The term “Oppa” (오빠) is perhaps one of the most recognized Korean words globally, thanks to the explosion of the Hallyu wave.
However, as the provided wikiHow guide illustrates, its usage is governed by a complex web of social hierarchy, gender dynamics, and emotional intimacy.
Understanding “Oppa” requires looking past its literal translation to see how it functions as a pillar of Korean societal structure.
The Literal and Extended Meanings
At its most basic level, “Oppa” translates to “older brother.” It is a term used exclusively by females to address or refer to a male who is older than them.
In a biological sense, it is how a girl addresses her brother (chinoppa) or an older male cousin (sancheon oppa).
Beyond the family unit, the term expands into the social sphere. It is commonly used by women to address older male friends, seniors at university, or older acquaintances.
In these contexts, the word signifies a sense of closeness and protection.
It suggests that the speaker views the male as a reliable, older figure who occupies a specific “protective” rank in her social circle.
Oppa: Korean Slang (Credit: YouTube)
Romantic Implications and K-Pop Culture
One of the most frequent uses of “Oppa” seen in media is within romantic relationships.
When a woman calls her boyfriend “Oppa,” it takes on a meaning similar to “honey” or “darling” in English.
It creates a dynamic of endearment and, occasionally, flirtatiousness This is the version most commonly encountered in K-dramas, where the female lead uses the term to signal a shift from a platonic friendship to a romantic interest.
In the world of K-pop, “Oppa” is a tool for parasocial interaction. Fans use it to address their favorite male idols, even if they have never met.
It fosters a feeling of intimacy and personal connection between the fan and the celebrity, though it is usually reserved for idols who are actually older than the fan.
The Ethics of Usage: When Not to Say It
Despite its popularity, “Oppa” is not a “one-size-fits-all” term. The article emphasizes that it is a casual honorific. Using it in a professional or formal business setting is considered inappropriate and unprofessional.
Furthermore, because it implies a certain level of intimacy, calling a stranger or a much older man “Oppa” can be off-putting.
Generally, “Oppa” is reserved for men who are no more than 10 years older than the speaker. For men significantly older, or for those in positions of high authority, more formal titles like “nim” or “sajang-nim” are required.
It is always best practice to wait for a male friend to suggest using the term or to ask permission before switching from formal speech to “Oppa.”
The Broader System of Respect
“Oppa” is just one piece of a larger linguistic puzzle. Korean culture is deeply rooted in Confucian values, where age and seniority dictate how individuals interact. This is reflected in other titles like:
- Noona (누나): Used by males for older females.
- Unnie (언니): Used by females for older females.
- Hyung (형): Used by males for older males.
These terms are supplemented by seven levels of speech politeness, ranging from the extremely formal hasoseoche (often heard in historical dramas) to the casual haeche used among best friends.
Interestingly, South Korea recently modernized its age-counting system in 2023, moving to the international standard, which has slightly simplified the process of determining who is the “senior” in a social interaction.
In a monumental cross-genre collaboration that has sent shockwaves through the global music industry, BLACKPINK’s Jennie and psychedelic pop visionary Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) have officially announced their upcoming joint project.
On February 3, 2026, both artists confirmed via social media that they are teaming up for a highly anticipated remix of Tame Impala’s hit track “Dracula.”
This partnership represents a significant bridge between the high-octane world of K-pop and the atmospheric, kaleidoscopic sounds of Australian indie-psychedelia.
The Official Announcement and Sneak Peek
The announcement came following weeks of intense speculation within fan communities. Jennie and Tame Impala finally broke the silence by sharing a tantalizing sneak peek of the track on their respective platforms.
The preview offers a glimpse into a revamped sonic landscape, blending the original’s brooding, bass-heavy foundation with Jennie’s signature vocal flair and “cool-girl” charisma.
According to the official release schedule, the “Dracula (Remix)” is set to drop this Friday, February 6, 2026.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Tame Impala (Credit: X)
Along with the video snippet, a pre-save link has been made available for fans eager to be among the first to hear the full transition from the original hit to this new collaborative vision.
The Creative Synergy: K-Pop Meets Psychedelia
Jennie has long been praised for her versatility as both a rapper and a vocalist, as well as her keen eye for global fashion and art trends.
By partnering with Kevin Parker—the mastermind behind Tame Impala known for his meticulous production and dreamlike arrangements—this collaboration marks a bold step in Jennie’s solo discography.
Industry analysts suggest that the “Dracula” remix will likely feature the ethereal, reverb-drenched production typical of Tame Impala, punctuated by Jennie’s rhythmic delivery.
This move aligns with Jennie’s recent trajectory of exploring more experimental and Western-influenced sounds, further solidifying her status as a global pop icon who transcends traditional genre boundaries.
Jennie’s Expanding Global Footprint in 2026
The collaboration with Tame Impala is just one highlight in what is shaping up to be a massive year for the BLACKPINK star.
In addition to this musical release, Jennie has recently been in the headlines for several high-profile activities:
- Festival Performances: It was recently confirmed that Jennie will be performing alongside LE SSERAFIM at the Summer Sonic 2026 festival in Japan, one of Asia’s most prestigious music events.
- Variety and TV Appearances: Jennie is also starring in the new variety program The Secret Friends Club, alongside personalities like Dex and Choo Sung Hoon, where she showcases a more personal and adventurous side to her personality.
- Solo Branding: Since establishing her own label, OA (Odd Atelier), Jennie has leaned heavily into artistic collaborations that reflect her personal tastes, with “Dracula” being a prime example of her creative autonomy.
Anticipation and Fan Reaction
The “Dracula (Remix)” is expected to dominate global music charts upon its release. The “BLINK” (BLACKPINK’s fandom) and Tame Impala’s dedicated followers have already expressed overwhelming excitement on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
The combination of Tame Impala’s “indie-darling” status and Jennie’s massive commercial power creates a unique “perfect storm” for a viral hit that appeals to both mainstream radio and alternative music listeners alike.
As the countdown to Friday begins, the music world waits to see how this unlikely duo will reimagine a modern classic, potentially setting a new standard for international superstar collaborations in 2026.
