Which K-pop Group Has a Member with the Least English Knowledge?

It is challenging to definitively determine which K-pop idol has the least knowledge of English, as language proficiency can vary greatly among individuals and can change over time. Different idols from groups that primarily promote in Korea and have less exposure to English-speaking environments might have lower English proficiency. However, several groups stand out as having at least one member with limited English skills.

The Context of English Proficiency in K-pop

Language proficiency in K-pop idols often varies, as many idols work hard to learn English for international promotions. Some idols from smaller agencies or those who have not had extensive training or international exposure may face more challenges with English.

Groups with Members Who Struggle with English

To answer the question of which groups have members with the least English knowledge, it is essential to consider a few groups that have a member who is a non-native English speaker. Here are some notable groups:

MAMAMOO

MAMAMOO, a group known for their stunning performances and powerful vocals, exemplify a group that has faced language barriers. Although they are one of the major groups in Korea, their lack of fluency in English has made it more challenging for them to gain international recognition. According to Moonbyul, Solar (the group’s lead vocalist) is the best in terms of English, but even she is not too fluent. Some of the group’s members, including Mark, Johnny, and Jaehyun, have also expressed difficulties in speaking English.

Twice

Twice, a highly popular group across Asia, has faced language challenges due to their Japanese members. While their three Japanese members help them in their Japanese promotions, the group members themselves struggle with English. Most of Twice only know basic phrases and do not come close to being fluent. Some speculated that Mina, who spent time in the U.S., might be more fluent, but it is unclear how effective any language learning was in the long term.

Gfriend and Everglow

Gfriend and Everglow, despite being more recent debuts, also face language barriers. Gfriend's reputation as a repetitive group might overshadow their English proficiency, but from the interviews, it seems none of the members have a solid grasp of the English language. Similarly, with its rise in popularity, Everglow lacks English-speaking members, making it a surprising choice in a market where most groups now have at least one member with fluent English skills.

Exo

EXO, one of the most popular K-pop groups, has members who struggle with English. While they are incredibly successful, their English proficiency is generally lower compared to their peers. This can be attributed to their diverse cast of members from different backgrounds, which includes some who are not fully fluent in English.

Conclusion

Language proficiency in K-pop idols is varies, and while some groups excel in multiple languages, others face challenges. Groups like MAMAMOO, Twice, Gfriend, Everglow, and EXO stand out as having members with limited English skills. However, it's essential to recognize that the proficiency of K-pop idols can improve and evolve over time, reflecting the industry's increasing emphasis on international promotion.