Elle Korea / Elle Korea
In Korean culture, the youngest person in any group is known as the 'maknae' of the group. This goes for any social gathering of a group of people, a family, a group of friends, and of course, an idol group. International fans of K-Pop are sure to have heard of this term with respect to K-Pop groups where the youngest member of the group is referred to as the maknae.
The term maknae is unofficially associated with varied conditions including those of love and affection, playful teasing and more. It is also common for the other members of the group to pour their love onto the maknae because he's the beloved youngest and even tease them for the same reason, making them run chores like a younger sibling and so on and so forth. Knowing how most idol groups are like family, owing to their long training periods together, such dynamics are not only adorable but also expected.
However, the youngest member of a group doesn't always possess all the unsaid characteristics of a maknae. In his stead, another member, takes up the banner and is thus dubbed, the "fake maknae". There are no negative connotations to this title whatsoever because what it really means is that even though this member is not the youngest, his behavior is more suited to a maknae.
Here we're counting down 6 of our favourite fake maknaes of K-Pop who keep stealing our hearts with their charm.
1. EXO's Xiumin
SM Entertainment
EXO's oldest is effectively the cutest, the most loveable, and the most cared for member in the group. While he does fulfill his duties as a hyung very earnestly and in his own special ways, the rest of the members can't help but dote on him either. The fact that he has a babyface and is arguably the best at aegyo in the group, adds to his maknae quotient.
2. ASTRO's MJ
Fantagio
Over the years, AROHA have come closer and closer to the realization that MJ in indeed the fake maknae of the group and more so because he doesn't even try to hide it. He's always playful and is pretty much the mood maker of the group and the life of the ASTRO party. He doesn't shy away from embarrassing situations but rather turns it on its head to make light of the matter in a hilarious way, which makes everyone instantly happier. MJ is the human version of a serotonin boost and we all could use some.
3. 2PM's Jun.K
JYP Entertainment
2PM is back and so are the shenanigans of our favourite men in K-Pop. While ChanSung is the real maknae in 2PM, Jun.K has always been the real one in charge of that department. His sense of humour makes the whole group open up and over the years, he has come to know exactly what makes each one tick. Rather than maintaining order in any way, Jun.K would rather let chaos reign. If that doesn't define a fake maknae, we don't know what does.
4. Stray Kids' ChangBin
JYP Entertainment
Remember when Stray Kids were once asked in an interview about who the baby of the group was and ChangBin voluntarily raised his hand, proudly taking up the honour? Well, if the man himself thinks he's the maknae, who are we to contest that? As a matter of fact, there's more than enough evidence to prove the same and almost all of them have to do with the fact that Stray Kids themselves have accepted ChangBin as the fake maknae! The way he's always hyper and excited about little things, the way he's suspiciously good at aegyo, and finally, the way he always has a bright look, add to his maknae qualities.
5. GOT7's BamBam
ABYSS Company
The fact that BamBam desperately wishes he was the maknae of the group becomes very evident whenever he's around his members. He's quite literally a baby with the other members of GOT7 and even more so with AHGASE. However, we have to add that we're not complaining in the slightest because not only is it adorable to see him act like a maknae, it is also deeply endearing and goes to show how comfortable he is around both his fans and his members.
6. SHINee's Onew
Elle Korea
One of SHINee's hyungs is in actuality, the fake maknae of the group. Onew has a lovely and innocent quality to him, which gives off the impression of purity and softness. His worldview is gentle and optimistic at all times, which is another characteristic that makes him appear like a young soul. Onew's eyes are filled with wonder and even though he might be one of the older members, he's definitely the certified fake maknae.
Who else would you add to this list? Share your thoughts with Kpopmap in the comments section down below!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
- Top 20 K-Pop Idols Who Received The Most Hearts In The HEART TOP 100 As Voted By Global Fans (February 2024)
- Weekly Top 10 K-Pop Idols Who Received The Most Hearts In The HEART TOP 100 As Voted By Global Fans (1st Week Of February)
- Weekly Top 10 K-Pop Idols Who Received The Most Hearts In The HEART TOP 100 As Voted By Global Fans (5th Week Of January)
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Comments