Gen Z Roasts 'Young 40s' for Trying Too Hard to Stay Hip in Korea

In South Korea, a new trend has emerged where young people are poking fun at people in their 40s who try to keep up with the latest fashion and technology. These people are called 'Young 40s'. Ji Seung-ryeol, who is 41, is one of them. He loves fashion and often posts selfies on Instagram, showing off his stylish clothes and accessories. He feels good when his photos get lots of likes. However, he was surprised to find out that men his age are now being mocked online for wearing clothes and using gadgets that are usually popular with younger people. Social media is full of funny pictures and memes showing middle-aged men in trendy streetwear and holding iPhones. These images have gone viral, and the term 'Young 40s' is now used to describe people who are seen as trying too hard to look young. Ji feels upset about this. He says he is just buying and wearing things he has always liked, now that he can afford them. He does not understand why people are making fun of him for his choices.

The trend of making fun of 'Young 40s' started when the iPhone 17 was released. In the past, iPhones were seen as something only young people used. But now, more people in their 40s are buying iPhones, and fewer young people are choosing them. Some young people say that 'Young 40s' are people who do not want to accept that they are getting older and are trying too hard to fit in with the younger generation. A study showed that Apple's market share among Gen Z in South Korea dropped by 4 percent, while it increased by 12 percent among people in their 40s. This is not the first time something like this has happened. A few years ago, people made fun of 'Geriatric Millennials', who were born in the early 1980s. Their jokes and style were called old-fashioned and embarrassing. Now, the same thing is happening with 'Young 40s'.

In South Korea, age is very important in society. People often ask each other how old they are when they first meet, and this decides how they talk to each other and who does certain things, like pouring drinks at a party. But now, young people are starting to question why they have to respect older people so much. There is even a word, 'kkondae', for older people who are bossy and do not listen to young people. Social media has made it easier for people of all ages to see what each other are doing, so these jokes and memes spread quickly. The term 'Young 40' was first used in marketing to describe people in their 40s who were active, healthy, and comfortable with technology. But now, it is often used in a negative way. Many young people see 'Young 40s' as people who had an easier time finding jobs and buying homes, while young people today face high house prices and tough competition for jobs. Psychologist Oh Eun-kyung says that 'Young 40s' are seen as symbols of privilege and power, which is why young people make fun of them. However, Ji remembers that his generation also faced hard times. He had to apply for many jobs before he found one, and his generation did not have much when they were young. Now, Ji feels caught between two generations. Older people were very strict, but younger people like to ask questions and challenge authority. Ji tries to be careful at work so he does not seem bossy or out of touch. He does not organize many parties anymore and tries to keep conversations about work. Another man, Kang, says that wanting to look young is normal for everyone. He thinks it is natural to want to feel young, no matter how old you are.