세계가 지켜보고 있습니다 을(를) 자제해 주십시오

This meme originated from a phrase on a flyer distributed by Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, prior to the 2010 G20 Seoul Summit.

At the time, it requested residents to refrain from actions like disposing of food waste. Due to its authoritarian tone, it drew criticism and began to spread online. It was subsequently parodied and consistently used in webtoons by artists like Lee Mal-nyeon and in 'Acoustic Life.' It resurfaced in discussions during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when rumors circulated about the cancellation of otaku-related events.

"Seh-gyeh-gah Jee-kyuh-boh-goh Eet-seum-nee-dah ~eul(reul) Jah-jeh-heh Joo-ship-shee-oh"

This meme originally stemmed from a phrase used by Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, to request residents to refrain from actions like disposing of food waste, prior to the 2010 G20 Seoul Summit. At the time, the phrase was criticized for using the grand subject of 'the world' to authoritatively and unilaterally demand residents to refrain from certain behaviors. Because of this background, it is now used to sarcastically or humorously describe situations where restraint is demanded for something that is not particularly important or is a personal matter, by invoking excessive authority or justification like 'the world.' It carries the meaning of satirizing an attitude that attempts to suppress specific actions by citing unnecessarily grand reasons.

Since this meme originated from a social issue in 2010 and spread through internet communities and webtoons, it is widely used by people of all ages and genders who actively use the internet.

• "The world is watching. Please refrain from communization."
• "The world is watching. Please refrain from fascism."
• "The world is watching. Please refrain from Anschluss."
• "The world is watching. Please refrain from world domination."
• "The world is watching. Please refrain from gun ownership."

• "The world is watching. Please refrain from wearing tracksuits."

Since this meme originated from satirizing an authoritarian attitude, using it in serious or sensitive situations can lead to criticism. It is appropriate to use it satirically in a lighthearted and humorous context, and care should be taken not to give the impression of actually coercing or suppressing someone's actions.