K-pop words to knowK-pop
Maknae (막내) — the youngest in the group
Maknae is the youngest member of a K-pop group. In Korean, 막내 means the youngest child in a family.
막내 · maknaeAdded to the OED in Dec. 2024Updated Oct 20, 2026
What does it mean?
Maknae (막내) is defined by Urimalsaem as the person born last among siblings. In K-pop it is used for the youngest member of a group.
Where did it come from?
The Korea Times reported on Jan. 7, 2025 that the Oxford English Dictionary’s December 2024 update added Korean words including maknae. It says the word first meant the youngest sibling in a family and now also means “the youngest member of a K-pop group.”
In a sentence
“The maknae of the group is also the main dancer.” / “우리 막내가 제일 인기 많아요.” (Our maknae is the most popular.)
Similar words
Related: 막내 라인 (maknae line), the youngest members of a group, per Urimalsaem.