담당일진

The 'Damdang-iljin' meme originated on online communities like DC Inside and started gaining prominence across various internet communities around 2017. It particularly gained traction during the screening of the Japanese animated film 'Your Name.', when the disruptive behavior of some otaku became a hot topic. This, combined with the 'Honmono' (true/real otaku) discourse, stemmed from a community sentiment that those who caused discomfort should be directly disciplined.

'Damdang-iljin' refers to an 'iljin' (a term for a school bully or gang leader) who is specifically assigned to discipline individuals or targets that cause discomfort to others through immature behavior. Initially, it was used in contexts like "Isn't the Damdang-iljin doing their job?" implying a need for someone to manage problematic 'jjindda' (social outcasts/nerds). Over time, its meaning expanded beyond physical retaliation to encompass a 'dedicated disciplinarian' who guides people away from the wrong path. Furthermore, it is also used to refer to the natural nemesis of a particular person or group. In sports, for example, when a specific team or player consistently dominates another, people might say, "XX is XXX's Damdang-iljin."

Dahm-dahng Eel-jeen

It is primarily used by young people who actively engage in internet communities like DC Inside. It tends to be used by individuals who felt weak or inferior in real life, projecting a strong image online or seeking vicarious satisfaction.

• "Isn't the Damdang-iljin doing their job?"
• "Our team always struggles against that team. I guess that team is our team's Damdang-iljin."
• "XX is XXX's Damdang-iljin."

The 'Damdang-iljin' meme contains the extreme sensibilities characteristic of DC Inside, and thus, many people find it objectionable. Some criticize it as a phrase that trivializes or glorifies school violence and downplays its seriousness.