fanchant

A fanchant is a set of words that fans shout together at specific moments during a K-pop song, usually the members’ names and certain lyrics. It turns the crowd into part of the performance.

What does fanchant mean?

During a live performance, fans chant in unison at fixed points: the members’ names during the intro, a few repeated lyrics in the chorus, a cheer during an instrumental break. Done right, it sounds like a huge, organized backing track coming from the audience. Fanchants are a signature part of K-pop concerts and music show broadcasts.

For many songs, the group’s company releases an official fanchant guide around a comeback, often as a video showing exactly when to shout and what to say, so fans can practice before shows.

How to use it

• “I learned the fanchant before the concert and screamed every word.”
• “The fanchant for this song is so hard, the member names come in fast.”
• “You could hear the fanchant over the music on the broadcast.”
• “The official fanchant video just dropped. Time to practice.”

Why fanchants matter

A loud, well-coordinated fanchant shows how organized and devoted a fandom is, and idols often say hearing it is one of the best parts of performing live. It is also a way for new fans to feel part of the group: learning the fanchant is something of a rite of passage.

Related terms

• bias: your favorite member, whose name you shout loudest
• stan: a devoted fan
• fan cam: fan-shot performance video
• all-kill: topping every major Korean chart
• fan service: things idols do to please fans

See more terms like this in our K-pop slang dictionary.