Dictionary — Entry No. 0587
영웅
yeongung · noun
영웅
yeongung
[yuhng-OONG]
nounbeginner
Meaning
영웅 means ‘hero’ — someone of extraordinary courage, virtue, or legendary status. It describes mythological warriors, historical figures, and beloved idols who inspire millions. The word carries an epic, almost reverential weight that sets it apart from everyday praise.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Monsta X’s 2015 track ‘Hero (영웅)’ became an anthem of fan loyalty, with members declaring themselves heroes for their fans — one of K-Pop’s most direct 영웅 tributes. In K-Dramas, 영웅 figures anchor grand historical epics and fantasy sagas. BTS’s ‘Map of the Soul’ era explored the crushing burden of being cast as a 영웅 by millions of followers.
Example Sentences
그는 진정한 영웅이에요.
geuneun jinjeonghan yeongung-ieyo
‘He is a true hero.’ — sincere, weighty praise for exceptional courage or achievement
우리의 영웅이 되어줘.
uri-eui yeongung-i doeoejwo
‘Be our hero.’ — an emotional fan chant energy, asking an idol to keep inspiring and leading
영웅은 언제나 돌아와.
yeongung-eun eonjena dorawa
‘Heroes always come back.’ — an inspirational line often heard in comeback teasers or military enlistment farewells
⚠️ Don’t use yeongung when…
영웅 (legendary hero with moral virtue) is not the same as 주인공 (juingong, main character/protagonist) — international fans often use them interchangeably, but 영웅 implies heroic greatness while 주인공 just means ‘the lead.’ Pronounce both syllables clearly: 영 + 웅, not slurred together.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Arthdal Chronicles (아스달 연대기) — Eunseom’s journey from slave to legendary 영웅 of an ancient civilization is one of K-Drama’s most ambitious epic hero arcs
- K-Pop: Monsta X — Hero (영웅)
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.