When you hear the name Jimin, you probably think of the global superstar from BTS. But did you know that the charismatic former leader of the girl group AOA is also named Jimin?
Wait, what?
If you've ever had this moment of confusion, you're not alone. But it's not a coincidence—it's actually one of the coolest things about Korean names. Unlike in English where names like 'John' or 'Mary' are pretty much locked to one gender, a huge number of Korean names are completely unisex.
The secret is in how they're made. Instead of being tied to tradition like many English names, most Korean names are all about meaning. Parents combine two syllables that represent a beautiful wish for their child—like 'wisdom', 'sky', 'shining', or 'treasure'. And those amazing qualities aren't just for boys or for girls—they're for everyone.
Now that you know the secret, you'll start seeing them everywhere. Here are some of the coolest examples in K-pop right now.
The "Wait, They Have the Same Name?" Club
These are the high-profile names you've definitely seen on both boy group and girl group members, proving just how versatile they are.
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Jimin (지민): A legendary name for a legendary artist. You have Jimin of BTS, whose name means "Wisdom from the Sky." But it's also the name of former AOA member, Shin Jimin. A name that feels both powerful and graceful, working beautifuly for anyone.
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Hyunjin (현진): The ultimate example. There's the iconic Hyunjin from Stray Kids, and the equally talented Hyunjin from LOONA/Loossemble. The name itself often means “Shining Treasure,” a perfect fit for any star.
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Soobin (수빈): A name that's super popular with 4th Gen idols. You have Soobin of TXT, and Soobin of the girl group WJSN. It often carries a meaning like "Excellent Shine," a name destined for the spotlight.
Cool Names, No Gender Required
These names are so versatile, you'll find them used by all sorts of cool people—idols, athletes, and everyone in between.
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Chaewon (채원): We all know and love Chaewon from LE SSERAFIM, whose name can mean “Garden of Color.” But it's also the real name of Tarzzan of ALLDAY PROJECT, Lee Chaewon.
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San (산): ATEEZ's San has a name as powerful as its meaning: “Mountain.” But it's not just for boys. One of South Korea's most famous athletes is the Olympic gold medalist archer, An San.
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Juyeon (주연): The Boyz's Juyeon has a name that was basically made for a star. Juyeon literally means “Main Character” or “Leading Role.” It's also a common name for actresses, like former After School member Lee Juyeon.
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Sion / ShiOn (시온): This name sounds so cool, you might think it's a stage name. But it's the real given name for Sion of NCT and ShiOn of the girl group tripleS. It often means 'Warm Time,' giving it a gentle and cool vibe.
The beauty of Korean names is their flexibility and focus on meaning over gender. A name that means 'wisdom,' 'ocean,' or 'star' is a beautiful wish for any child.
So, next time you hear a name you love, don't ask if it's for a boy or a girl. Just ask if it's a cool name.
Ready to find your own iconic, and maybe even unisex, Korean name? You know where to go: myKname.kr