Korean and international fans in disagreement over celebrities’ “manner hands”

These photos of male Korean celebrities have been causing mixed reactions between Korean and international fans.

Photos of these “manner hands” have been circulating the internet, causing international fans to be disappointed and Korean fans to be frustrated with international fans. However, this is purely due to the differences in culture between international and Korean fans.

Korea is a country that puts high importance in respect, politeness, and tradition, which is where the gesture called “manner hands” stems from. Western fans, however, view these gestures as “hover hands”. “Hover hands” are known to represent awkwardness, and men generally don’t do “hover hands” with women if they’re comfortable around them.

“Hover hands”, in contrast to the Korean “manner hands”, generally represent awkwardness as opposed to respect and men generally don’t do “hover hands” with women if they’re comfortable around them.

Whether these celebrities are using “manner hands” or “hover hands,” they are praised in Korea for this gesture as it shows their respect towards a person’s boundaries and personal space.

Lee Seung Gi

Lee Seung Gi's "hover hands" for co-star Moon Chae Won
Lee Seung Gi’s “hover hands” for co-star Moon Chae Won.

BIGBANG’s T.O.P

T.O.P shows off his manner hands with Kim Yoo Jung
T.O.P shows off his manner hands with Kim Yoo Jung.
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T.O.P with Uhm Jung Hwa during her “D.I.S.C.O” promotions in 2008

ZE:A’s Dongjun

ZE:A's Dongjun posing with fellow label mate Yewon
ZE:A’s Dongjun’s hand hovering over fellow label mate Yewon.

Kim Heechul

Heechul is polite with actress Shim Eun Kyung
Heechul is polite with actress Shim Eun Kyung.

Yoo Jae Suk

Nation's MC Yoo Jae Suk uses manner fans even with fans
Nation’s MC Yoo Jae Suk uses manner hands even with fans.

Kim Soo Hyun

Jun Ji Hyun and Kim Soo Hyun accepted their awards together but he made sure to keep his hands away. / Source: Ilgan Sports

Jo In Sung

Actor Jo In Sung made sure to keep his hands respectful in this photo with Han Hyo Joo.

Source: Instiz