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K-Pop slang term
What does Dongsaeng (동생) mean?
About this term
Dongsaeng (동생) means a younger sibling, or someone younger you are close to. Idols call younger members or fans dongsaeng as a soft, caring label.
It sits with unnie, noona, and hyung in Korean age-based address culture. International fans learn it quickly from variety shows and lives.
Frequently asked questions
Can fans call an idol dongsaeng?
Only if you are clearly older and the vibe fits — many fans still avoid it out of respect and stick to names or titles.
Is dongsaeng gendered?
The word itself is not gendered; it simply means a younger sibling / younger person.