From 'Anti' to 'V Live': A K-pop glossary to get you up to speed on the South Korean music phenomenon

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From 'Anti' to 'V Live': A K-pop glossary to get you up to speed on the South Korean music phenomenon

Newcomer to the vast K-pop world? Here's a guide to the top terms used in online culture

Published: July 19, 2022 17:30 Seyyed Llata, Senior Designer and With inputs from AFP

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K-pop: Korean popular music, or “K-pop”, is the genre of music originating from South Korea. Originally sung in Korean — but now often in English — K-pop songs may have musical elements from hip hop, electronic dance, jazz or rock. It is mostly performed by boy bands and girl groups. Key components include tight choreography, high production values and original concepts. — So what exactly is K-pop? Let's find out... Image Credit: Art by Seyyed Llata/Gulf News; text by AFP

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Anti-fan: Also shortened as “anti”, it refers to someone who hates a particular celebrity so much that they devote their time to mocking and criticising that artist. — Haters gonna hate, even in K-pop culture... Image Credit: Art by Seyyed Llata/Gulf News; text by AFP

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Comeback: A K-pop “comeback” means a group releasing new music or an album — with no long passage of time required. Often a multi-step process, a comeback is teased out for weeks with images, videos, and in some cases, even pre-album singles. — Comeback season is the best. Ever wondered what it is? Image Credit: Art by Seyyed Llata/Gulf News; text by AFP

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Fan chant: These are words shouted by fans during performances. A chant usually includes naming all the members of a group during the intro and then repeating specific words or lines throughout a song. The chants are often tailored to specific songs. — Here's a unique way fans show their love to K-pop artists... Image Credit: Art by Seyyed Llata/Gulf News; text by AFP

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Idol: An “idol” is a K-pop star, who has been trained before “debuting” — releasing their first music — through an entertainment agency. Idols can be solo artists or members of a group. — Superstars? Singers? Rockstars? Or idols? Decide for yourselves... Image Credit: Art by Seyyed Llata/Gulf News; text by AFP

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Leader: Most K-pop bands have a designated “leader” who is responsible for guiding and overseeing the group. The person usually starts any public introductions off and will be the first to speak at events. — Behind every good K-pop band is a person leading the charge... Image Credit: Art by Seyyed Llata/Gulf News; text by AFP

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Lightstick: Don’t dismiss them as mere glow sticks. K-pop lightsticks have evolved to become symbols of the fans’ devotion to their artists. They are custom-made for many groups, and fans show their unity by waving them at concerts. — Light up any venue with a dedicated lightstick... Image Credit: Art by Seyyed Llata/Gulf News; text by AFP

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Sasaeng fan: The super-obsessed fan who goes over the top for the attention of their favourite K-pop artist. In Korean, “sa” means private and “saeng” means life, referring to the fans’ intrusion into the stars’ private lives. In some cases, this may amount to borderline criminal acts, such as breaking into their homes, stealing their personal items or information, and sending inappropriate gifts such as lingerie. — Stalker alert! There's a special name for them in Korea... Image Credit: Art by Seyyed Llata/Gulf News; text by AFP

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V Live: If you want to keep up with your favourite K-pop star, “V Live” is a must. It’s a livestream platform used by most K-pop idols to connect with their fans. Some upload behind-the-scene footage, while others use it to livestream after shows. — Artist live streams are in a whole new level in Korea... Image Credit: Art by Seyyed Llata/Gulf News; text by AFP

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