Korean Job Discussion Forums

[VanIslander]

I've only been in the country for two years but I've already seen huge swings in public attitudes, especially among my students.

In 2003 Harry Potter was all the rage and I couldn't find a student who didn't like it. In 2004 I have trouble finding many who do like Potter. In fact, several students who loved Harry last year say they don't like it now.

But the true fad that seems to have lived its course is the wheeled shoes, or wheelies. Last year many students wore them and others wanted them. This year I have yet to see even a single pair (and the year is almost over) and when I mention them the students say they don't want them anymore.

That makes me wonder: What other fads have you seen come and go in Korea?

[just because]

Late this year all the yonger ones seem to have gone for the wrap-around monkeys that to me look pretty dumb.

[Chillin' Villain]

Mashimaro, aka �����䳢...



Back in about mid-2000 the gross little rabbit started appearing in a flash web cartoon, usually involving poop, toilet plungers, and smashing bottles over one's own head. Then, in around February or March 2001, little versions of him started showing up as handphone accessories at Myong-dong (and such) vendors. Within two weeks I saw this as a momentary curiosity to a nationwide ubiquity. Everybody had the freakin' Mashimaro, whether it was hanging off their bag, their handphone, wherever, for a period of about 3-4 weeks. Then a few started disappearing, then only a few people had them, then vendors had to start making bastardized versions of the original to spark new interest, and so on...

I actually liked the bizarre bunny. My ex-gf gave me a plush version of it, and while I'm not a huge fan of freakin' dolls for guy presents, it was endearing coming from her... And while his cartoons were certainly juvenile, they gave me some insight into a certain brand of humor here.

[Mashimaro]

mashimaro is alive and well, don't you worry about that

[tomato]

Hello, Van Islander!

I came here in September 1999. That year, the Pocket Monsters (Pokemon) was the rage. At first, I assumed that they were Korean. I was surprised to learn that they were Japanese and were making a comparable hit in my own country.

The Dance Dance Revolution came about a year later. I understand that the DDR craze was worldwide also.

[eamo]

The World Cup.

Bring up the biggest event this country had held for 14 years and my 12 year-olds shrug with dis-interest.


Duffle-coats.

Don't know what Americans call them. Those heavy, woolen coats with the big wooden things instead of buttons. Huge 2 winters ago and last winter. They're thin on the ground this year.

Square-toed shoes for men.

Ubiquitous 4 years ago. Only the biggest cheese-mongers are still wearing them.

[Chillin' Villain]

[fidel]

Top Flite, those spinning tops and all the accessories that went with them. Huge with the kids 2/3 years ago, now most probably languishing in dusty toy boxes along with other once popular toys.

Also those square cardboard things that you slam down and try to turn your opponents upside down. They have been replaced with rubber versions called 'jackgi' or something to that effect.

Scooters, huge in 2000 however by and large faded into oblivion though kids still occasionally ride them.

[Blind Willie]

So, we're discussing how kids are really fickle and easily marketed to, then?

[eamo]

[katydid]

Knitting is huge at the girls' middle school I work at.

[hellofaniceguy]

How about these two "fads" that were covered all over the country by TV and newspaper reporting...the fad to correct the driving habits....seoul started a fad...what...five months ago and wrote tickets galore! Lasted one month! Same with closing the RLD's.
Fads come and go!

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

[katydid]

I don't get it...

[peppermint]

Yeah, the knitting thing is big at my school too. I had to tell boys to put away their knitting during class.