hyeong
Also written: hyung; hyeong
A Korean kinship and address term used by a male speaker for an older brother, older male relative, or an older male with whom he has an accepted close relationship.
Literal meaning
older brother or older male, used by a male speaker
Cultural context
Hyeong can express family position, friendship, loyalty, mentorship, or chosen-brother closeness. The respectful form hyeongnim adds distance, deference, or a stronger hierarchy.
How dramas use it
Male characters may use hyeong in brotherhood stories, school and workplace relationships, criminal organizations, military units, sports teams, or friendships that function like family.
Usage & formality
The speaker is male and the person addressed is male and older. The common spelling 'hyung' reflects pronunciation conventions, while Revised Romanization gives hyeong.