”TVXQ” Yunho's ”Lesson Meme” attracts attention as a new character

“The first lesson... Only you know what's good.”

This one line from Yunho (TVXQ) has sparked an unexpected reaction. His short but powerful “lesson style” has rapidly spread as a meme on social media. The general public has begun to enjoy and consume his “excessive” style, including his serious attitude, slightly embarrassing expressions, and somewhat offbeat rhythm.

The “lesson meme” is spreading as a form of play culture across various short-form platforms. Yunho's ‘advice’ has evolved into formats such as “Lesson 3: Don't get too excited or disappointed” and “Lesson 4: Affirmation is a choice.” On platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok, reels and cover videos mimicking this trend continue to emerge.

Especially within online communities centered around the MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z, born between the 1980s and 2000s), there is a growing atmosphere of mimicking Yunho's speaking style or creating new lessons to participate in the “Yunho World.” Proposals utilizing his “lesson character” are also continuing in variety shows and the advertising industry.

The reason Yunho is gaining attention is not simply due to his tone of voice or memes. It stems from the authenticity, sincerity, and depth of an artist in his 23rd year of debut. The paradox that “when you take something too seriously, it becomes humorous” applies to him as well. However, this humor is not mockery but rather goodwill.

This is evidence that K-POP artists are forming a new kind of relationship with the general public by openly expressing their self-awareness. Yunho continues to deliver confident messages on stage and on TV, and the general public enjoys his sincerity through the language of “lessons.”

Yunho's “lesson meme” has led to actual results beyond a temporary trend. Related video clips have garnered millions of views on YouTube and become a topic of discussion. Hashtags like “#YunhoLesson” have generated over 3,000 pieces of content on TikTok and Instagram.

The resurgence in music charts continues. According to the music platform Melon, from June 3 to 5 this month, the number of listeners for Yunho's “Thank U,” released in 2021, increased by an astonishing 56 times compared to the same period in June last year. This marks the first resurgence in four years since the song's release.

On the 6th, Yunho visited a concert by SM's junior group “RIIZE” and filmed a “Thank U” challenge video titled “Lesson Complete,” which recorded over 6 million views within 24 hours.

There is also anticipation for offers from the advertising industry. Examples include modeling offers that align with his “self-improvement” character and the release of emoji products featuring Yunho's lesson moments.

Yunho's “lessons” are not merely an example of an artist's personality expanding. They demonstrate how a star's self-awareness and personal branding connect with memes in the age of content overload, and how this extends beyond the fanbase. This is evidence that memes are evolving into a new direction that can guide content consumption and brand-building.

Such phenomena bring to mind the resurgence of RAIN's “GANG” in 2020. At the time, his serious performance paradoxically sparked laughter among the general public, spreading the “1 Day 1 GANG” syndrome, and RAIN experienced a second golden age in music, variety shows, and advertisements. Yunho is now standing at a similar crossroads.