Korean Dictionary
How to say "Glow Up" in Korean
“Glow Up” in Korean is 글루 (pronounced "geulru").
글루
geulru
Usage & Context
Borrowed English term meaning a glow up or transformation. Used to describe someone's improvement in appearance or lifestyle.
Example Sentence
그 배우 글루했네.
That actor had a glow up.
How to use 글루 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Glow Up” is 글루, romanized as geulru.
Usage tip
Use slang only with friends or people who already speak casually with you. It can sound rude in formal Korean.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 글루.
Pronunciation Guide
글 (geul) sounds like 'guhl' or 'gull' (like a seagull) but with a flatter 'u' sound. 루 (ru) sounds like 'roo' as in 'kangaroo'. Combine them as 'guhl-roo'.
More Example Sentences
Complimenting a friend after a significant positive change in appearance.
와, 너 진짜 글루했네! 못 알아볼 뻔했어.
Wow, you really had a glow up! I almost didn't recognize you.
Discussing celebrity transformations and self-improvement.
다이어트 성공하고 글루한 연예인들 많잖아.
There are many celebrities who had a glow up after successfully dieting.
Expressing a personal goal for self-improvement.
나도 운동 열심히 해서 글루하고 싶어.
I want to work out hard and have a glow up too.
Cultural Context
글루 (geulru) is a direct Konglish borrowing from 'glow up,' widely understood and used, especially among younger generations. It refers to a significant positive transformation in appearance, style, or even overall lifestyle, often implying a journey of self-improvement. It's frequently seen in K-beauty, fashion, and fitness content, as well as in discussions about K-pop idols' or actors' transformations over time, carrying a positive, aspirational connotation.
Editorial note
We flag slang like 글루 for register and audience, since Korean slang can shift quickly and may sound rude outside close friendships.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
글루하다
To glow up (often used with 하다)
글루 성공
Successful glow up
인생 글루
Life glow up (a complete life transformation)
Related Expressions
환골탈태
hwangoltaltae
Metamorphosis, complete transformation (more formal/dramatic)
변신
byeonsin
Transformation, change (general term)
예뻐지다
yeppeojida
To become pretty/beautiful
멋있어지다
meosisseojida
To become cool/handsome
More Slang Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Glow Up and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
