리더는 묵직해야 한다

Meme Name: The Leader Must Be Dignified

Ree-duh-neun Mook-jik-hae-yah HAHN-dah

This meme first gained recognition in 2013 due to a Twitter comment by soccer player Ki Sung-yueng. Later, in the mid-to-late 2010s, with the resurgence of the idol market, the meaning of "weightiness" (묵직함) transformed, and the meme began to trend again.

This meme is used with two main meanings. Initially, it originated from a tweet by soccer player Ki Sung-yueng in 2013, conveying the fundamental idea that a leader must be dignified and capable of embracing their team members. However, at the time, Ki Sung-yueng was in conflict with coach Choi Kang-hee, and his statement was interpreted as an indirect criticism. Consequently, it was also used to criticize Ki Sung-yueng's imprudent remarks or to disparage him. The nickname 'Ki-muk-jik' (기묵직) also emerged during this period.

Initially, it was primarily used within soccer fandom. However, after its meaning transformed, it is now widely used among all ages and genders, particularly centered around idol fandoms, especially girl group fandoms.

Early usage: "A leader must be dignified. And they must be able to embrace their team members. Someone who turns everyone into an enemy is not qualified to be a leader." (Used in a critical context, quoting player Ki Sung-yueng's statement.)