„Hoobae“ and „Sunbae“ unfortunately cannot be translated literally. Nevertheless, in this case one can define quite clearly what is meant here. It is about sibling feelings. Unlike what is sometimes claimed, however, this does not mean brother and sister. Rather, one would speak here of newcomer and professional. As already mentioned, there is no clear translation and therefore some room for interpretation is definitely given.
What does „Hoobae“ and „Sunbae“ mean? Meaning, definition, explanation
As a so-called „Hoobae“ you are still more or less inexperienced and have to be taken by the hand from time to time. So it could be that a so-called „Hoobae“ is the youngest member of a group, but of course it does not have to be. It is much more about the lack of experience that the „hoobae“ has.
As a „Hoobae“ it is common to show a lot of respect and appreciation to the member called „Sunbae“. This behavior then does not go unrewarded. In the best case, the „Sunbae“ is always there for the „Hoobae“ in all important moments and is also able to teach him a lot of important things that are relevant especially within the group.
As a „Sunbae“ one is experienced and has distinctive qualities
As a so-called „Sunbae“ one is a kind of senior in a group and can not only impart his experiences to other members, but also show leadership qualities. After all, every group and especially a music group needs a clear leader.
If one is chosen as a „sunbae“, or has the feeling of having been designated for this by the group, one can dare to make predictions, carry out planning and, above all, intervene if there is a problem within the group.
See: K-Pop / Korean dictionary
South Korea is a country with clear hierarchies
Many people very often have an image of South Korea, but this is only partially correct. People often think of robots, state-of-the-art technology, endless shopping malls and crowded streets. At first glance, everything seems particularly modern. Of course, this is true at first, because South Korea is indeed a very modern country in terms of digitalization and architecture.
However, if you look at social life, you can still see a lot of old traditions and a lot of conservative thinking. Confucianism, which still affects large parts of the country’s society today, has a very strong influence here. Even Korean pop culture cannot completely detach itself from this tradition. What may seem at first glance to be simply very colorful, open and tolerant, actually follows a strict hierarchy.
People in South Korea are used to strict rules and hierarchies in their everyday lives. Whether at work or in the workplace, one has to be subordinate to a particular degree everywhere. Perhaps this is exactly the legitimation for „Hoobae“ and „Sunbae“.
Origin: Hoobae and Sunbae
Hoobae and sunbae are terms that originate from the Korean language and are particularly widespread in democratic and cosmopolitan South Korea. Here they are used more frequently, especially in connection with the Korean pop scene.
South Korea is a small country with enormous economic potential. Many people, especially in the large metropolises of Seoul and Busan, benefit from this dizzying boom. However, young people in particular want to be able to lead a fulfilling social life in addition to their work. Culture plays a particularly prominent role in this. South Korean pop culture has become very popular here in recent years. This trend is also accompanied by new fashionable words. „Hoobae“ and „Sunbae“ are certainly prominent examples worth mentioning.