Why does Jungkook call Jimin “Jimin-shii”? And why does Jimin call back “Jungkook-shii”? Sorry I’ve always wondered.
Well, I’m not Korean but this is just what I’ve always though:
As I mentioned before, I think it’s a way for Jeon to loophole the hyung-dongsaeng system. As I’m sure you’ve caught on by now, “Jimin-ssi” is kind of the equivalent of saying “Mr. Jimin” in English a.k.a. a very formal, respectful way of addressing somewhat and probably used in business scenarios usually.
By calling him “Jimin-ssi”, it’s technically not as off-putting as straight up calling “Jiminnie” or “Jimin-ah”?? (even if he’s shown to slip up anyway) And they’re also put on an equal footing this way cause they can both call each other “Jimin-ssi” and “Jungkook-ssi” (as Jimin as been doing recently). It’s kind of a funny way of showing their equal level with each other I guess? Without completely ridding the hyung-dongsaeng connection they have :)
