happy

This meme began to gain popularity in earnest when kid creator Cha No-eul released the music video for his first album 'HAPPY' on YouTube and Instagram on April 10, 2024.

The 'HAPPY' meme originated from the song 'HAPPY,' created by elementary school student Cha No-eul as a school assignment. The song expresses the pure wish of 2nd-grader Cha No-eul, who loves dancing and rapping, to become the happiest person in the world, conveying the message "Whatever it is, as long as I'm happy" after listing various dreams like police officer, firefighter, rapper, and Taekwondo master. Notably, the story of No-eul, who suffered from ADHD, improving his relationships with friends and gaining confidence through this song, touched and comforted many. Later, a version featuring his father, Cha Seong-jin, added messages about the father's life concerns, love for his child, and the importance of "No-eul choosing his own life," garnering even deeper empathy.

Pronounced as 'happy' (IPA: /ˈhæpi/).

It is highly popular primarily among children and their parents, and due to its content embodying children's pure innocence and family love, it receives positive reactions across all age groups. It is also gaining attention as content for Generation Alpha and is widely consumed by the general public seeking warm and positive messages. It is also utilized in collaborations with various public institutions and brands to deliver educational and public service messages, attracting interest from a wide range of ages.

The 'HAPPY' meme is actively used in various parody videos that leverage the song's lyrical structure. A prime example is adorably mimicking Cha No-eul's pronunciation of 'mureobwa' (물어봐, 'ask me') as 'mudeoba'. Additionally, the intro, such as "I'm 2nd grader Cha No-eul, a friend from Class Chami," and the chorus, "Whatever it is, as long as I'm happy; whatever it is, as long as we're together," are often adapted to introduce oneself, a specific organization, or a product. Typical usage examples include various institutions, such as university promotional videos, public service campaigns by regional agricultural technology centers, and welfare center activity introductions, creating adapted music videos with their own messages for promotional purposes.