noun Pop Culture

Hyung

/hjʌŋ/ · noun · informal

Korean for 'older brother' used by men — fandom-speak for the elder male members.

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Definitions

1

In K-pop, used to reference the older male members as a unit ('the hyung line').

“The hyung line handles all the deep vocals.”
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2

Used between male friends to show closeness and respect for the elder one.

“Thanks for covering me, hyung, I owe you.”
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3

A Korean term a boy or man uses to address an older male — literally 'older brother,' also for older male friends.

“He calls every member older than him hyung.”
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Hyung In A Sentence

the maknae bossing the hyungs around is peak comedy
hyung line walked out in matching suits and ended me
calling my older roommate hyung now even though he's irish, he loves it

Origin & Usage

A native Korean kinship term (형) meaning 'older brother' from a male speaker's perspective; widely known internationally through K-pop and K-dramas.

People Also Ask

What does hyung mean?

It's Korean for 'older brother,' used by a male speaker — and in K-pop it refers to the older male members.

What is the hyung line?

It's the older male members of a group grouped together, as opposed to the 'maknae line' of younger ones.

Can women say hyung?

Traditionally no — a female speaker uses 'oppa' for an older male. 'Hyung' is man-to-man, though some women use it casually online.

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