From Stray Kids' Changbin to IVE Jang Wonyoung: K-Pop Memes That Took Over Korea!

🎥 Viral Moment: Stray Kids member Changbin created this meme during episode 56 of the group’s self-produced content, 'SKZ-TALKER'. While playfully singing the chorus of NewJeans' "OMG," he humorously replaced "OMG" with "eomomma-ga" while following the choreography.

🎥 Viral Moment: NMIXX’s Haewon became the face of one of the most viral memes in 2024 when she confidently declared "Wemo CHECK" (Visual Check) while working as a flight attendant on 'Workdol' Season 2. 'Workdol' is a web variety show where idols take on different jobs and share their experiences.

🎥 Viral Moment: In the 19th, RIIZE’s official SNS released a Reels video capturing the moment Sohee stumbled while walking. In the video, Sohee playfully reacts to the situation with his signature mischievous expression, accompanied by the humorous caption, "O-kay okay o-kay—oh-kay okay okay feeeel-ing-Hup." Eventually, he loses balance and naturally falls, making for a lighthearted moment.

📈 Why It’s Iconic: This video was originally inspired by a moment when Sohee was snowboarding and appeared to be on the verge of falling, exclaiming: "O-kay okay o-kay—oh-kay okay okay feeeel-ing-Hup!" as he tumbled down. Later, Sohee humorously parodied the moment, turning it into a playful and lighthearted clip. The clip quickly went viral among fans, solidifying itself as a new meme. Sohee’s cheerful attitude and resilience—bouncing back like a human roly-poly—leave a lasting impression.

🎥 Viral Moment: Since 2022, a viral trend has taken over YouTube Shorts and other platforms: the "What song are you listening to?" street interview format. This content involves asking random pedestrians wearing earphones what song they’re listening to, satisfying the universal curiosity of “What are other people listening to?”

During this trend, NewJeans' "Hype Boy" gained massive popularity. As the song dominated the charts, countless videos emerged of people answering, "NewJeans’ Hype Boy", leading to the "Everyone’s listening to Hype Boy" meme.

As the meme evolved, it became a running joke—eventually, even when people were asked completely unrelated questions, they would jokingly respond with "Hype Boy", solidifying the meme’s place in internet culture.

📈 Why It’s Iconic: This trend transformed Hype Boy into a cultural phenomenon, with fans (and non-fans alike) randomly answering the question in real life just for fun. This meme was a testament to NewJeans' sensational popularity, showcasing their massive influence. It also played a key role in popularizing the word "hype" across South Korea.

😂 Perfect for: Anytime someone asks you a question and you want to answer in the most chaotic yet trendy way possible.

5. IVE Jang Wonyoung – “Lucky Vicky”

🎥 Viral Moment: "Lucky Vicky" is a combination of "Lucky", meaning fortune, and "Vicky", the English name of Jang Wonyoung. It became South Korea's biggest viral meme of 2024.

This phrase represents Wonyoung’s ultra-positive mindset, which goes beyond ordinary optimism. No matter the situation, she reframes everything with an almost transcendent level of positivity—a perspective often referred to as "Wonyoung's Thinking"

Her positive outlook was detailed in IVE’s vlog, where she expressed her firm belief that even seemingly unfortunate or negative events eventually lead to something good. This mindset, embodying the essence of a top idol, was a refreshing shock to the public, resonating deeply with fans.

📈 Why It’s Iconic: As media outlets like YTN and SBS covered her unique way of thinking, "Wonyoung-style optimism" gained widespread recognition, turning "Lucky Vicky" into a phrase commonly used in everyday conversations.

😂 Perfect for: It's a phrase anyone can use when they need a dose of positive thinking.

6. K-Pop Memes in the Global Fandom – The ‘Nugu’ Phenomenon

🎥 Viral Moment: The word “Nugu”, which means “who?” in Korean, became a widespread meme among international K-pop fans, often used humorously to refer to lesser-known or underrated idols.

📈 Why It’s Iconic: Originally a dismissive term, fans have since reclaimed it, using it in self-aware, ironic, and even supportive ways.

😂 Perfect for: Jokingly asking “Who?” when you’re pretending to not know someone—or just for fun shade.

2025: What’s the Next Big K-Pop Meme?

With the ever-evolving nature of K-pop fandoms and internet culture, the next viral meme is just one funny moment away. Which idol will create the next viral meme in 2025? We can’t wait to see what new trends will take over next.