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K-Pop slang term
What does Sunbae (선배) mean?
About this term
Sunbae (선배), also romanized seonbae, means a senior peer — someone who debuted earlier or has more experience in school or the entertainment industry. International fans meet the word in award-show speeches, variety clips, and news about idol workplace culture.
The pair sunbae / hoobae (junior) explains a lot of greeting and respect talk between generations of artists. It is beginner culture vocabulary alongside maknae, trainee, and debut.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sunbae and hoobae?
Sunbae is the senior; hoobae is the junior. Debut year and experience usually matter more than age alone in idol talk.
How do you pronounce sunbae?
Close to "sun-beh" or "son-beh." Official romanization is often seonbae, but fans commonly write sunbae.