Forget “Hamburger,” It’s “Hamboogie”! The Viral Meme Taking Over Korea

“Hamboogati Hamboogie On and On.” If you’re a frequent scroller on social media, you’ve probably come across this phrase at least once. It’s all part of the viral “Hamboogie” meme that’s been sweeping platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter).

The phenomenon traces back to last summer when a netizen posted a rant about their friend persistently calling hamburgers “Hamboogie,” sparking widespread attention. Since then, out-of-context photos of burger restaurants and nonsensical captions have fueled the meme’s growth.

Idol Fandoms Join the “Hamboogie” Craze

The meme’s popularity skyrocketed thanks to active participation from K-pop fandoms. Fans frequently request their favorite idols to take on the “Hamboogie Challenge” during broadcasts, fan meetings, and live streams, creating viral moments that boost the meme even further.

Major brands aren’t missing out on the trend either. Samyang Foods’ Buldak (spicy noodles) brand recently got in on the action after a user posted a photo of their homemade Buldak with the caption: “Bring the noodles, I’ve cooked them (‘bulnakkkyeo ogora’).” Samyang’s playful response, which cleverly adapted the “Hamboogie” meme, racked up 6.35 million views and over 26,000 likes.

Originally just a cute mispronunciation of “hamburger,” “Hamboogie” has evolved beyond a simple joke and become a full-blown cultural trend influencing everything from memes to marketing strategies. And with the speed at which new memes pop up in Korea’s dynamic online landscape, who knows what quirky trend will take over next?