KPOP 101: Seven Basic Terminologies Every KPop Fan Should Know

KPOP 101: Seven Basic Terminologies Every KPop Fan Should Know

Written By: Edgardo Toledo
ABCOMM 2.1 A

I'm sure your eyebrows will give a rising stance if you hear words such asCF, all kill, aegyo and much more that sounds so peculiar to you ears. Well, these words may seem alien but they actually exist. And if there's any person on this earth who could interpret the meaning of these words, it would be no other than the K-Pop Fans, because these words no longer sounds new to them at all. The terminologies mentioned above are some of the most commonly used words by a K-Pop Fan, and today I'll break down the meaning of these words that every newbie fan should know.

1. Visual

Visual is a word that's usually found on the dictionary and pertains to anything that can be seen by the naked eye, However, if a fan mentions this on a conversation, they are simply referring to a particular individual. Yes, you read it right, a person. K-Pop groups in general ten to have positions usually assigned by their companies (e.g. Main vocalist, lead vocalist, main dance, rapper, etc) and visuals just like any other position also plays an important role to the group. They are often dubbed as the "Face of the Group" and is considered as the most good looking member of their respective band. Visuals are the ones who usually stood in front on any dance formations. The girls on the picture are some of the most beautiful and stunning visuals of their group. They are known for their goddess like beauty and undeniable charms. (From left to right: Suzy of Miss A, Yoona of SNSD and our very own krung krung Sandara Park)

2. Aegyo

We all know how the gwiyomi song took our country by storm with it's cutesy gestures and lovely melody. Some of us even made our own versions of it to show our own hidden cuteness. aegyo means acting cute and extremely charming. Idols love to show off their aegyo and one of the most popular idol in doing this, no other than the member and one of the lead singers of the group SNSD, Sunny and is considered as the Queen of Aegyo. Take a look on the video on the left side and you be the judge.

3. Oppa/Unnie/Hyung/Noona

These terms are most commonly used by fans. Usually in Korean Dramas. In South Korea Oppa is an honorary term that is used by girls to show respect to older  males and Unnie for older females. For guys, they used the terms Noona to address older women and the word Hyung on older men.

4. CF (Commercial Film)

CF simply means commercial films. They usually have a specific theme. It maybe either sexy, cute, or sometimes, weird. Numerous KPop idols had starred to several commercial films. The video on the left side is one of the latest CF of the boy group EXO for Duty Free.

5. All Kill

The South Korean music industry is comprised of several music charts. An All Kill refers to a particular album or song that reached the number one spot in South Korea's major music charts.(Melon, Soribada, Olleh, Bugs, etc)  Some groups who were able to make perfect all kills throughout their career are Bigbang, 2NE1, TVXQ, Wonder Girls, SNSD, Winner and many more.

6. Eye Smile

Our eyes are considered as the most attractive feature of our face but idols has their own way of making it more charming and adorable the natural way. An eye smile is a state wherein the eyes forms a crescent moon shape when smiling genuinely and sometimes accompanied by aegyo to make it cuter and surely once an idol strikes an eye smile they can easily melt the heart of their fans. Just like that gif on the side. 

7. Comeback

Comeback is a shortened term for "coming back". If a group is said to have a comeback, it means that they are returning to the spotlight with a new album and single after a long hiatus. Usually, a group comeback has a particular theme ore concept. One of the most anticipated comebacks this year was Bigbang. The group just made their comeback recently through a series of mini album releases after three years of not performing on stage. It was well loved by their fans and the general public, it slayed the music charts and gathered numerous trophies on music programs. Marking this comeback as one of their most successful return up to this date.