As we navigate through the ever-evolving landscape of social media, we often encounter unexpected memes, some that have maintained steady popularity and others that have suddenly exploded onto the scene. At the beginning of 2025, Korea is experiencing a wave of viral meme songs that have captured the attention of netizens. Let’s take a closer look at these trending tracks and their associated memes.
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Chill Guy – Gia Margaret ‘Hinoki Wood’
A rare case of a meme that has become a national sensation, Chill Guy features a character, presumably a dog, always seen with its hands tucked into jean pockets and a subtle, content smile. The meme typically pairs this character with the soothing new-age track “Hinoki Wood” by Gia Margaret, creating a relaxed, almost meditative atmosphere.
Korean netizens have embraced this meme not only for its calming aesthetic but also for its wordplay potential, linking the pronunciation of “Chill” to various puns and adaptations. Meanwhile, Gia Margaret, an American indie folk/ambient musician who classifies her work as “sleep rock,” has seen a notable rise in recognition thanks to the viral spread of her track.
괜찮아 딩딩딩 – RAP VIỆT ‘KHÔNG SAO CẢ’ (feat. 7dnight)
This meme’s origins can be traced back to Indonesian YouTuber DEANKT, who, during a gaming livestream, uttered the now-iconic phrase, “I’m Okay, I’m Fine. 괜찮아~ 딩딩딩딩딩.” The phrase quickly took off as a meme.
Its virality took another turn when Vietnamese rapper 7dnight incorporated it into his competition song on “RAP VIỆT,” launching a second wave of popularity. Having spent seven years in Korea balancing academics and work, 7dnight was uniquely positioned to integrate the phrase into his lyrics. The song itself delivers an uplifting message about perseverance despite hardships. Those seeking motivation are encouraged to check out the translated lyrics for deeper inspiration.
Giga Chad – Bring Me The Horizon ‘Can You Feel My Heart’
Peaking in January 2025, the Giga Chad meme left a significant impact on Korean social media.
Originally a Russian virtual model known for his exaggeratedly muscular physique, Giga Chad started as a meme used to mock weaker individuals. However, over time, it evolved into a symbol of encouragement, embodying the idea that a “true alpha male” uplifts rather than belittles others.
In Korea, the meme took off when an internet user crafted fictional dialogues between themselves and Giga Chad, portraying him as a wise mentor delivering life advice. This humorous yet strangely comforting exchange resonated widely with netizens. The meme is typically accompanied by “Can You Feel My Heart” by Bring Me The Horizon, a track that had already gained meme status internationally since 2022.
Sigma Boy – Betsy, Мария Янковская ‘Sigma Boy’ (Сигма Бой)
Since late 2024, Sigma Boy (Сигма Бой) has been making waves among Korean students. The track, originally a Russian song, became a viral trend thanks to German YouTuber Streichbruder, who posted a video of himself performing a backflip in public to its beat.
Korean content creators quickly adapted the meme, incorporating acrobatic stunts, flashy hand gestures, and dance moves into their short-form videos. The song’s addictive melody continues to spread rapidly across SNS platforms.
Maru Is a Puppy – Haewon (NMIXX) ‘Maru는 강쥐’
For years, “Woorizip Puppy is Cute (우리집 강아지 귀여워)” by Otis Lim reigned as the go-to song for pet-related memes. However, since late 2024, “Maru Is a Puppy (Maru는 강쥐),” the OST for the webtoon “Maru Is a Puppy,” has been making its mark.
Haewon’s playful vocal delivery makes the song feel like an embodiment of an energetic puppy. If you frequently encounter pet content on your social media feed, you’ve likely heard this track multiple times. Given its catchy nature, it is expected to become a staple for pet-related videos in the months to come.
As SNS continues to evolve, countless new meme songs are emerging, bringing joy and laughter to online communities worldwide.