New dating trend has S. Koreans airdropping their photos to random people in bars
November 13, 2023
In South Korea, there is a new dating trend involving individuals using their iPhones’ AirDrop feature to send their photos to everyone in a bar.
AirDrop dating: In a TikTok video from South Korean influencer Steph Ahn, she explains that individuals are meeting their potential partners by going to bars or “hunting pochas,” where they send their photos and social media handles through AirDrop — an Apple technology that allows wireless sharing of photos and videos with nearby devices — with everyone in the place.
“Then, while they are drinking, they wait for people to come up to them that liked their photo and think that they look like their ideal type,” the TikToker explains, adding that there are specific bars in Korea that are designed for such meet-ups. “If you’re looking for a Korean boyfriend, everyone needs to go to Korea and start doing this because this is honestly genius.”
Safety concerns: In another video discussing the new trend, TikToker @annabellejoy11 acknowledges its potential unsuitability in both Korea and North America due to safety concerns.
“This probably wouldn’t work because you could be stalked and murdered,” she says, adding that this method is especially dangerous in the U.S.
In South Korea, she believes that sexual harassment, stalking and rape are more prominent, adding that the dating trend may be particularly dangerous for foreign women as some Korean men may take advantage “just because they think that they are ‘easy.’”
“There’s this weird obsession with foreign women amongst a certain population of Korean guys,” the woman shares. “I personally wouldn’t do anything that openly invites any of this just to stay on the safer side. Especially in like a night club setting, they are there to target foreign women.”
Reactions: As the trend continues to gain popularity in South Korea, some social media users have expressed their curiosity and willingness to participate in the new dating method. However, many others agreed with TikToker @annabellejoy11 regarding the potential harassment or violence women may face.
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