[Hangul Day Special] ㄱ is for KWANG SOO

In celebration of Hangul Day, we′ve decided to roll out a special series introducing you to the Korean alphabet (consonants only)! We′ve selected a celebrity for each letter of the Korean alphabet as well as a correlating vocabulary word!

We′ll be teaching you how to say the Korean words properly as well as give you some sentences showing you how to use the words in daily conversation - so time to get studying, K-entertainment style!

ㄱ(G,K)

광수(Kwang Soo)
[gwang-soo]
1. model, actor
2. mineral water (literal translation)

기린
[gi-lin]
1. a giraffe

Starting off our Korean alphabet series for Hangul Day is Lee Kwang Soo with the first consonant ㄱ. The ㄱ can be a tricky one as it’s sometimes romanized with both a ‘K’ and a ‘G,’ but when read aloud, it should be with the ‘g’ sound. While fans may read ‘Lee Kwang Soo’ with a K,’ the correct pronunciation will be ‘Lee Gwang Soo’ with a ‘G.’

But whether written with a ‘K’ or a ‘G,’ one thing is for sure, Lee Kwang Soo is perfect for the word, 기린 or giraffe, a nickname given to him on Running Man that will most likely follow him to his grave.

Was it a coincidence that both Kwang Soo and giraffe both start with ㄱ? - we don’t think so.

Take these practice sentences with you, and never forget, Kwang Soo = gi-lin.



1. “광수는 기린처럼 키가 크고 목도 길다.” - Kwang Soo is tall and also has a long neck like a giraffe.
Kwang-Soo-neun gi-lin-chu-rum ki-ga keu-go mok-do gil-da.

2. “광수는 그냥 기린이다.” - Kwang Soo is just a giraffe.
Kwang-Soo-neun geu-nyang gi-lin-ee-da.

3. “광수처럼 연기 잘하는 기린은 없다.” - There is no giraffe that acts as well as Kwang Soo.
Kwang-Soo-chu-rum yeon-gi jal-ha-neun gi-lin-eun up-da.

Source : mwave[dot]interest[dot]me