How did foreign IDOLS learn Korean so FAST?? (feat. Lisa, Minnie, Felix)

Summary

The video explores how non-Korean K-pop idols like Lisa from BlackPink, Momo from Twice, and Minnie from Idle achieve Korean fluency rapidly. It highlights three key factors: significant language output through constant speaking practice, strong internal and instrumental motivation to learn Korean for career and personal reasons, and systematic, consistent learning opportunities provided by their music labels. The video also offers practical tips for viewers to improve their Korean, such as summarizing videos in Korean and reading aloud. It emphasizes the importance of not comparing one's progress to idols and encourages consistent practice and exposure to the language.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Non-Korean K-pop idols like Lisa from BlackPink, Momo from Twice, and Minnie from Idle learn Korean quickly due to their significant amount of output, which is crucial for language learning.
• 📚 Self-study learners often focus on input-based learning such as listening and reading, but output-based learning like speaking and writing is equally important for fluency.
• 🗣️ Foreign K-pop idols are encouraged to speak only Korean during classes and have ample opportunities to practice with band members, which helps reduce anxiety and stress.
• 👥 The presence of Korean members in K-pop groups provides a comfortable environment for foreign idols to practice speaking Korean, which is beneficial for language acquisition.
• 📈 Watching YouTube videos and summarizing them in Korean, or thinking of fun experiences and explaining them in Korean are suggested methods for self-study learners to practice speaking.
• 📖 Reading aloud in Korean is an effective way to improve both reading skills and speaking fluency, as it helps build muscle memory for language use.
• 💪 K-pop idols have strong motives to learn Korean, including internal motivation from their interest in Korean music and instrumental motivation for professional success.
• 🎯 Creating pragmatic reasons for learning Korean, such as job requirements or other practical goals, can help maintain motivation for language learners.
• 📚 Systematic and consistent learning opportunities, such as 1:1 tutoring and group lessons, are provided to K-pop idols by their music labels, which aids in their language proficiency.
• 🌟 Talk To Me In Korean offers a comprehensive curriculum and resources for learning Korean, which can be beneficial for self-study learners.
• 🤔 Factors like linguistic similarities, prior language learning experience, and childhood exposure to Korean can affect the speed of language acquisition, making direct comparisons with K-pop idols' language learning journeys unfair.

Q & A

What is the key difference between input and output in language learning?

Input refers to listening and reading, while output refers to speaking and writing. Both are crucial, but the script emphasizes the importance of output, which involves active use of the language.

Why do self-study learners tend to focus more on input-based learning?

Self-study learners often focus on input because it is easier to study grammar books and learn independently than to find conversational partners, especially when not living in a country where the target language is spoken.

How do K-pop idols like Lisa from BlackPink enhance their Korean language skills?

They start taking Korean classes as trainees, practice speaking only Korean during classes, and spend a lot of time with their Korean band members, which provides a comfortable environment for language practice.

What is the impact of anxiety and stress on language acquisition?

High levels of anxiety and stress can negatively impact language acquisition. Learners practice more effectively when they are in a low-stress environment, such as speaking with close friends.

What are two methods suggested for practicing speaking Korean on your own?

The first method is to watch a video and summarize it in Korean. The second method is reading out loud in Korean to improve muscle memory and speaking fluency.

What are the two types of motivation in language learning mentioned in the script?

The two types of motivation are internal motivation, which comes from within the learner, and instrumental motivation, which is a practical or pragmatic reason for learning the language.

Why do K-pop idols have strong motivations to learn Korean?

K-pop idols have strong motivations because they are often already interested in Korean music and culture, and they need to be fluent in Korean to express their lyrics, build bonds with Korean fans, and potentially participate in dramas or reality shows.

What can learners apply from the experiences of K-pop idols to improve their Korean learning?

Learners can create more pragmatic reasons for achieving Korean fluency, such as job requirements or other practical needs, to keep themselves motivated and consistent in their language learning.

How do music labels support their artists' Korean learning?

Music labels provide systematic and consistent learning opportunities, including 1:1 tutoring, group lessons, books, and conversation classes, to support their artists' language learning.

What is the Talk To Me In Korean service and how can it help learners?

Talk To Me In Korean is a service that offers a full Korean curriculum from Levels 1 to 10, used by 1.5 million users. It provides books and courses tailored to various Korean learning needs.

What factors are often overlooked when comparing language learning progress between individuals?

Factors such as the closeness of the learner's mother tongue to Korean, whether the learner is already experienced in learning languages, and if they were exposed to Korean during childhood are often overlooked.

Why is it not fair to compare one's language learning progress directly to a K-pop idol's?

It is not fair because it ignores individual differences in factors like linguistic background, prior language learning experience, and early exposure to the language, which can significantly affect the learning process.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Language Output and K-pop Idols' Fluency

This paragraph discusses the rapid Korean language acquisition of non-Korean K-pop idols such as Lisa from BlackPink, Momo from Twice, and Minnie from Idle. It emphasizes the importance of both input (listening and reading) and output (speaking and writing) in language learning, with a focus on the latter. The idols' immersion in a Korean-speaking environment as trainees and their constant interaction with band members in a low-stress setting are highlighted as key factors. The paragraph also introduces two methods for self-study learners to practice speaking Korean: summarizing YouTube videos or podcasts in Korean and reading aloud to improve muscle memory for speaking.

05:03

🎯 Motivation and Systematic Learning for K-pop Idols

The second paragraph delves into the motivations behind K-pop idols' language learning and the systematic approach they take. It contrasts internal motivation, driven by personal interest in Korean culture, with instrumental motivation, which is more practical and often required for professional success. Idols are said to have both types of motivation, which fuels their drive to achieve fluency. The paragraph also touches on the structured learning opportunities provided by music labels, including one-on-one tutoring and conversation classes, and suggests that learners can benefit from established curricula and language learning services like Talk To Me In Korean.

10:05

🌟 Achieving Fluency Beyond Idols' Experiences

The final paragraph offers encouragement and perspective on language learning, reminding viewers that comparing their progress to K-pop idols may not be fair due to various linguistic and personal factors. It points out that many idols continue to improve their Korean even after their debut, and that they too face challenges. The speaker encourages viewers not to be disheartened by their pace of learning and to keep practicing consistently. The paragraph concludes with an invitation to subscribe and share the video with fellow Korean learners who are also fans of K-pop.

Keywords

💡Language learning

Language learning refers to the process of acquiring new languages. In the context of the video, it is the core theme as it discusses how non-Korean K-pop idols quickly become fluent in Korean. The script mentions the importance of both input (listening and reading) and output (speaking and writing) in language learning, with a focus on the latter for its effectiveness in K-pop idols' rapid language acquisition.

💡Output

Output in language learning is the act of speaking and writing in the target language. The video emphasizes the significance of output, as it is where learners actively use the language. K-pop idols like Lisa, Momo, and Minnie have ample opportunities for output due to their interactions with band members and Korean classes, which is a key factor in their fast language learning.

💡Anxiety and stress

Anxiety and stress are emotional states that can hinder language acquisition. The script points out that learners perform better when these levels are low, suggesting a relaxed environment like talking with friends helps in practicing Korean. This contrasts with high-pressure situations where every mistake is evaluated.

💡Motivation

Motivation is the driving force behind an individual's actions, including language learning. The video distinguishes between internal motivation, such as personal interest in K-pop, and instrumental motivation, which involves practical reasons like career advancement. Idols have both types of motivation, which propels their Korean language proficiency.

💡K-pop idols

K-pop idols are celebrities in the Korean pop music industry, often members of popular music groups. In the video, they serve as examples of individuals who have learned Korean quickly, providing insights into effective language learning strategies. Their experiences offer lessons for viewers on how to achieve fluency.

💡Trainees

Trainees in the K-pop industry are individuals who are being prepared for debut by music labels through rigorous training. The script mentions that foreign members like Lisa started taking Korean classes as trainees, which is part of the systematic learning process that contributes to their language proficiency.

💡Systematic learning

Systematic learning refers to a structured and organized approach to education. The video highlights that K-pop idols benefit from systematic and consistent learning opportunities provided by their music labels, which include tutoring and various classes, aiding in their rapid language acquisition.

💡Instrumental motivation

Instrumental motivation is the practical reason for learning a language, often driven by external factors. In the context of the video, idols have this type of motivation as they need to be fluent in Korean to perform effectively and connect with fans, which is different from internal motivation that stems from personal interest.

💡Muscle memory

Muscle memory is the ability of muscles to remember and automatically perform certain movements or actions. The video suggests that reading aloud can help develop muscle memory for speaking Korean, allowing phrases to be spoken more naturally and fluidly, which is a unique perspective on language learning.

💡Talk To Me In Korean

Talk To Me In Korean is a service mentioned in the script that provides Korean language learning materials and courses. It is used as an example of a resource that can offer systematic curriculum and support for learners who may not have the same opportunities as K-pop idols.

💡Fluency

Fluency in language learning refers to the ability to speak and understand a language smoothly and effortlessly. The video's main theme revolves around how foreign K-pop idols achieve fluency in Korean quickly and what strategies viewers can adopt to improve their own Korean language skills.

Highlights

Non-Korean K-pop idols like Lisa, Momo, and Minnie learn Korean quickly through significant output and immersion.

Language learning requires both input (listening and reading) and output (speaking and writing), with a focus on the latter for K-pop idols.

Foreign K-pop idols start taking Korean classes as trainees, which provides ample speaking opportunities.

Speaking skills are best practiced in low-stress environments, which idols benefit from with Korean band members.

Two methods suggested for self-study learners: summarizing YouTube videos in Korean and narrating personal experiences.

Reading aloud in Korean helps improve speaking by building muscle memory for language fluency.

K-pop idols have strong motives to learn Korean, including internal and instrumental motivations.

Idols' instrumental motivation includes expressing lyrics and building bonds with Korean fans.

Learners can apply idols' experiences by creating pragmatic reasons for achieving Korean fluency.

Systematic and consistent learning opportunities, such as 1:1 tutoring and group lessons, are key for idols' language acquisition.

Talk To Me In Korean offers a full curriculum and resources to support systematic Korean learning.

Factors like linguistic proximity to Korean, prior language learning experience, and childhood exposure affect language acquisition speed.

It's unfair to compare one's Korean learning progress to idols without considering individual factors.

Many idols continue to improve their Korean significantly after their debut.

Idols also face struggles with the Korean language, emphasizing that language learning is universally challenging.

The key to language learning is consistent exposure and practice without giving up.

Talk To Me In Korean provides fun and effective ways to learn Korean, supporting learners throughout their journey.

Transcripts

How did non-Korean K-pop idols like Lisa from BlackPink,

Momo from Twice or Minnie from Idle learn Korean so fast?

Do they have secret techniques for learning new languages quickly,

while other people seem to need much more time to study Korean

and still not see results that quickly?

Today, let's discuss how foreign K-pop idols achieve Korean fluency

in a relatively short period of time and

what WE can learn from their experiences to make progress in OUR Korean learning.

First off, the first reason that they improve so quickly is their significant amount of output.

When it comes to language learning, both input and output are crucial,

input meaning listening and reading and output meaning speaking and writing.

But, here, I'm focusing more on output because normally,

self-study learners tend to lean towards input-based learning because,

you know, it's easier to hit grammar books and study by yourself

compared to finding someone to converse with in Korean.

It is especially the case if you don't live in the country where your target language is used.

If you have been following us,

you might know that Talk To Me In Korean has taught Korean on YouTube for 13 years now.

According to our stats, only 7% of views are from Korea,

meaning that 93% of our subscribers are learning Korean outside Korea and thus,

probably don't have enough chances to use Korean as much as they need.

And that might include you.

But what about idols?

You will already know most of the foreign members of K-pop groups

start to take Korean classes since they were trainees.

Lisa from BlackPink once mentioned in an interview that

her Korean teacher had her to speak only in Korean during the whole class.

And they spend a lot of time with their band members,

which gives them enough chances to speak in Korean in a comfortable environment.

Now, numerous studies have shown that

learners can best practice their speaking skills when their anxiety and stress levels are low.

In other words, high levels of anxiety and stress have a negative impact on language acquisition.

That is, you can better practice your Korean

when you talk with your close friends in a chill atmosphere

rather than when you're being evaluated for every single mistake.

In that perspective, they must have benefited a lot from always

having Korean members around them to talk to in Korean!

For most of our learners who don't have fellow band members or a giant agency to train them,

or Korean friends to talk to on a daily basis,

I'll introduce 2 easy methods that you can practice speaking Korean on your own.

Number one is to watch a YouTube video and try summarizing it in your own words.

For instance, in this video,

I talked about 4 reasons why it seems too hard to make friends in Korea as a foreigner.

You can go watch it and summarize the four points verbally in Korean!

Actually the content you're going to watch doesn't have to be in Korean,

which means you can listen to a podcast in your native language and summarize it in Korean.

However, if you could, I think it's always better to consume content in Korean,

because that way you can pick up some native-like Korean expressions

from that video and use them when you summarize it.

If this method is too difficult for you for now,

an easy way is to think of something fun that recently happened to you

and imagine that you're explaining it to your friend in Korean.

The second method is reading out loud.

Reading out loud is '낭독' in Korean.

Reading aloud is a very good way to improve your reading skills and vocabulary

but it also greatly helps your speaking.

You might think that it wouldn't be as effective because you are reading what someone else wrote,

instead of you forming your own sentences.

But muscle memory plays a role in speaking a language, too.

In order to naturally and fluidly spit out Korean sentences that you formed in your head,

you need to have said them multiple times so it just rolls off your tongue.

And reading aloud can definitely help you with that.

So definitely try it yourself!

And the second reason is K-pop idols' strong motive to learn Korean.

There are 2 types of motivation when it comes to language learning.

One is internal motivation and the other is instrumental motivation.

Now, when we asked our learners why they learn Korean,

70% of them said they're learning Korean to understand K-pop or K-drama without subtitles.

This is called "internal motivation" which is the kind of motivation to accomplish your goal

that comes from within you.

If you're learning a new language because you like how it sounds

or you want to communicate with native speakers,

these are all internal motivations.

And having internal motivation greatly helps your language learning so keep it up!

How about idols?

First of all, they will have the same motive as you

because they must have made up their mind to study Korean

in the first place because they were into Korean songs and music.

But they also HAVE TO be at least somewhat fluent in Korean,

to fully express their lyrics, and build bonds with their Korean fans.

And their Korean should be even more fluent if they want to be in dramas or reality shows!

These kinds of motives are called "instrumental motivation"

which means a practical or pragmatic reason for language learning.

So, foreign idols have strong and various motivations to achieve Korean fluency no matter what.

What lessons can we apply to OUR Korean learning from their experiences?

It can be a good strategy for you to make more pragmatic reasons for achieving Korean fluency,

other than being able to communicate with Koreans or understanding Korean content without subtitles!

To talk about my experience as an example,

I'm also a long time language learner myself.

When I was job hunting like 6 years ago,

I was intentionally looking for a job that required a high proficiency in English.

Back then, I didn't know the concepts of different types of motivations,

but I had a hunch that it's going to be really difficult to always set aside time for my English

unless I HAVE TO do so because of my job.

That was one of my reasons why I wanted to work at Talk To Me In Korean.

Likewise, try making more powerful reasons to keep you motivated to improve your Korean!

Lastly, the third factor for non-Korean idols' fluent Korean is

systematic and consistent learning opportunities.

1:1 tutoring, group lessons, books, conversation classes –

music labels actively support their artists' Korean learning.

And like anything else in the world,

having a systematic curriculum to follow will be a great help to make significant progress.

And this part is where you could use the help of experts or Korean learning services because you know,

it's way more convenient to use an established curriculum that

professional Korean teachers have made rather than

to create an entirely new curriculum by yourself, right?

And we'd be very happy if you could consider using our service, Talk To Me In Korean!

We have the full Korean curriculum of Levels 1 to 10 that is proven to be effective by 1.5M users.

And we also have dozens of books and courses that cater to your Korean learning purposes,

so definitely check them out at TalkToMeInKorean.com.

So, today, we talked about how foreign idol members have become fluent in Korean quickly

and how we can achieve fluency while we don't have band members to talk to in Korean all the time

or music labels to constantly provide Korean classes!

But before I wrap up, there's one thing that I'd like to mention.

In fact, when you talk about how fast someone has learned a language,

there are many factors, important linguistics factors that are often overlooked.

For example

one, how close their mother tongue is to Korean

two, whether an idol is already an experienced language learner,

in other words, if they already know how to acquire foreign languages by experience

three: if they were exposed to Korean during their childhood and so forth

Comparing your Korean learning progress to a certain idol ignoring all these factors

is just not fair for you.😭

And I figured most of the foreign idols have significantly improved their Korean

AFTER they debuted and they've gotten better and better as time went by,

just like any of us!

Additionally, many idols publicly stated that they have been struggling with Korean a lot.

So, I believe learning a new language is as difficult for them as it is for us.

I hope none of you who are watching this video

feel bad about yourself because you think your Korean is not improving fast enough.

It's natural to take time to learn a language

and the key is to not give up and consistently expose yourself to the language and practice.

And we, at Talk To Me In Korean,

are here to help you learn Korean in the most fun and effective ways possible.

So, 파이팅!! ❤️‍🔥

I hope you enjoyed this video.

And if you did, don't forget to subscribe and share this video

with your Korean learner friends who are also K-pop fans!

여러분 그럼 다음 시간에 만나요! 안녕~