Korean Terms from Squid Game Added to the Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially added seven new Korean words to its collection, showcasing the growing influence of Korean culture worldwide. Announced on December 7, the additions include “dalgona,” “hyung,” “noraebang,” “maknae,” “jjigae,” “tteokbokki,” and “pansori.”

These terms are widely recognized due to the global popularity of Korean dramas, music, and food. “Dalgona,” for instance, gained immense attention through the hit Netflix series Squid Game, where it played a central role in one of the challenges.

Professor Cho Ji Eun, a Korean consultant for the OED, shared insights into why these words were added:

“Dalgona, which appears in the Netflix series Squid Game and other Korean food words, are well-known through K-Dramas, making them acceptable for dictionary registration. We are also preparing to register honorifics such as ‘hyung’ and ‘maknae.’”

This isn’t the first time Korean terms have made it into the dictionary. Back in 2021, the OED included 26 Korean words, such as “K-Drama,” “hallyu,” “mukbang,” and “daebak.”

The rising interest in Korean culture is also reflected in language studies. According to a joint study by the British Ministry of Education, while interest in European languages is declining, the number of people learning Korean has been steadily increasing.

The OED’s inclusion of these terms is part of its mission to document words that English speakers frequently use, further highlighting how deeply Korean culture has resonated globally.

Beyond introducing words like “dalgona,” Squid Game has inspired fans worldwide to recreate its iconic challenges, such as the dalgona and gonggi games. As fans eagerly await the release of Season 3, the show’s cultural impact continues to grow.

With these new dictionary entries, the global reach of Korean culture is more evident than ever.