Hello everyone who loves Korean culture!
This time, we’re diving into the latest SNS trends that are capturing the hearts of Korea’s Gen Z.
Korean social media culture is constantly evolving — and it’s now influencing many young people in Japan as well.
Centered around TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts, what kind of content is really “hot” right now?
Here’s a look at 7 of the most talked-about SNS trends in Korea, along with a glimpse into the local vibe behind them!
1. The Evolution of the 4-Cut Photo Boom: “8-Cut Studios”
You might already know the “Life Four Cuts” (인생네컷) photo booths that became a hit in both Korea and Japan — but in Korea, they’ve evolved into 8-cut versions!
Instead of just taking a few cute pictures, people now focus on storytelling — from serious solo portraits to funny expressions, couple love shots, or themed outfits with friends.
🔹Trendy Points
- Instantly post your photo strips to Instagram Stories or Highlights
- The “#8CutChallenge” is going viral on TikTok
- Apps like SNOW and SODA now offer similar formats to recreate the trend at home
2. Short Challenges Taking Over Korean TikTok
On Korean TikTok, 15–30 second “short challenges” are exploding in popularity.
The most popular ones among Gen Z mix dance, facial expressions, and emotion, creating a compact, expressive performance.
🕺Recent Trend Examples
- The famous “Save it in my heart~” pose (내 마음속에 저장~)
- Lip-sync acting clips using short, catchy lines
- “One song, one move” K-pop challenges using just part of a song
3. The Aesthetic of “Solo Dining” — Mute Mukbang & Vlog-Style Posts
A growing SNS trend in Korea is quietly showcasing solo meals in a peaceful, beautiful way.
Instead of noisy eating videos, people post calm “silent mukbangs” or vlog-style short clips of eating alone.
✨Key Features
- Relaxing, calm, and healing atmosphere
- Café-like mood using filters and soft BGM
- Many Gen Z users focus on aesthetic food presentation
📝Popular Hashtags: #혼밥브이로그 (#SoloMealVlog), #먹방일기 (#FoodDiary)
4. “MBTI” — The Reigning King of Korean SNS Content
In Korea, MBTI (the 16-type personality test) has become an essential part of Gen Z culture.
SNS is filled with videos and posts showing reactions, daily habits, or relationship patterns based on MBTI types.
😆Common Formats
- “How each MBTI reacts to a love confession”
- “MBTI types at a drinking party”
- “INFP vs ENTJ couple life” comparison skits
📝Hashtags: #MBTI유형 (#MBTItypes), #MBTI밈 (#MBTImemes)
5. The Fusion of AI and Selfies — “AI Portraits” Go Viral
Among Korean Gen Z users, turning selfies into AI-generated idealized or stylized portraits is the hottest trend!
Transformations into anime-style, game-character, or webtoon-like visuals are especially popular.
📲Popular Apps
- SNOW AI Portrait
- LOOPS
- Lensa AI
6. The Rise of the “Sink Vlog” — Everyday Aesthetics in the Bathroom
Surprisingly, bathroom and sink vlogs showing morning or night routines are gaining attention.
Posts that focus on clean aesthetics — organized cosmetics, good lighting, and skincare moments — are especially admired.
📹Trending Elements
- A balance of real life + aesthetic vibes
- Skincare routines paired with calming BGM
- Minimalist interiors that emphasize cleanliness
7. “Just Went to a Café” Vlogs — The Miniature Café Diary
As Korea’s café culture keeps booming online, ultra-short café vlogs (under 60 seconds) have become a trend.
These videos usually follow a simple structure: walking → ordering → drinking → short comment to end.
☕What Makes Them Popular?
- Showcasing café interiors (neon signs, Korean-style furniture)
- Highlighting menus with zoom-ins and sound effects
- Beautiful shots of Dalgona lattes or croffles that instantly grab attention
Summary: What Korean Gen Z Values Through SNS Trends
Looking at these 7 major Korean SNS trends, we can clearly see the values that define Korea’s Gen Z culture.
🔍 Key Takeaways
- A balance between authenticity and presentation
- Focus on beautifying everyday life rather than comparing with others
- Integration of technology like AI and vlog-style storytelling
- Emphasis on emotional sharing and empathy
These trends often spread quickly to Japan’s social media scene as well — so keeping an eye on them can help you stay one step ahead of the curve!
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