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K-Pop Korean 101: What Do "Maknae", "Bias", and "Comeback" Mean?
- Authors
- @KOREAN.TINA
- Name
- Tina Park
New to K-pop and confused by words like “bias,” “maknae,” or “comeback”? Don’t worry — you’re not alone! K-pop fans have created a rich vocabulary that blends Korean and English in fun, unexpected ways. Whether you’re a casual listener or a future stan, this guide will help you speak the K-pop language like a pro.
💫 1. Bias (바이애스)
“Who’s your bias in BLACKPINK?”
In K-pop, your bias is your favorite member of a group. Fans often feel a strong emotional connection or admiration for their bias. Some people even have a bias wrecker — someone who makes them question their original favorite!
Examples:
- “My bias in BTS is Jimin.”
- “I used to bias Jungkook, but now Taehyung is wrecking me.”
👶 2. Maknae (막내)
“He’s the cutest! Of course, he’s the maknae.”
Maknae means the youngest member in a group. In Korean culture, age is a big deal, so the maknae often plays a special role. Sometimes they're treated like the baby of the group — but not always! Some maknaes are actually the most savage or confident.
Examples:
- Jungkook is the maknae of BTS.
- Tzuyu is the visual and maknae of TWICE.
🔁 3. Comeback (컴백)
“OMG, new comeback next week!”
In the K-pop world, a comeback doesn’t mean returning after a long break. It refers to the release of a new album or song, even if the last one came out just a few months ago! Each comeback usually includes new concepts, music videos, and promotions.
Examples:
- “Ateez’s comeback stage is this Friday!”
- “Red Velvet’s last comeback was so iconic.”
🎶 Bonus Terms!
Here are a few other K-pop words you might hear often:
- Fanchant (팬챈트): A coordinated cheer fans shout during performances.
- Visual (비주얼): The member known for stunning looks.
- Leader (리더): The official leader/spokesperson of the group.
- Trainee (연습생): Someone in training before debuting.
🧠 Quick Recap
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bias | Your favorite group member |
| Maknae | The youngest in the group |
| Comeback | A new song or album release |
| Visual | Most photogenic member |
| Fanchant | Coordinated fan chants |
If you're a new K-pop fan, don’t worry — no one starts out knowing all the terms. The more you listen, watch, and join the fandom, the more natural it becomes!