4. All Kill

This is when a song or MV release hits number one on all of Korea’s digital charts—Melon, Mnet, Olleh, Bugs, Soribada, Genie, Naver, Monkey3—at the same time. This is achieved by streaming or downloading the video on selected websites like Melon and Naver.

3. Stage

Stage refers to the musical performance that idols hold in music shows to promote their releases. Idols are introduced through debut stages, while those who have new releases return to music shows and hold comeback stages. Goodbye stages are for the last week’s round of performances during a promo cycle. Special or collaboration stages are performances given as a treat for fans of a music show (performances are usually covers of other, more senior, artists).

2. Music Show Win

For many KPop idols, this is the holy grail. A music show win is a concrete indication that an idol group has established itself in KPop, and many of them promote with the goal of netting a win or two. Music shows feature chart rankings that track the popularity of KPop artists and their current releases. Fans vote and stream videos of their idols on several websites to keep their idols ahead of the pack and hopefully, get them to number one on the weekly charts. While there are those who believe music shows are on the wane, they are still the fastest way to gain public recognition.

For many KPop idols, this is the holy grail. A music show win is a concrete indication that an idol group has established itself in KPop, and many of them promote with the goal of netting a win or two. Music shows feature chart rankings that track the popularity of KPop artists and their current releases. Fans vote and stream videos of their idols on several websites to keep their idols ahead of the pack and hopefully, get them to number one on the weekly charts. While there are those who believe music shows are on the wane, they are still the fastest way to gain public recognition.

1. Sunbaes and Hoobaes

The hierarchy within the KPop world is determined by seniority in the industry, not by age. Seniors, those who debuted earlier than your idols are called sunbaes, while those who debuted after are called hoobaes. Sunbaes are addressed respectfully and always greeted with a bow, regardless of whether they are older or younger in age. Hoobaes are careful to follow this as a lapse in protocol is likely to earn them backlash of epic proportions.

What other terms do you think budding KPop fans should know? Sound off in the comments section!

Pages: 1 2