Seoul, South Korea – As Korean culture continues to captivate global audiences—from the beats of K-pop to the intrigue of K-dramas—the influence of the Korean lexicon is becoming increasingly evident. Reflecting this cultural wave, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added eight Korean-origin words in its December 2024 update.

Among the newly included terms is ‘dalgona,’ a traditional Korean confection that rose to global fame in 2021 thanks to the Netflix sensation Squid Game. Defined by the OED as “a Korean confection made by adding baking soda to melted sugar,” dalgona often features simple carved shapes such as hearts or stars.

‘Dalgona coffee,’ a viral sensation during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, also received a separate entry. This frothy, sweet drink is made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water before layering it over milk.

Other additions include ‘jjigae’ (broth-based stews) and ‘tteokbokki’ (spicy rice cakes), both staples of Korean cuisine. Meanwhile, terms like ‘hyung’ and ‘maknae’ have evolved beyond their familial roots. In K-pop culture, ‘maknae’ refers to the youngest member of a group, showcasing the fluidity of these terms. Jungkook of BTS fame has made these words globally popular as the ‘maknae’ of the legendary K-Pop group.

The dictionary also recognised ‘noraebang,’ describing it as “a private room hired for karaoke.” This entry acknowledges the cultural significance of these entertainment spaces, citing examples from literature such as Thomas Pynchon’s 2013 novel, Bleeding Edge.

This marks the first time since 2021 that the OED has added Korean-origin words. In its previous update, the dictionary included terms like ‘hallyu’ (the Korean wave), ‘mukbang’ (videos of people eating), and ‘K-drama’ (Korean soap operas).

The OED’s latest update highlights the global reach of Korean culture. “We are all riding the crest of the Korean wave,” the dictionary stated, emphasising the impact of Korean film, music, and fashion on contemporary language.

First published in 1884, the OED remains one of the most authoritative dictionaries among English speakers. Regularly updated with new additions, it currently houses approximately 500,000 words and phrases, documenting their history, meanings, and usage across various mediums.

This growing inclusion of Korean terms reflects the expanding influence of the Korean wave and its role in shaping modern language and culture worldwide.

Agencies