최애 · choe-ae
Bias
Your favorite member in a K-pop group.
In English-speaking fandoms, people often say 'my bias.' In Korean, fans usually say 최애, which means the person you like the most.
Example
My bias in IVE is Wonyoung.
K-pop glossary
K-pop fan words, explained like a local friend would.
K-pop has its own language. Some words come from Korean, some come from English-speaking fandoms, and some only make sense after you watch a few stages. This glossary keeps things simple so new fans can understand the words they see in comments, fancams, and idol guides.
막내 · maknae
Maknae
The youngest member of a group.
Maknae is not only about age. In K-pop, fans often enjoy watching how the youngest member grows inside the team.
Example
Jung Kook is BTS’s maknae.
황금막내 · hwanggeum-maknae
Golden maknae
A youngest member who seems good at almost everything.
This expression is strongly connected with Jung Kook because fans noticed his singing, dancing, performing, and many other skills from early on.
Example
ARMY often call Jung Kook the golden maknae.
센터 · senteo
Center
The member who often represents the group’s image or catches attention in a performance.
Center does not only mean standing in the middle. It can also mean the member who best delivers the group’s mood at a certain moment.
Example
Wonyoung is often talked about as a strong center figure.
직캠 · jikcam
Fancam
A video focused on one idol during a performance.
Fancams are a big part of K-pop culture because they let fans watch small expressions, gestures, and details that are easy to miss in a full-stage video.
Example
A Karina fancam can show her sharp stage presence clearly.
얼빡직캠 · eolppak-jikcam
Eolppak-jikcam
A very close-up fancam where an idol’s face fills most of the screen.
얼빡 is casual fan slang for a close face shot, and 직캠 means fancam. Fans watch these clips to catch tiny changes in expression.
Example
Hayoung’s eolppak-jikcam makes her small smiles easier to notice.
엔딩요정 · ending-yojeong
Ending fairy
The idol shown in a close-up at the end of a music show performance.
Ending fairy moments became famous because idols use that short final camera shot to show charm, humor, confidence, or a memorable expression.
Example
An ending fairy clip can become viral even after the stage ends.
애교 · aegyo
Aegyo
Cute behavior, expressions, or speech used to charm people.
Aegyo can be natural, playful, or intentionally exaggerated. Some idols are known for being good at it, while others are loved because they feel awkward doing it.
Example
Fans sometimes ask idols to show aegyo during live streams.
올라운더 · olla-undeo
All-rounder
An idol who can do many things well, such as singing, dancing, rapping, and performing.
Korean fans also use the English-based word 올라운더. It is often used for members who do not fit into only one role.
Example
Hayoung is often appreciated as an all-rounder type member.
호랑해 · horanghae
Horanghae
A playful Hoshi phrase mixing tiger and love.
It sounds like 사랑해, meaning 'I love you,' but uses 호랑 from 호랑이, meaning tiger. It is closely connected with Hoshi’s tiger character.
Example
CARAT know horanghae as one of Hoshi’s signature expressions.