- By Srishti Pandey
- Mon, 20 Jan 2025 08:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially included the Korean term "maknae" in its latest update and BTS' youngest member, Jungkook, is at the centre of this milestone. Known as the "golden maknae" among fans, Jungkook has played a pivotal role in popularizing the term globally, with ARMYs celebrating this recognition as yet another testament to his cultural impact.
The word "maknae," used to describe the youngest member of a family or group, holds a special place in Kpop culture. Jungkook, as the youngest member of BTS, is affectionately referred to as the maknae by both his bandmates and fans worldwide. South Korean news outlet Arirang News highlighted Jungkook's influence while reporting on the addition of "maknae" to the OED in its December 2024 update.
In addition to "maknae," the OED has added six other Korean words, including "dalgona," "noraebang," "hyung," "jjigae," "tteokbokki" and "pansori." This update comes three years after 26 Korean terms were introduced in 2021, showcasing the growing influence of Korean culture, partly driven by global phenomena like BTS and Squid Game.
HAVE A LOOK:
The JUNGKOOK IMPACT/EFFECT🔥
— OFFICIAL JUNGKOOK SOUTH AFRICA FANBASE (@JkSouthAfrica) January 13, 2025
The Oxford English Dictionary, which is widely accepted as the most complete record of the English language ever to be assembled, has now added the Korean word "maknae," and referenced JUNGKOOK as an example under its World English Release notes!👑🎉 pic.twitter.com/5AgBbgmIX0
MAKNAE!!
— Kookie Koo 📀ᴱᴿᴬ (fan) (@goforitall_1997) January 12, 2025
The one and only JEON JUNGKOOK!!
Impacting even on the prestigious Oxford English Dictionary in the UK. Other words were added, but to highlight Jungkook while "presenting" these new words to the world, well...his impact is huge!!
MAKNAE, the GOLDEN MAKNAE! pic.twitter.com/hh6ndDtcQA
“In K-pop culture,‘maknae’ refers to the youngest member of a group,.. Jungkook of BTS fame has made these words globally popular..”
— BANGTAN DELIGHT ¹⁰ BTS YEAR 💜 (@Lovly_mochitwin) January 13, 2025
Oxford Dictionary has now added the word ‘maknae’ and Jungkook was cited as an example🔥
His Impact🥹#정국 #Jungkook pic.twitter.com/w07gr9FOs5 pic.twitter.com/M3yORNaTic
The Oxford English Dictionary has reportedly added the term "maknae", citing JUNGKOOK as an example!pic.twitter.com/t4uaCj1407
— Pop Core (@TheePopCore) January 12, 2025
ARMYs, BTS' dedicated fanbase, have taken to social media to celebrate Jungkook's association with this linguistic milestone. Fans praised the singer's global influence, with one user tweeting, "Because of Jungkook, the golden maknae, the Oxford English Dictionary added 'maknae.' His impact is undeniable!"
Another fan wrote, "Imagine being the inspiration for a word in the Oxford English Dictionary. Jungkook continues to amaze us!" Social media platforms have been flooded with posts applauding the star’s role in promoting Korean culture, solidifying his reputation as a global icon.
In addition to this linguistic recognition, Jungkook recently made history as the first Kpop artist to have a song, Dynamite, reach 2 billion streams on Spotify. His solo track Seven from his debut album Golden also achieved the same milestone, further cementing his unparalleled influence in music and beyond.