Parents Also Learn... Chaos in the US Over 'This Pose' First Appearing in Korea

"Heart Symbols Trending as Signs of Affection"
Used by Famous American Stars, Spreading Locally
Baby Boomer Generation Finds It Hard to Keep Up with the Trend

The so-called 'K-heart' (finger heart), made by crossing the thumb and index finger, is becoming popular among Generation Z (those born from the mid-1990s to early 2000s) in the United States.

On June 1, 2022, BTS, invited to discuss responses to anti-Asian hate crimes at the White House in Washington, D.C., posed for a commemorative photo making the 'finger heart' gesture with U.S. President Joe Biden.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 9th (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that "Generation Z is using several new hand gestures to express affection," noting that various types of heart signs, including the finger heart, are popular among Gen Z. The article introduced several heart gestures trending among Gen Z, such as the 'cheek heart,' where the thumb is placed under the cheek and the four fingers are bent over the cheekbone; a heart made by bending the index finger to form an arch with the middle finger pointing downward; and the 'cat heart,' where a typical heart is formed but the index finger is bent further to create an ear shape. It added that these diverse heart signs are used by young people as stylish symbols of friendship among friends.

In particular, the finger heart, known as the 'K-heart,' is gaining significant popularity. The media analyzed that this heart gesture originated in Korea and has recently become hugely popular in the U.S. through K-pop artists such as BTS and NewJeans. In 2022, BTS even posed with the finger heart during a photo session with U.S. President Joe Biden. As the trend spread, pop stars and Hollywood actors visiting Korea have been spotted making new heart gestures multiple times. In fact, actors Timothy Chalamet and Zendaya, who are explosively popular among Gen Z, showcased the cheek heart at the Korean event for the movie 'Dune 2' earlier this year. Body language expert Jaynine Driver explained that the use of finger hearts by these celebrities and other famous American entertainers like Taylor Swift was a key reason why the finger heart trend took off in the U.S.

At the press conference held at Conrad Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul for the movie 'Dune: Part 2,' the actors are making finger heart poses. From left to right: Austin Butler, Zendaya, Timoth?e Chalamet.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The media cited Professor Mark Bill of Communications, stating that "the number of posts with hashtags like #handhearts has increased exponentially over the past year," and analyzed that "Generation Z, being accustomed to nonverbal communication through emojis and memes, has created new hand gestures."

The article also reported on the efforts of older generations trying to keep up with the finger heart trend. Baby boomers, who are the parents of Gen Z, want to imitate the finger heart, but Gen Z finds their attempts somewhat lacking. This is because it is difficult for older generations to perfectly replicate new gestures each time they emerge. However, the media noted that efforts to keep pace with younger generations continue.