#1 TOP DEFINITION
Senior or upperclassman — in K-pop, a group or artist that debuted earlier than another. Newer idols are expected to show respect to sunbae artists at award shows, music shows, and backstage. Receiving acknowledgment from a respected sunbae is considered a major milestone for rookie acts.
Example
“When ILLIT bowed deeply to BLACKPINK backstage, fans celebrated the moment as a perfect sunbae-hoobae interaction.”
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Heard from an Idol
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