What is a sub-unit in K-pop and why is this a buzzword online?
Aside from group and solo projects, K-pop idols also work in sub-units. The term refers to a smaller group of idols--a duo, trio, or even more--that comes from an existing group. It allows idols to explore more sides of their artistry outside their typical image.
For example, there's Super Junior-K.R.Y., composed of the group's main vocalists Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, and Yesung. The group's other sub-unit, D&E, has Donghae and Eunhyuk as its members.
Boy group EXO has two sub-units: EXO-CBX, composed of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin, and EXO-SC, composed of rappers Sehun and Chanyeol.
SEVENTEEN's BSS, made up of DK, Hoshi, and Seungkwan, just released their first single album SECOND WIND and its title track "Fighting."
Other popular K-pop sub-units include WJSN THE BLACK, Red Velvet - Irene & Seulgi, OH MY GIRL BANHANA, GOT7's JJ Project, and Girls' Generation's TTS.
The word "sub-unit" quickly trended online on Monday, February 13, after TV host Dianne Medina mispronounced it during a newscast.
The snippet of her report, which was shared on Twitter by @bop4minyo, instantly went viral with over 1.7 million views, as of this writing.
As seen in the video, Dianne was reporting on the upcoming debut of K-pop girl group TWICE's first sub-unit MISAMO, when she accidentally mispronounced the word "sub-unit" to "su-bu-nit."
Dianne redid her report on MISAMO, correcting the pronunciation of "sub-unit," and posted it on her Instagram account. She clarified in the comments section,"Since wala akong alam sa K-pop mas [okay] sana kung nalagyan ng space so na guide ako. Na-assume ko kasi na Japanese word. Although dapat [din] as a host nag-research ako and didn't rely sa prompter anyway at least I know my lesson now."
LOOK AT THE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT K-POP GROUPS HERE: