케케크롱

This meme began to gain popularity around September 2024, was actively used in the latter half of 2025, and by early 2026, it was considered somewhat outdated. It spread rapidly, primarily among the MZ generation.

'Kekekrong' is an interjection used when one has nothing particular to say, or wants to defuse an awkward situation, without any special meaning. Its origin traces back to YouTuber 'Jamkkanmanyong' who misheard 'cake-rang' (케이크랑, meaning 'with cake') during a conversation with a friend and said 'Kekekrong,' which then spread as a meme. While some speculate that 'keke' comes from the sound of laughter 'ㅋㅋㅋ' and 'krong' from the Pororo character 'Crong,' it is actually known to have started from a simple slip of the tongue.

Keh-keh-krong (similar to "kettle-kettle-strong")

It was primarily used by the MZ generation, especially young people in their teens and early twenties. It was actively used in schools, online communities, and social media, gaining popularity among the younger generation to the extent that it even spread to idols.

'Kekekrong' is used in various situations, either attached to the end of a sentence or used alone to change the atmosphere.

• "The gamjatang I ate yesterday was delicious... Kekekrong"
• "Ugh, I really don't want to work... Kekekrong"
• "I broke up today... Kekekrong"
• It is also used to lighten the mood when a conversation suddenly stops or the atmosphere becomes awkward, by saying "Kekekrong!"

Since 'Kekekrong' is a meaningless interjection, it's best not to use it in serious or important conversations. Furthermore, as it can be perceived as an outdated meme, using it at an inappropriate time might feel awkward.