New to K-pop? Here is a glossary of the most common terms you will encounter in K-pop fandoms, music shows, and social media.
Your bias is your favorite member of a K-pop group. Most fans have one main bias per group.
A bias wrecker is another member of the group who makes you question your bias choice. They almost steal your heart.
The maknae is the youngest member of a K-pop group. The oldest is often called the 'eldest hyung' (for male groups) or 'eldest unnie' (for female groups).
A comeback is when a K-pop group or solo artist releases new music and begins a new promotional cycle. Unlike Western music, K-pop uses 'comeback' even for a group's second or hundredth release, not just a return after a hiatus.
An official lightstick is a light-up device designed uniquely for each K-pop group's fandom. Fans use them at concerts. Examples: BTS ARMY Bomb, BLACKPINK Bong.
A fansign is a fan event where a small number of fans win the chance to meet their idols face-to-face, usually by purchasing multiple album copies to enter a lottery.
K-pop albums often come in multiple versions with different photobooks, photocards, and packaging. Fans may buy multiple versions to collect all inclusions.
POBs are special extras (usually photocards) given to fans who pre-order albums from specific retailers.
A photocard is a small trading card-sized photo of an idol included in physical albums. Photocard collecting and trading is a major part of K-pop fandom culture.
To stan means to be a dedicated fan of an artist or group. The term comes from combining 'stalker' and 'fan' but in K-pop context it simply means strong support.
An All-Kill (AK) means a song is ranked #1 on all major Korean real-time music charts simultaneously. A Perfect All-Kill (PAK) means #1 on all real-time AND daily charts.
A Daesang is a Grand Prize — the highest tier of award at Korean year-end music ceremonies like MAMA, MMA, and GDA. Winning a Daesang is considered one of the highest honors in K-pop.