Trendy Korean Slang from K-Dramas and Variety Shows


If you’ve watched Korean dramas or variety shows, you’ve probably noticed certain words and phrases that characters shout out in funny, shocking, or emotional moments. These are 유행어 (yuhaengeo), or trending slang expressions. They often start in TV shows and quickly spread to everyday conversation among young Koreans. Let’s look at some of the most popular ones and how to use them.

1) 대박! (Daebak!) — Awesome! / Unbelievable!

Originally meaning “jackpot” or “big success,” this word now means something amazing, shocking, or unbelievable.

  • 대박! — Wow! That’s awesome!
  • Usage: When you hear surprising news or see something impressive.

2) 헐… (Heol…) — OMG… / No way…

A short expression of disbelief or shock. Often used in texting or in dramatic moments.

  • 헐! — Oh my god! / Seriously?
  • Usage: When something unexpected happens, either funny or frustrating.

3) 꿀잼 / 노잼 (Kkul-jaem / No-jaem) — So Fun / Not Fun

잼 comes from “재미” (fun). Add “꿀” (honey) to mean super fun, or “노” (no) to mean boring.

  • 꿀잼! — This is super fun!
  • 노잼… — This is boring.
  • Usage: To rate a movie, drama, or game.

4) 심쿵 (Sim-kung) — Heart Flutter

A contraction of 심장 (heart) + 쿵 (thump). Used when someone’s heart beats fast because of romance or excitement.

  • 완전 심쿵했어! — My heart totally fluttered!
  • Usage: Watching a romantic scene in a K-drama.

5) 눈치 (Nunchi) — Social Awareness

This word is hard to translate directly. It means the ability to read the room or sense what others feel without words.

  • 눈치 없다. — You have no sense (socially awkward).
  • 눈치 빨라! — You’re quick to pick up on things.

Final Words

Korean slang makes conversations lively, funny, and expressive. In dramas and variety shows, these words often spread like wildfire into everyday life. Learning them not only helps you understand Korean entertainment better, but also connects you to how young people actually speak.
Next time, we’ll cover the most common mistakes foreigners make in Korean—so you can avoid saying things that sound awkward or rude.
Aloha to words that go viral—대박! 🎉

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