Korean Names: The Story Behind BTS and Their Meanings

Though BTS has temporarily paused their global activities, their Korean name, Bangtan Sonyeondan, holds significant meaning. The name, which translates to “Bulletproof Boy Scouts”, represents their mission to protect youth from hardships and prejudices. While globally known as BTS, this Korean name conveys a deeper message often overlooked by fans.

BTS

What Does BTS Mean in Korean?

“Bangtan” means "bulletproof," and “Sonyeondan” refers to a boy group. Together, the name represents a group that stands strong against life’s challenges, a reflection of their musical journey and influence on fans around the world.

Exploring Korean Names Through BTS Member Jimin

One of BTS’s well-loved members, Jimin, provides an excellent example of how Korean names are structured. His full name is Park Jimin—in Korea, the family name (surname) comes first, followed by the given name. Unlike Western names, this naming order reflects Korea’s emphasis on family lineage and heritage. Common Korean surnames such as Kim, Lee, Park, Choi, and Jung are widespread, with Kim being the most common, accounting for 21% of the population.

BTS Jimin

The Meaning Behind "Jimin"

The name "Jimin" breaks down into two syllables: "Ji", often associated with wisdom or knowledge (as seen in words like 지식 [jisik] meaning knowledge), and "Min", which is another frequently used syllable in Korean names. 

The combination gives the name a sense of intellect and sincerity, common traits celebrated in Korean culture. 

Interestingly, BLACKPINK's Jisoo also uses "Ji" in her name, showcasing how this syllable is popular across both male and female Korean names.

BLACKPINK Jisoo

Common Korean Surnames: Kim, Lee, Park, and More

Surnames like Kim, Lee, and Park dominate Korea. Kim (sometimes spelled Gim in Romanization) is the most common, with one in five Koreans bearing this surname. It originated from the Gyeongju Kim clan, which was historically significant. Lee (often spelled Yi) is the second most common, rooted in the royal Yi dynasty of Joseon. Park, as in Park Jimin, is the third most common, though the name originates from the ancient kingdom of Silla.

Choi and Jung round out the list of common surnames. Choi (sometimes pronounced as "Choe") can be tricky for non-Koreans to pronounce, often spelled to resemble "Choi" for convenience. Jung, meanwhile, is frequently spelled as Jeong or even Chung in English, highlighting the flexibility in Romanization.

Conclusion

By understanding Korean names and their meanings, we can also gain deeper insights into Korean history and culture. Learning more about these names, like those of BTS members, offers a window into Korea's rich heritage.