South Korea Poverty Challenge, Rich People Acting Poor

 

 

A controversial new social media trend known as the "Poverty Challenge" or "Extreme Poverty Meme" is currently gaining traction in South Korea, sparking a heated debate over the ethics of "humble bragging." The trend involves affluent individuals posting images of their luxurious lifestyles while using ironic captions that lament their supposed financial struggles. By pairing high-end consumption with self-deprecating language, these users are indirectly flaunting their wealth under the guise of humor, a move that many critics argue is both insensitive and exclusionary.

 

 

Examples of the trend are diverse but follow a consistent pattern of irony. Some users share photos of themselves eating instant noodles while flying in an airplane’s first-class cabin, labeling the scene as "tiresome poverty." Others post images of luxury car keys, such as those for a Ferrari or Porsche, alongside simple meals like gimbap, complaining that they have no money for gas. The trend extends to expensive child-rearing products, with parents showcasing strollers worth 15 million won and claiming the purchase has left them destitute. In other instances, individuals post photos of spacious, art-filled living rooms or private swimming pools while jokingly stating they are too poor to leave their homes.

Public reaction to this phenomenon has been largely negative. Many netizens have expressed outrage, arguing that the trend mocks those who are genuinely experiencing economic hardship. Critics suggest that using the word "poverty" as a joke is cruel, as it disregards the real pain and struggle associated with financial instability. Singer and actor Kim Dong-wan publicly addressed the issue, stating that poverty is an emotion and a reality that should not be used as a "prop" for humor. He shared his personal history of living in a semi-basement home to emphasize that for many, the word "poverty" carries a weight that the wealthy cannot understand.

Sociological experts believe the trend is a byproduct of South Korea’s rapid economic growth, which has placed an extreme emphasis on material success. Professor Jun Soo Hur of Soongsil University explains that the country’s social system has become deeply centered on economic factors, leading to an obsessive desire to show off wealth. He points out that the "Poverty Challenge" reveals a severe lack of empathy and a deepening social divide. Because the wealthy do not truly understand the hardships faced by vulnerable populations, they feel comfortable using the concept of deprivation as a source of entertainment. Ultimately, the trend highlights a need for greater social awareness and a more respectful approach toward those who are genuinely struggling in a highly competitive and economically imbalanced society.