Keys: Sub Vocalist; Vocalist

    The Sub Vocalist (Sometimes also simply the Vocalist) supports the Main and Lead Vocalists and can get fewer singing lines.

40. #40Main Rapperconstantselective

    Keys: Main Rapper

    The main rapper in the group, known for their speed and lyrical skills. They often deliver the most complex rap verses.

41. #41Lead Rapperconstantselective

    Keys: Lead Rapper

    The lead rapper supports the main rapper and may take on additional rap lines.

42. #42Sub Rapperconstantselective

    Keys: Sub Rapper; Rapper

    The sub rapper supports main and leader rapper and get few lines

43. #43Centerconstantselective

    Keys: Center

    The member who stands in the middle during performances, often highlighted visually. This position can change depending on the song or concept.

44. #44Visualconstantselective

    Keys: Visual

    The visual is considered the "face" of the group, often chosen for their looks and charm. This member is typically featured prominently in promotional materials, media appearances, also get the most modeling gigs.

45. #45Single Albumselective

    Keys: Single Album; Single

    A single album has 1-3 songs which typically contains one main title track and one or two B-sides. These albums are often released by artists while they work on longer projects or for solo debuts.

46. #46Mini Albumselective

    Keys: Mini Album; EP

    Mini Album or Extended Play usually includes 4 to 7 tracks, with one title song and additional new or remixed songs. Mini albums are a staple in K-pop, providing a balance between content and cost.

47. #47Full Albumselective

    Keys: Full Album; Studio Album

    Full Album contains 8 or more tracks, offering a more complete musical experience. Full albums may include a mix of new songs and previously released tracks.

48. #48Repackage Albumselective

    Keys: Repackage Album

    A new version of a previously released album, often featuring additional tracks or content. This type allows artists to refresh their previous work and engage fans again.

49. #49Special Albumselective

    Keys: Special Album

    Special Album released for specific events, such as anniversaries or seasonal themes. These albums often have unique packaging and content to celebrate the occasion.

50. #50Live Albumselective

    Keys: Live Album

    A Live Album captures performances in front of an audience, providing fans with a taste of live concerts. These albums are less common but offer a different experience compared to studio recordings.

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