‘Young 40s’: Gen Z’s New Mockery of Millennials in South Korea
In South Korea, a playful yet biting trend has emerged where Gen Z uses the term Young 40s to poke fun at millennials for their fashion choices. This unexpected age-related ribbing brings to light the changing dynamics of generational humor and societal perceptions.
The Rise of the Young 40s
– Ji Seung-ryeol, 41, a fashion-forward individual, shares his mirror selfies on Instagram to stay connected. However, he was shocked to discover that men in his age group had become targets of mockery, often depicted as trying too hard to embrace Gen Z styles.
– These AI-generated caricatures of middle-aged men dressed in trendy streetwear have gone viral, creating a humorous backlash against their preferred brands, such as Nike Air Jordans and Stüssy T-shirts.
– Ji expresses his confusion: Why is this something to be attacked for? I’m just wearing what I enjoy.
The iPhone Incident: A Cultural Shift
– The iPhone 17, launched last September, marked a turning point in how society views those in their 40s. Once seen as trendsetters in the ‘90s, these individuals are now viewed by Gen Z as trying too hard to look young and unwilling to accept their age.
– For contrast, Gallup reports a striking shift in smartphone preferences: while young South Koreans largely favored the iPhone, its market share among Gen Z has dipped by 4%, while it has increased by 12% among those in their 40s.
Generational Friction and Its Cultural Context
– The term kkondae, used to label rigid older individuals, highlights the growing tension between generations. Lee Jae-in, a sociology professor at Korea University, notes that social media has blurred generational boundaries, leading to a unique cultural clash.
– In Korea, age plays a significant role in social hierarchy, influencing everything from language to social interactions. Yet, the generation gap illustrated by the Young 40s memes reflects a broader skepticism towards traditional respect for elders.
The Young 40 Phenomenon and Its Implications
– Historically, the Young 40 label referred to a group of consumers known for their youthful sensibilities—active, health-conscious, and tech-savvy. Kim Yong-Sup, a trend analyst, observes that as South Korea’s median age increased, the Young 40s became central figures in society.
– However, this label has recently taken a satirical turn. Over the last year, Young 40 has been mentioned online more than 100,000 times, with the majority of these references conveying negativity, often linked to words like old and disgusting.
A Divide of Opportunity
– The mockery surrounding Young 40s can be seen as a form of “punching up.” Those in their 40s enjoyed relative economic stability, while younger generations grapple with high housing prices and fierce job competition.
– Psychologist Oh Eun-kyung explains that Young 40s are perceived not merely as individuals with tastes but as symbols of privilege. This generational discontent fuels the wave of mockery directed at them.
Navigating Between Two Worlds
– Ji’s experience reveals the complexities of being part of the Young 40s. Living through economic upheaval, he reflects on his generation’s difficulties and their eventual enjoyment of modern luxuries.
– Now, Ji feels sandwiched between the older generation’s authoritative approach and the younger generation’s inquisitive mindset. We’ve experienced both cultures and feel caught in between, he says.
The Natural Desire for Youth
– Fellow Young 40, Kang, suggests that the root of this trend lies in a universal desire to cling to youthfulness. As you get older, longing for youth becomes completely natural, he asserts.
The Young 40s phenomenon is not just about fashion; it encapsulates the evolving discourse between generations in South Korea, highlighting societal values and personal identity in an ever-changing cultural landscape. As both sides navigate these interactions, the humor that emerges reflects deeper truths about age, privilege, and the quest for connection across generational divides.