공항도둑

The meme name "공항도둑" (Gonghangdoduk) is pronounced roughly as "Gong-hahng-doh-dook."

The 'Gonghangdoduk' meme gained significant popularity online around 2020. The original video shows a man caught stealing items from an airport convenience store, engaging in a struggle. Although the video is presumed to have been filmed around 2014, its full-fledged spread as a meme occurred around 2020, with various parodies and remix videos being created on YouTube. The meme's popularity was further amplified when the person in the video himself began working as a YouTuber.

The 'Gonghangdoduk' meme originated from a man caught stealing items at an airport convenience store, who then protested to the police and staff with absurd and illogical arguments. His unique way of speaking and brazen attitude, particularly phrases like "When did you buy this store?" or "Is it scary here or not scary?", left a strong impression on people. This meme is primarily used to mock or satirize situations where someone, despite being in the wrong, acts defiantly or makes unreasonable claims, denying reality even in the face of clear evidence.

This meme was actively consumed on various online communities, including YouTube, and is widely known among young generations, primarily those in their teens to 30s, as well as people of all ages who enjoy internet culture.

The 'Gonghangdoduk' meme is used in various ways, utilizing the unique speech patterns or specific lines of the person in the video. For example, it was parodied in a short film by famous YouTuber Jang Ppi-jju

. Furthermore, it can be found in various creative works, such as impersonations of his voice

, or video content featuring him alongside other famous meme characters

. It is also used to mock situations where someone refuses to admit their fault and makes unreasonable demands, by quoting lines like "When did you buy this store?".

Since the 'Gonghangdoduk' meme originated from an actual theft incident, care must be taken not to use it in a context that trivializes or justifies criminal acts by only highlighting its humorous aspects. Furthermore, although the person who became the subject of the meme later worked as a YouTuber, it is advisable to refrain from using it to directly ridicule or disparage a specific individual.