Before the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) became a hot topic, South Koreans relied on blood types (A, B, AB and O) as a way to identify personality traits.
This blood type personality theory assigns specific characteristics to each blood type and it was used when people analysed one another.
For many decades, it was widely accepted and influenced everything from friendships to dating and workplace compatibility.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, MBTI started to replace the blood type personality theory as younger generations found it to be a more detailed, relatable and insightful way to understand one’s personality.
This shift naturally extended into the K-pop world since idols and fans alike love to engage with personality types.
For K-pop stars, sharing their MBTI types gives them the opportunity to reveal more about who they are beyond their on-stage personas.
Such information also makes fans feel more connected to them because they get to match personalities, better understand behaviours and enjoy seeing another side of them.
There are countless artistes who openly talk about MBTI, and it has since become a common segment in variety shows, interviews and livestreams.
For example, BTS released “MBTI Lab” videos in 2022, with all seven members retaking the test and comparing results.
Seventeen’s popular variety show Going Seventeen features four mini-series centred on MBTI, uploaded between 2019 and 2022.
There was even an episode that had psychologist Dr Song Hyung-seok come in to give the 13 members a thorough explanation of their types.
Many other groups – like Enhypen, NCT and Stray Kids – also upload MBTI-related content on their respective YouTube channels.
Girl groups are just as into it. In 2020, “Finding Twice’s MBTI” was available to watch, with the nine Twice members each having their own videos of taking the test and sharing their thoughts.
Aespa’s Karina and Winter revealed their MBTI types during their debut anniversary livestream, sparking thousands of comments praising how well their types fit.
For fans, indulging in their favourites’ MBTI is more than fun – it’s a way to feel closer to them.
It creates a sense of shared identity and helps explain complex personalities within a group, making the fandom experience more interactive and personal.
A simple personality test has now become a powerful tool for building community and deepening the bond between K-pop idols and their fans.
