천룡인

Meme Name: Cheonnyongin

Chun-nyong-in (천룡인)

The "Cheonnyongin" meme originated from the manga 'One Piece'. As 'One Piece' has enjoyed long-standing popularity in Korea, the concept naturally became widely known to the public. In particular, as the 'One Piece' storyline increasingly depicted the extreme atrocities of the Cheonnyongin (Celestial Dragons) and shocking incidents like "wife ordering" came to light, its use as a meme exploded in online communities starting in the early 2020s.

"Cheonnyongin" refers to the "World Nobles," the highest-ranking power group in the manga 'One Piece'. They are depicted as descendants of the 20 kings who founded the World Government, enjoying absolute power and being a privileged class immune to legal sanctions no matter what atrocities they commit.

As an internet meme, "Cheonnyongin" borrows this original meaning to criticize and satirize specific groups or individuals who unfairly enjoy privileges in society, escape punishment for their wrongdoings, or appear to operate above the law. It is primarily used with the negative connotation of "a privileged class that commits atrocities while being protected by those in high places," and is sometimes used in modified forms like "○-ryongin."

This meme is primarily used among internet users of all ages who have watched or read the manga 'One Piece'. It is particularly active among younger generations, from late teens to those in their 30s and above, who are interested in social criticism and satire. Furthermore, it is widely consumed by both men and women in online communities and social media platforms that point out specific social phenomena or the injustices of those in power.

• "That person is a complete Cheonnyongin." (A sarcastic remark towards someone who enjoys unfair privileges.)
• "Is this mistake being overlooked because they're a Cheonnyongin?" (Used to criticize situations where punishment is lenient or immunity is granted.)
• After it was revealed that the 'One Piece' character Shanks might be a Cheonnyongin, his actions were linked to Cheonnyongin characteristics, leading to the "Shang-ryongin" meme, which uses the unique Cheonnyongin way of speaking, such as "That's how it is."
• The character Saint Charlos, who was originally a symbol of evil in the original work, was later re-evaluated as "less trashy" due to the appearance of even more severe atrocities committed by other Cheonnyongin, leading to the "Charlos Glorification Meme."

The "Cheonnyongin" meme is used as a powerful satirical tool to criticize social injustices or privileged classes, but its meaning itself is highly negative and critical. Therefore, using it without basis against specific individuals or groups, or for excessive criticism, can lead to defamation or unnecessary controversy. In particular, some derived terms, such as "Bo-ryongin," can be used as hate speech against a specific gender, requiring extreme caution in their use.