Debut
When a singer or group finishes their training period and is officially introduced to the public through their first album or stage performance.
Comeback
When an already-debuted artist or group releases a new album or song and resumes activities. In K-pop, this refers to a new release itself, not a return from retirement β a usage distinct from how the word is typically used elsewhere.
Bias
Fandom term for your favorite member within a group. Your second-favorite is sometimes called a "bias wrecker."
Maknae
The youngest member of a group β a term reflecting Korea's distinctive age-based hierarchy culture.
Visual
A position label given to the member seen as the group's representative face β a role centered on appearance, separate from skill, that serves as the group's "face."
Fandom Name
The official nickname a group and its fans use to refer to each other, often announced officially by the agency together with the group.
Trainee
An aspiring artist who trains in singing, dancing, foreign languages, and more at an agency with the goal of debuting β training periods can range from a few months to several years.
Lightstick
A fan-cheering tool with a unique design for each fandom β at concerts, the entire fandom waving the same lightstick creates a spectacular visual display.
Center
The member who stands in the middle of the formation on stage, generally regarded as a symbolic position representing the group.
Sub-unit
A smaller team made up of only some members of a group, rather than the full lineup, formed for separate activities.
Idol
A pop-culture star who is active across singing, dancing, variety shows, and more, built on strong fandom support.
Hallyu (Korean Wave)
The term for the phenomenon of Korean pop culture β K-pop, dramas, films, and more β gaining popularity around the world.