This study explores the phenomenon of third-person self-reference (illeism) in the Indonesian and Korean languages, focusing on gender-based patterns in everyday interactions. While prior research has largely focused on literary works and the speech of public figures, this study explores illeism among everyday speakers with gender as a key influence. Comparing the two communities enhances our understanding of possible differences in the language use of illeism. A total of 64 participants were sampled: 40 Indonesians (20 males and 20 females) and 24 Koreans (12 males and 12 females). Using both quantitative and qualitative designs, data were collected via an online questionnaire using DCT (a discourse-completion task) with five social scenarios followed by an open-ended question for each scenario to elicit the reasoning behind the use of illeism. The responses were then analyzed thematically. The results show that Indonesian females use illeism more than males, while Korean respondents show balanced usage across genders. Four factors seem to influence illeism: context of formality and naturalness, emphasis on social roles, politeness and affection, and social distance.

Abstract
1. INTRODUCTION
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
    2.1. Functional and Pragmatic Aspects of Illeism
    2.2. Cultural and Cross-Linguistic Perspectives on Self-reference
    2.3. Gender as a Sociolinguistic Variable on linguistics choice
    2.4. Research Gap
3. METHODOLOGY
    3.1. Research Questions
    3.2. Context and Participants
    3.3. Research Instrument
    3.4. Research Procedure
    3.5. Data Analysis
4. FINDINGS
    4.1. Gender Differences in the use of Illeism in Indonesia andKorea
    4.2. Results summary of the emerging factors influencing the useof Illeism
5. DISCUSSION
    5.1. Gender and Illeism in interactions
    5.2. Factors Influencing Illeism Usage in Indonesia and Korea
6. Conclusion and Limitation
REFERENCES
APPENDIX

• Yuli Meliyani(MA Student, English Language and Literature, Sogang University)
• Patricia Angelina(Ph.D. Student, English Education, Ewha Womans University) Corresponding author