Hongdae guy is all over our Reels, even if it may not be the iPhone 16 Pro Maxu, but not everyone will know who he is. So, here's all you need to know.
It’s incredible how prominent the Hallyu wave is across the globe. You don’t even need to be actively seeking this culture, it will always find you. The Hongdae guy's videos are a prime example of how K-culture is dominating our feeds, and in good regards too. For those of you who may not be well-versed in the cinema culture to understand what or who this guy is, why he's always in a leather jacket trying to get people’s numbers in his iPhone 16 Pro Max or why he's become a trend where people are either collaborating with or imitating him - we’ll answer it all for you!
Who is he?
Sean Solo, a creator and model, is the face behind the now-viral Hongdae guy trend. Often known as 'Very Professional Hongdae Guy', he has taken over our feed with his perfect imitation and parody videos on a certain group of South Korean men that we don't usually get to see in K-dramas.
By portraying this character, he shows the side of South Korea that is often overlooked, particularly men who make their awkward and unapologetic advances. He emphasizes how these men tend to assume that foreign women are always 'open-minded,' which is an innuendo suggesting that they are receptive to sexual favors.
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The Hallyu wave has not only caused people to openly accept Korean culture but has also sparked a desire among them to visit South Korea and experience it in person. While these people, especially women, arrive with certain expectations, thanks to the beautiful world-building seen in every K-Drama, their experience don't always match their expectations. That's precisely why the 'Hongdae guy' joke has become a popular trend. Although they don't wholly represent Korean men, the fact that it has also become a way to recognise these men speaks for itself.
The trend humorously targets a group of young South Korean men who often take advantage of foreign women visiting the Hongdae area in Seoul’s Mapo district. Appearing in streetwear outfits that are inspired by hip-hop and vintage elements, they are usually seen enjoying the streets of Hongdae, which is famously known for its nightlife. Sean, who has become the face of this part of the trend, is subtly calling out the misogyny and gendered thinking that exists in the country.
The trend has caught up so well that creators visiting Korea are taking the chance to collaborate with him. These collaborations are a great example of the popularity that his rendition of the Hongdae guys has gained over time.
You can't miss these collaborations!
It's not just the collaborations, but also the effort people are putting into recreating their own versions of the trend.
Are you a fan of the Hongdae guy too? Tell us in the comments below!
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