근데 이제 뭐함?

This meme gained significant popularity in mid-2022, particularly around July and August. It originated from a satirical comic drawn by a user of the popular mobile game 'Guardian Tales,' depicting the situation after a game update. Its excellent versatility then led to its rapid spread across various online communities.

The meme '근데 이제 뭐함?' (Geunde ije mwoham?) is used to express the sudden feeling of emptiness or bewilderment about what to do next, after a specific content or event has peaked or an anticipated outcome has been achieved. It humorously conveys a sense of void or a craving for the next content after highly anticipated situations, such as game updates, sports results, or the conclusion of a particular issue, have ended. The original comic depicted the situation of having nothing left to enjoy after a game update by likening it to an ape. Along with this ape character, phrases like "크으으으" (Keueueueu, an onomatopoeia expressing deep satisfaction or sometimes frustration), "喝(갈)!!!!!!!" (Gal!!!!!!!, a roar or shout), "이대로만 갑시다!!" (Let's keep it this way!!), "자고로 '신앙'이란..!!" (Indeed, 'faith' is..!!), and "또 터졌다 니미!!!" (It exploded again, damn it!!!) are often used.

"Goon-deh ee-jeh mwo-hahm?"

• "Goon" rhymes with "moon."
• "deh" rhymes with "day."
• "ee-jeh" sounds like "eager" without the 'r', with the 'j' as in "jet."
• "mwo" rhymes with "mow."
• "hahm" rhymes with "calm."

It is widely used by both men and women, primarily from their late teens to their thirties, who are active users of online communities such as online game communities, DC Inside, Arca Live, and Ruliweb. It is particularly prevalent within the fandoms of specific games or content, where it fosters a sense of shared understanding.

• "After a long wait, a new character was finally released, but now that I've got them, '근데 이제 뭐함?' (What do I do now?)"
• "This season's drama has concluded its grand finale, but '근데 이제 뭐함?' (What do I do now?) When's the next season coming out?"
• "I finally finished my difficult exams, but now that they're over, '근데 이제 뭐함?' (What do I do now?) I don't know what to do."

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While this meme is suitable for humorously expressing a sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction with a particular situation, excessive use or misuse out of context can lead to fatigue. Specifically, spamming communities with '근데 이제 뭐함?' during critical times, such as immediately after a major update, can negatively impact other users and should be avoided.