Dictionary — Entry No. 0940
백
baek · noun
백
baek
[baek]
nounbeginner
Meaning
The number one hundred. Represents magnitude, significance, and emotional intensity in Korean culture. Used metaphorically in K-Pop lyrics to express passion, in K-Drama dialogue for emphasis, and literally in fan countdowns and milestone celebrations.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
The concept of ‘백일’ (100 days) is romantically significant in Korean culture, marking a couple milestone celebrated on K-Drama shows. K-Pop idols reference ‘a hundred times’ in lyrics to convey intense emotion. Fans celebrate 100-day anniversaries of favorite releases and concerts.
Example Sentences
백 번 봐도 안 질려요.
baek beon bwa-do an jil-lyeo-yo.
Even watching a hundred times, I don’t get tired (MV or episode rewatch devotion)
백일이 되었어요.
baek-il-i doe-eosseo-yo.
It’s been a hundred days (relationship milestone)
백 번 사랑해.
baek beon sa-rang-hae.
I love you a hundred times (romantic intensity)
⚠️ Don’t use baek when…
Don’t confuse 백 (baek/hundred) with 밴 (baen/band) or 뱀 (baem/snake)—tone and context matter. ‘백일’ (100 days) is a romantic milestone but shouldn’t be confused with ‘백일장’ (essay competition).
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Crash Landing on You — The ‘100-day couple’ romantic trope appears throughout, with the leads celebrating intimate milestones and counting down their remaining time together as the narrative tension builds.
- K-Pop: BLACKPINK — Their ‘Kill This Love’ and other lyrics reference ‘a hundred times’ and emotional magnitude, using hyperbolic numbers to convey the scale of their passion and global fanbase devotion.
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.