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The "Do you know Dr. Hong?" meme originated from a digital single released on July 5, 2023, by Jo Joo-bong, an alter ego of comedian Jo Hoon. It then rapidly spread and gained significant popularity around August 2023, primarily through short-form video platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok. It was actively consumed throughout the latter half of 2023, and its influence continued into early 2024, as seen in parodies like the "Dr. Maeng" (맹박사) meme, which satirized Manchester United's poor performance in the 2023-24 season.

Hong Bahk-sah-nim-eul Ah-seh-yoh?

This meme originated from a song of the same name, sung by Jo Joo-bong, the alter ego of comedian Jo Hoon. The song's lyrics tell a somewhat suggestive story: a maiden with a complex about her breast size learns exercises to enlarge them from "Dr. Hong." While doing these exercises at a bus stop, a man approaches her and asks, "Do you know Dr. Hong too?" This story is originally a comedy sketch performed by Jo Hoon at Meta Comedy Club. It features an addictive chorus, "Hong Hong Hong, do you know Dr. Hong?", and unique choreography. Jo Joo-bong also explained that the "Hong" in "Dr. Hong" is derived from Hong Gil-dong, a legendary figure who helped those in need, implying a meaning of filling what is lacking.

As this meme spread through short-form video platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok, it gained significant popularity among the younger generation, especially teenagers and those in their twenties. Its recognition expanded across all age groups as various influencers, YouTubers, and celebrities participated in the challenge. Notably, it was widely consumed by both men and women familiar with internet culture, with famous streamers like Gamst and Ralo, as well as public figures such as Kwak Beom and Assemblyman Tae Young-ho, joining in the parodies. However, its popularity among young children also raised concerns among parents due to the suggestive nature of the lyrics.

The "Do you know Dr. Hong?" meme is primarily parodied by using the song's core phrase, "Do you know Dr. Hong too?", to refer to a specific person or object.

• Wolsu parodied it as "Do you know Dr. Ppang (Bread) too?" in the Kim Geun-yuk series.
• At Meta Comedy Club, Kwak Beom parodied it as "Do you know Dr. Kwak too?", with the original song's producer, Gwanaga, featuring in the rap.
• Assemblyman Tae Young-ho uploaded a parody video titled "Do you know Dr. Tae too?".
• The Department of Occupational Therapy at Masan University adapted it for a departmental promotional video, changing the lyrics to "Do you know the Department of Occupational Therapy too?".
• It was used in various TikTok and YouTube Shorts challenges, where people imitated or modified the original choreography and lyrics.

The "Do you know Dr. Hong?" meme contains "R-rated humor" or "toilet humor" related to body image complexes in its lyrics. This led to concerns and criticism from parents, especially regarding minors indiscriminately singing along or dancing to it. Furthermore, public institutions like the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport faced criticism for posting parodies of this meme due to the inappropriateness of the content. Some criticized it as a "forced meme," and fans of Lee Bak-sa (a different artist) expressed resentment, fearing that the song might make Lee Bak-sa's music appear vulgar. Therefore, when using this meme, it is crucial to be aware of its background and controversies, and to exercise caution, especially in public settings or environments accessible to children.