탈덕 (taldeok): when a fan leaves the fandom

🚪 Meaning

Leaving a fandom: you stop following an idol or group you used to love. It’s the exit door to 입덕 (ipdeok), the moment you fell in.

Origin

탈 (tal, “to escape or leave,” as in 탈출) + 덕 (deok, short for 덕후, superfan). Fan guides list common reasons such as costs adding up, a scandal, or simply losing interest.

✍️ Examples

1. 나 이제 탈덕했어.
   Na ije taldeok-haesseo.
   I’ve left the fandom now.

2. 탈덕은 없어, 휴덕만 있을 뿐.
   Taldeok-eun eopseo, hyudeok-man isseul ppun.
   There’s no quitting, only taking a break.

💡 Usage tip

휴덕 (hyudeok, a fandom break) is the softer word fans use when they plan to come back. Keep 탈덕 about yourself; announcing it in a fandom space can start arguments.