Signification
A person who is extremely popular and well-connected within a social group or trend.
Contexte culturel
The 'In-ssa' culture has led to the rise of 'In-ssa items'—specific products like the 'moving rabbit hat' that everyone must have to be considered cool. On Korean Instagram, being a 'haek-in-ssa' is often associated with visiting 'Hot-ple' (Hot Places) and taking 'In-saeng-shot' (Life shots/best photos). Even in offices, a 'haek-in-ssa' is someone who bridges different departments and knows all the office gossip, though they must be careful not to seem unprofessional. In schools, the pressure to be an 'in-ssa' can be high, leading to a clear social hierarchy between 'in-ssa' and 'a-ssa'.
Use it to compliment
Calling a friend a 'haek-in-ssa' is usually a compliment about their social skills.
Watch the 'SS'
Make sure to pronounce the double 's' in 'in-ssa' clearly, or it might sound like 'insa' (greeting).
Signification
A person who is extremely popular and well-connected within a social group or trend.
Use it to compliment
Calling a friend a 'haek-in-ssa' is usually a compliment about their social skills.
Watch the 'SS'
Make sure to pronounce the double 's' in 'in-ssa' clearly, or it might sound like 'insa' (greeting).
Combine with '템'
Add '템' (tem, from item) to make '핵인싸템' to describe trendy products.
The opposite is 'Assa'
Knowing 'Assa' (outsider) helps you understand the full social spectrum in Korea.
Teste-toi
Choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.
민수는 친구가 정말 많고 유행에도 민감해서 우리 학교에서 ( )로 통해요.
The context mentions having many friends and being sensitive to trends, which describes a 'haek-in-ssa'.
Complete the sentence using the correct form of '핵인싸'.
나도 너처럼 인기가 많은 ( )가 되고 싶어.
The noun '핵인싸' fits directly before the particle '가'.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Someone who knows every single person at a 100-person party.
A person with a massive social network is a 'haek-in-ssa'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 지수 어제 또 파티 갔대. B: 와, 지수는 진짜 ( )구나.
Going to parties frequently is a characteristic of a 'haek-in-ssa'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
In-ssa vs. Madangbal
Haek-in-ssa Traits
Social
- • Many friends
- • Good Nunchi
- • Always invited
Style
- • Trendy clothes
- • Latest slang
- • Hot places
Banque d exercices
4 exercices민수는 친구가 정말 많고 유행에도 민감해서 우리 학교에서 ( )로 통해요.
The context mentions having many friends and being sensitive to trends, which describes a 'haek-in-ssa'.
나도 너처럼 인기가 많은 ( )가 되고 싶어.
The noun '핵인싸' fits directly before the particle '가'.
Someone who knows every single person at a 100-person party.
A person with a massive social network is a 'haek-in-ssa'.
A: 지수 어제 또 파티 갔대. B: 와, 지수는 진짜 ( )구나.
Going to parties frequently is a characteristic of a 'haek-in-ssa'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it's generally positive or neutral. It describes someone popular. However, it can be used sarcastically.
Probably not. It's very casual slang. Stick to standard words like '인기가 많다' (to be popular).
'Haek-in-ssa' is just a much stronger version. An 'in-ssa' is popular; a 'haek-in-ssa' is a social legend.
Yes, though it's no longer 'brand new,' it has become a staple part of the Korean vocabulary.
Only the 'haek' part has Hanja ({핵|核}). 'In-ssa' is from English.
Usually no, as the term implies high social energy and many outward connections.
Leading group activities, knowing the latest memes, and being friendly to everyone.
Not really. The formal equivalent would be '사교적인 사람' (a social person).
Literally yes, but in slang it just means 'very' or 'extremely'.
Yes, as '핵인싸템' (haek-in-ssa item).
It reflects the importance of being 'inside' the group in Korean culture.
No, this is South Korean internet slang.
Expressions liées
인싸
similarInsider/Popular person
아싸
contrastOutsider
마당발
synonymSomeone with many connections
인싸템
specialized formAn item that makes you an insider
자발적 아싸
builds onVoluntary outsider
