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Learn Korean with BTS: The Secrets Behind Their Korean Names (Part 2)



Welcome to Part 2 of the BTS Name Series! This time, we’re uncovering the hidden stories behind the Korean names of J-Hope, Jungkook, Jimin, and Suga. Ever wonder what their names mean? In this episode, we’ll dive into how each member’s name lines up with their destiny—there’s some seriously cool stuff waiting to be discovered! Ready to find out whose name we’ll break down next? Let’s get started!


 

J-HOPE

호석: Hoseok

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The name Ho-seok (호석) gives off a mix of masculinity with a playful and humorous vibe.


Ho (호) brings to mind someone active and full of energy, while Seok (석) has a heavier, more serious feel. These two contrasting characters come together to create a name that makes you think of someone who’s bright and cheerful, but also strong and solid.

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His parents gave him this name, and it almost sounds like they hoped he’d make his name known to the world. Here’s why!


Ho (호) can mean 'to call' or 'shout', and Seok (석) refers to 'a cornerstone', 'foundation', or 'something strong and solid'. So, you can interpret it as someone who stands at the center of the world, making their voice heard and leading with strength.


Doesn’t that match perfectly with J-Hope, who’s at the heart of BTS, spreading positive energy and supporting the team? It’s like his bright personality and strong inner core are perfectly reflected in his name.

 

JK

정국: Jungkook

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The name Jung-kook (정국) is a really old name. It’s been around for so long that even in the 1400s, there were people with the same name. It's one of those classic names that never goes out of style and has always been popular among men. The name gives the impression of someone who is upright, has a strong philosophy, and remains neutral and fair. It’s a name that makes you think of someone trustworthy.


Jung-kook's name carries the image of a righteous person who always walks the right path. It fits Jung-kook's hardworking and strong personality perfectly, don't you think?

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His grandfather was the one who gave him this name.


The character Jung (정) can have different meanings depending on the Hanja, but in Jung-kook’s case, it means 'righteous'. Kook (국) usually stands for things like nation, people, world, or capital.


So when you put these two together, it means someone who becomes the righteous center of the nation (or world). Isn’t that awesome? His grandfather must have hoped he’d grow up to be the pillar of the country.


There's also a famous story about the dream his mother had before he was born. She dreamed of golden rain falling from the sky, and wherever the raindrops landed, they turned to gold! What an incredible dream, right? And just like in the dream, Jung-kook became someone who's at the center of the world, famous all over the world, with strong beliefs of his own. It’s like his name and that dream predicted his amazing journey!

 

Jimin

지민: Jimin

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The name Ji-min (지민) was originally a name commonly used for girls. But over time, it became a more gender-neutral name. These days, about 60-70% of people with this name are female, and 30-40% are male. So, when a guy has this name, it gives off a soft, gentle, and emotional vibe. Even the way it sounds feels warm and comforting. Ji-min fits him so well, it’s hard to imagine him with any other name!

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The Ji (지) in Ji-min’s name usually represents wisdom, intelligence, talent, knowledge, truth, or divinity. Ji(지) is one of the characters that's often used in names for both men and women in Korea.

As for Min (민), it has many meanings, but in Ji-min’s case, it stands for 'sky' or 'heaven'.


So, when you break down his name, it means 'a person with wisdom as vast as the sky'. In other words, it means someone with incredible wisdom and talent, the best under the sky. Ji-min’s name was given to him by his grandfather, who hoped he would grow up to be wise and talented.


nterestingly, Ji-min was the top student when he entered Busan High School of Arts. This school is known for gathering talented students, and usually, the top students come from the art or music departments. But Ji-min was the first to enter as the top student in the dance art department in the school’s history. How amazing is that?


On top of that, in 2023, a survey on a Korean website named Ji-min as the idol with 'the most beautiful name meaning'!

 

SUGA

윤기: Yungi

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The name Yun-gi (윤기) has such a unique charm. The characters Yun (윤) and Gi (기) are usually found in names for women in Korea. Both characters give off a soft and beautiful vibe. But when they come together, the name takes on a completely masculine image! Doesn’t it just make you think of someone strong?


This name has both softness and strength, so the image it gives off can change depending on who hears it. That’s what makes it feel so special, like a name that should be used thoughtfully.

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The meaning behind the name is pretty amazing, too.


Yun (윤) represents smooth success and living brightly and comfortably, free from struggles. In the Joseon Dynasty, it symbolized jade, the most precious jewel worn by kings, making Yun (윤) a character associated with royalty.


Gi (기) is a family name passed down through generations. His brother’s name also includes Gi (기), which stands for roots and essence. Together, Yun-gi (윤기) evokes the image of a noble king.


Was he destined to be royalty? 😁 Yun-gi is one of those names that’s loved across generations. The balance of softness and strength is probably why it’s so well-loved!

 

Now we've enjoyed the special meanings behind all of the BTS members' Korean names!

Doesn't it feel like each name perfectly reflects their personalities and destinies?


So the next time you're on Weverse during a LIVE with the members, show off your knowledge and ask, "Oppa, what does your name mean?" 😁💪


You might just surprise them with how much you know about their names!

We’ll be back with more fun stories next time, so stay tuned!


 

 


 

🖐 All images used in this post are provided by DUCKZIL.

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