BTS’s Jimin proves again the cultural influence he possesses as the term “delulu” has now been officially inducted into the Cambridge Dictionary. His fans popularised the term, and with this, he has shown just how deeply he can go with global trends, blasting open windows not just to music but into language and internet culture, building his legacy as a K-Pop icon.
The Rise of ‘Delulu’ through K-Pop Fans
The term “delulu,” which plays with the word “delusional,” has been present in the K-Pop fan community since around the middle of this decade. Such terms are often very amusing when fans use it to poke fun at themselves, in this case, using the word to describe a romantic relationship between themselves and a K-Pop idol like Jimin.
JIMIN being mentioned in the new Cambridge dictionary word “DELULU”??
JIMIN’S REALLY THE FACE OF KOREA 💛 pic.twitter.com/UfPVUZLFQA
— ※ 𝙅𝙄𝙈𝙄𝙉𝙆𝘼𝙍𝙈𝘼 🍷 VMA JIMIN (@sottjm) August 18, 2025
The further amplification comes from Jimin’s vivid and passionate interactions with fans, sending the term flying across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram or X, all boasting of hashtags that particularly feature Jimin up to billions of views.
According to a JoongAng report, the consistency of usage transformed “delulu” into a term known across the world and now, in fact, inscribed into the Cansbridge Dictionary’s 2025 edition.
Beyond Music, Jimin’s Cultural Effect
Jimin is more than just a catchy tune. His solo album Face made him record history with the K-pop solo “Like Crazy,” which became the first track by a solo artist from the genre to sit atop the Billboard Hot 100.
His 2024 album Muse opened up with “Who” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200. TIME magazine listed the affection in his gestures, such as hugs, as a positive meme culture that inspires global kindness.
From spewing tourism into Jeju Island to being Dior’s brand ambassador that raised stocks for the brand, Jimin’s “Jimin Effect” embodies his ability to make trends. The mention of “delulu” in the Cambridge Dictionary certainly underscores the language-and-culture transformation that his influence is doing.
A Lasting Legacy in Global Pop Culture
Inclusion of “delulu” in the Cambridge Dictionary is more than a linguistic victory; it is a vindication of K-Pop as a language of world communication.
신조어도 ‘지민 효과’..’delulu’ 케임브리지 사전 등재 | 스타뉴스
JIMIN EFFECT
JIMIN IMPACT
JIMIN GLOBAL INFLUENCE
MOST INFLUENTIAL IDOL PARK JIMIN #GLOBALICONJIMIN
PROUD OF YOU JIMIN
WE LOVE YOU JIMIN
WITH JIMIN TILL THE END
JIMIN JIMIN
PARK JIMIN#JIMIN #지민 #ジミン— Alice¹³💛 (@Alisa53705272) August 20, 2025
Inspiring fans to bring happiness into society and participate in socially beneficial acts-in which case, donations during military service-at least magnify the cultural footprint Jimin leaves. As BTS prepares for their 2026 return, Jimin is currently ruling the headlines.
Also Read: BTS TinyTan Happy Meal Takes Over McDonald’s, ARMY’s New Purple-Packed Obsession!
