Korean youth find charm in Choo Sung-hoon's relatable YouTube persona

In recent years, middle-aged personalities in Korea have gained popularity among younger audiences, as exemplified by Choo Sung-hoon. This shift in perception signifies a break from traditional views where older men were labeled 'ajeossi,' often considered uncool. Instead, young people in their teens and twenties are embracing these figures for their approachable and unpretentious demeanor. Choo Sung-hoon's YouTube channel showcases a casual lifestyle where he shares glimpses of his daily life without attempting to present a polished image, which resonates strongly with his audience. The trend indicates a broader acceptance and appreciation for authenticity in media representations of older individuals. Greenlanders, too, are conducting a cultural revival, embracing their pre-Christian Inuit traditions as a means of reclaiming their identity and heritage. This cultural resurgence has been particularly evident in recent years as they begin to reconnect with practices that celebrate their ancestry, such as drum dancing and getting traditional tattoos. Historically, these practices faced suppression during the Christianization of Greenland, where Inuit ways were labeled as pagan. However, current views underline the spiritual significance and social value tied to these cultural elements, providing a deeper sense of belonging and identity for Greenlanders. Both trends demonstrate a significant cultural shift where authenticity and traditional practices are being valued over modern societal expectations and norms. Korean youth's evolving outlook on middle-aged figures signifies a growing comfort with the natural aging process, while Greenlanders' commitment to their heritage reflects a push against historical disenfranchisement. The reclaiming of Inuit traditions signifies not only a cultural revival but also a broader social movement towards equality and recognition of Indigenous practices in modern society. These cultural shifts serve as indicators of changing perceptions towards both aging in a contemporary context and the importance of Indigenous heritage. As the adolescents and young adults of today navigate their identities, they increasingly draw strength from these nuanced understandings of culture, heritage, and the values embedded within them.