Who is the viral 'Hongdae guy'? South Korean influencer behind 'are you open mindeu?' trend targetting foreign women
But who is this "Hongdae guy," and why has he become such a viral trend online?
The birth of the "Hongdae guy" trend
It all began to trend after South Korean content creator Sean Solo (@itsseansolo) popularized the term and phrases. He shared humorous parodies of the way certain local men act around foreign ladies in Seoul's hip Hongdae district. Sean acts like a typical "Hongdae guy" in his videos - bright, tenacious, and a bit too eager to ask for a woman's number on his iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Despite being funny, Sean's videos have provoked discussion, particularly among female travelers who have had such experiences in person while visiting the area.
What is a "Hongdae guy," really?
The term "Hongdae guy" usually describes young South Korean guys who approaches a foreign woman with aggressive or seductive pickup lines. These men are frequently spotted in the Hongdae, Mapo-gu are which is known for its vibrant nightlife. The main characteristics of these men include boldness, with the use of poor English and excessive flattery.
And, while many female travelers come with an idea of a K-drama-style romance, interactions with these excessively forward locals could quickly become uncomfortable.
Sean Solo's skits frequently show the disparities in how these men approach women of different ethnicities and the misconceptions that some Korean men hold about foreign women.
Comedy meets uncomfortable truths
What makes the Hongdae guy trend so appealing is how it blurs the distinction between humour and reality. While the skits are intended to entertain, they also address deeper problems such as gender relations, consent, and how foreign women are seen in South Korea.
However, Sean Solo's videos consistently state that these "Hongdae guys" are not representative of all Korean men. Most of the men in South Korea are courteous and nice.
As "Hongdae boy" videos contiue to fill social media feeds, they've also sparked an important conversation. It reflects the viral humour with genuine social dynamics, power disparities, and the pressing need to make nightlife places safer for everybody.
For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
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