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Meme Name: Sakuranbo

Sah-koo-rahn-boh (This is the Japanese word for "cherry," and the pronunciation reflects its Japanese origin.)

The 'Sakuranbo' meme officially began gaining popularity in 2020. The original song, 'Sakuranbo' by Japanese singer Ai Otsuka, had already gained significant popularity in the early to mid-2000s during the Cyworld era. In 2020, internet streamer Ralo frequently played this song during his broadcasts, bringing it back into the spotlight. In the same year, a 'Thumbs-Up Version' challenge, based on the choreography of Japanese comedy duo Nyancomasta, spread on Korean TikTok. Notably, Afreeca BJ Yoo Hye-di's cover video gained immense popularity, fueling the meme's spread. Furthermore, a creative choreography version performed by Kim Junsu at a concert in 2019 gained traction on YouTube in 2020 through Sso Dae-jang's cover, accelerating its popularity.

The 'Sakuranbo' meme refers to a dance challenge performed to the eponymous song by Japanese singer Ai Otsuka. This meme is largely divided into two main choreography versions. The first is the 'Thumbs-Up Version,' popular mainly on TikTok, characterized by cute movements during the chorus where dancers close their eyes, puff out their cheeks, and wave both hands forward. The second is the 'Choreography Version' performed by singer Kim Junsu at a concert, which features relatively larger and more dynamic movements. Both dances are utilized by internet streamers for reactions or as challenge content, primarily used to create a cheerful and lively atmosphere.

It evokes nostalgia for those currently in their late 20s to 40s who encountered the original song during the Cyworld era in the early to mid-2000s. Meanwhile, it gained popularity as a fun challenge content among younger generations, from teenagers to those in their 30s, who encountered the meme through internet broadcasts and TikTok after 2020, thus being consumed by a wide age range. Viewers who consume content from internet streamers, broadcasters, and YouTubers form the primary target audience.

• On internet broadcasts, viewers often request the 'Sakuranbo' dance as a donation reaction.
• On short-form video platforms like TikTok or YouTube Shorts, various people upload videos of themselves dancing to the 'Sakuranbo Challenge'.
• People also film and share videos of themselves dancing 'Sakuranbo' with friends.

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(Ralo's Sakuranbo Dance) -

(Yoo Hye-di's Hyekuranbo) -

(Sso Dae-jang's Kim Junsu Cover Version)