Do you need to speak Korean for a K-pop fancall?

No. Fans from all over the world go on fancalls without speaking Korean. What matters is being easy to understand in a very short call, and that is something you can prepare.

What fancall videos show

Fans post recordings of their fancalls, and the comments under them say a lot about language:

Under this Stray Kids video call, posted by the fan who made the call, a comment with over 5,000 likes is about how easily Hyunjin spoke English.
Under this ENHYPEN video call, commenters point out Heeseung talking with the fan in English.
Under this ATEEZ fansign fancall and this P1Harmony video call, fans comment on the members’ English.

That does not mean every idol is comfortable in English. Some are, many understand simple phrases, some prefer Korean. Plan for simple words, and anything extra is a bonus.

How to be understood in one to three minutes

Get to the point. A commenter under the P1Harmony call noticed that English-speaking fans often say a lot before the actual question. Lead with the question.
One idea per sentence. “I’m from Texas. Summer or winter?” works better than one long sentence with both.
Show it. A small sign or card with a few words, a photo, your fanart. A fan in the comments under this G-IDLE video call wrote that they cannot speak Korean at all and mostly wanted to show their fanart. Showing is a whole conversation.
Prepare translations before the call, not during it. There is no time to type into a translator app while the clock runs. Write the Korean version of your one key sentence on your card.
Slow down. Nerves make everyone talk fast. Short pauses help the idol follow you.

A few Korean words go a long way

You do not need sentences. A hello, your name and a thank you in Korean almost always get a reaction, and commenters under this A.C.E video call loved how the members reacted to the fan speaking Korean. Our list of easy Korean phrases has pronunciation for each one.

You are not the only one who is nervous

Language comes up again and again in fancall comments:

Under this G-IDLE fansign vlog, a fan wrote that they never dared to try a fancall because it might be too awkward, and that watching made them want to try.
Under the A.C.E video call, someone who has studied Korean for five years wrote that they would still be scared to speak it.
Under the G-IDLE video call, a fan who cannot speak Korean shared that they had just been picked for a call.

Idols meet nervous fans at every event. Simple words said with a smile are enough.

Will there be an interpreter?

Check the event notice. If it does not say there is one, plan as if there is none: short English, a card, a few Korean words.

What to actually say: questions, requests and Korean phrases
Getting ready: how to prepare for your fancall
Want to know if a fancall is possible for you from abroad? Ask about a fancall.