SA Peeps Debate After Korean Woman Shares Correct Pronunciation of Hyundai in Video

• A Korean American woman's video on the correct pronunciation of Hyundai has sparked a heated debate among South Africans online
• The debate centres around the difference between the woman's pronunciation ("Hyun Dai") and the commonly used pronunciation in South Africa ("Hun-day")
• The discussion has highlighted the complexities of language and pronunciation, particularly with international brand names and regional variations

A lighthearted video has sparked heated debate among South Africans after a Korean American woman explained what she said was the correct way to pronounce the car brand Hyundai.

In the clip, uploaded by the lady herself under the social media handle @revyungme, the woman confidently told viewers that the proper pronunciation is “Hyun Dai.” To make it easier, she added,

“Let me hold your hands when I say it.”

She also joked that if people could say “y’all,” then pronouncing “Hyun Dai” should not be difficult.

While the video amused many, South Africans quickly took to the comment section to share their thoughts, and many were not convinced. For years, Hyundai has been pronounced in various ways across the country, with the most common being “Hun-day.” Some argued that since the brand itself has marketed with this pronunciation in local adverts, people should not be criticised for saying it differently.

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Others, however, admitted that the TikTok user @revyungme was probably correct, given her Korean background and the brand’s origin. A few users even confessed they had been mispronouncing it their entire lives.

The debate highlighted a broader issue around brand names with international roots, where pronunciations often differ depending on region and marketing strategies.

Still, many South Africans were quick to remind others that language often adapts to local contexts.

The video that was published on 8 September 2025 continued to make rounds online, with some taking it as an educational moment while others stood firmly by the way they have always said it.

South Africans weigh in on the Hyundai pronunciation

Mzansi netizens took to the comments section to share their own thoughts, as many disagreed with the Korean woman's pronunciation of Hyundai.

Mandy Mbappè said:

"It’s Hondayi🇿🇦"

Vellis wrote:

"Forgive us. The dealerships have miseducated us."

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Selaelo expressed:

"Too late sesi ke Hondai kamo Southaa."

M replied:

"Hu-n-da-i sesi hundai."

Chlknja stated:

"Didn’t they have a commercial that said Hyundai like Sunday?"

Ace2k4ever added:

"I thought it was: Hi-un-die."

At Partiie shared:

"I used to pronounce it HUndai."

Msstudios Dev commented:

"As a Korean speaker, pronounce it the way you think it is, according to English pronunciation. You don't have to switch your accent just to say Hyundai."

Watch the video below:

3 Other stories about Hyundai

• In another article, Briefly News reported that Big Brother Mzansi winner Sweet Guluva reaped the benefits of fame when he was gifted a R1.2 million Hyundai Staria.
• A viral video of a woman's nervous first moments at a Hyundai dealership in Cape Town resonated with social media users when she confessed to her driving anxiety.
• South African actress Deli Malinga called out a Hyundai dealership. She shared that she wasn't happy with the R40 000 service she received.

Source: Briefly News