You’ve probably heard dongsaeng somewhere in K-dramas or K-pop.
Read on to learn what dongsaeng means in Korean!
Quick Summary
- Dongsaeng refers to a younger sibling or someone younger than oneself, for all genders.
- The term dongsaeng carries a warm, affectionate connotation.
- Koreans don’t directly call someone dongsaeng, but use their name.
In Korea, being a dongsaeng can be nice.
Younger ones get to enjoy the perks of being pampered, while older ones take on more responsibilities of setting examples or paying for things.
One disadvantage of being a dongsaeng is that we have to use things handed down, like clothes, toys, or even textbooks.
In some of my childhood photos, I’m wearing a cute Mickey shirt that belonged to my older brother, with his name on it.
As fewer children are born in Korea, some people treat pets as their dongsaeng.
What’s the Definition of Dongsaeng?
Dongsaeng literally means younger sibling in Korean.
It can be used for both a younger brother (nam-dongsaeng) and a younger sister (yeo-dongsaeng).
But it’s not limited to blood relations because its meaning has expanded to refer to anyone younger than oneself.
Dongsaeng can mean a younger close friend, showing a sense of familial bond and affection.
What Is the Position of Dongsaeng in the Korean Hierarchical System?
Korean society revolves around hierarchy, which is often based on age.
Age is not just a number, it determines how people interact with each other.
Usually dongsaeng fits in the lower tier of this social hierarchy whether in the family or not.
Dongsaeng is expected to show some respect to older people as they take on a quasi-mentor role, providing guidance and care.
When addressing or talking to someone younger, Koreans use informal speech (banmal) reflecting the age gap.
Yet, it’s still important for the older person to be polite, gentle, and not overly domineering as a civilized being.
If you meet someone older and that person immediately drops honorifics and starts speaking down to you, it’s a red flag.
I usually stop keeping in touch with people like that, as it shows a lack of respect and disregard for social boundaries. You don’t have to be a nice dongsaeng all the time.
How Does Dongsaeng Feel Emotionally?
The term dongsaeng carries a warm, affectionate connotation.
Whenever I hang out with dongsaeng like my younger cousins, I feel somewhat responsible for their well-being. I want to buy them a nice dinner, dessert, and a gift on top of any help I can give.
This bond often involves mentorship, support, and a protective attitude.
While Koreans use woori (our) before mom, dad, unnie, oppa, noona, and hyung, nae (my) comes before dongsaeng.
Some jokingly say it is because dongsaeng is mine, as in my subordinate gifted by woori umma (mom).
How’s Dongsaeng in K-Pop Culture?
In the world of K-pop, the term dongsaeng refers to younger members within a group.
K-pop idols often have a group dynamic that mirrors family structures, and this extends to the language they use with each other.
Dongsaeng highlights the affectionate relationships between group members.
Younger idols are expected to show respect to older idols in the group, and the older members usually take a protective role, guiding the younger ones through their career and personal growth.
Though this hierarchy is based on age, it forms a sense of unity and family within the group.
How Is Dongsaeng Used in Everyday Life?
Unlike the titles oppa, unnie, hyung, and noona, Koreans don’t directly call someone dongsaeng.
We use the word when introducing them or mentioning them to other people.
Koreans simply use their first name when someone’s younger than us.
The term dongsaeng represents closeness in the unique cultural context of Korea.
The role of a dongsaeng shows how relationships are structured.
Whether in familial or social contexts, it encapsulates a blend of affection, protection, and guidance.
