K-pop glossary

A new release by an artist (single, EP, or album) and the surrounding promotional period. Not a return from hiatus — every new release is a "comeback".

Your favorite member in a group — the one you support the most.

A member who keeps catching your eye and threatens to take your bias’s spot.

The youngest member of a group.

The member who represents and guides the group, often the spokesperson.

The member considered to best fit the group’s beauty standards, often featured in promo.

The member positioned in the middle during performances and key shots.

The member with the strongest singing role, handling the most demanding parts.

A cute, charming display of affection through voice, expression, or gesture.

The official community of fans for an artist, often with a unique name and color.

The official name given to a group’s fans (e.g. ARMY, BLINK, MOA).

An official illuminated stick fans wave at concerts, unique to each fandom.

A synchronized chant fans shout at set points during a song, often member names.

The lead single of a release that gets the music video and stage promotion.

Album tracks other than the title track, usually not promoted on stage.

A short preview (photo, video, or clip) released before a comeback to build hype.

Styled promotional photos that reveal the visual theme of an upcoming release.

Weekly TV programs where artists perform; winners are picked via charts, sales, and votes.

When a song tops all major Korean music charts at once; a Perfect All-Kill (PAK) tops real-time and daily charts simultaneously.

An aspiring idol training under an agency in vocals, dance, and more before debut.

An artist’s official first release and public introduction.

Gestures by idols to please fans — interactions, content, or special moments.

A smaller group formed from some members of a larger group for separate activities.

An exclamation meaning "awesome" or "jackpot" — used for something amazing.

A "self camera" — a selfie, especially one posted by an idol for fans.