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K-Pop slang term
What does Hoobae (후배) mean?
About this term
Hoobae (후배) is the junior side of the sunbae/hoobae pair — someone who debuted later or has less experience in the same field. Fans track these relationships when older acts mentor rookies on music shows.
It pairs with sunbae (senior). Together they explain a lot of greeting and respect talk in idol culture, alongside maknae and trainee vocabulary.
Frequently asked questions
Is hoobae about age or debut year?
In idol talk, debut year and industry experience usually matter more than age alone.
How do you spell hoobae?
Fans write hoobae or hubae; official romanization is often hubae. Hangul is 후배.