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Maknae Meaning

막내 · K-pop & Korean fandom term

Maknae — Maknae (막내) means the youngest member of a K-pop group — or the baby of any group or family.

In Korean, maknae literally means “the youngest,” and it’s used for the youngest sibling in a family or the youngest person in any close group. In K-pop, the maknae is the youngest member of the group — and the role comes with a whole personality stereotype: playful, doted on, a little mischievous, and beloved by everyone.

There’s also the “evil maknae” (악마의 막내) trope — the youngest who, instead of being shy and obedient, teases the older members mercilessly. Fans adore both versions, because the maknae is usually the heart of the group’s warmth and humor.

How it’s used

  • 💬 “He’s the maknae but he bosses everyone around — total evil maknae energy.”
  • 💬 “The maknae line” = the youngest members of a group, grouped together.

Drawn to the maknae of every group? That says something about you — you’re pulled toward bright, playful energy. Find out what kind of energy you give off.

🔮What’s your aura? (energy test)🎤Which K-pop idol are you?💬What is Kaehae?

Related terms

💖 BiasIn K-pop, your bias is your favorite member of a group — the one you’re drawn to most.🥰 AegyoAegyo (애교) is a cute, charming display of affection — through a baby voice, gestures, or expressions — common in Korean culture and K-pop.✨ VisualIn K-pop, the “visual” is the member considered the most conventionally good-looking, representing the group’s image.

FAQ

What does maknae mean? ＋

Maknae (막내) is the Korean word for the youngest member of a group — in K-pop, the youngest member of the idol group, and in everyday Korean, the youngest sibling or youngest person in any group.

What is an “evil maknae”? ＋

An “evil maknae” (악마의 막내) is a youngest member who teases and bosses around the older members instead of being shy and obedient — a beloved fandom trope.

What is the “maknae line”? ＋

The maknae line refers to the youngest members of a group considered together, as opposed to the “hyung line” or “unnie line” (the oldest members).

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