‘Cute, but goofy’: Viral ‘Korean flirting smile' divides the internet

One of the year’s biggest viral sensations in Korea has proven to be an obscure smiling technique designed to “make men instantly fall in love with you.”

From left: Tiktoker Namuna/Casper (@caspertheghostyy). Korean influencer Jooshica went viral for her attempt. Actress and singer Suzy appeared on ″Jo Hyun-ah's Thursday Night″ and introduced the distinct grin. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

One of the year’s biggest viral sensations in Korea has proven to be an obscure smiling technique designed to “make men instantly fall in love with you.”

Rather than a traditional, teeth-bearing wide smile, the "flirting smile" involves first closing the mouth completely and then parting the lips slightly to narrowly show your two front teeth.

The idea is that the full smile makes people look naïve and sweet, while the flirting smile shows you are interested, but such interest is starting to wane.

Champions of the smile say that it makes your date up their game and scramble to get you interested again.

The trend started back in April when actress-singer Suzy appeared on "Jo Hyun-ah's Thursday Night" and introduced the distinct grin.

Suzy was asked by host Jo Hyun-ah if she had learned any new flirting skills. Suzy then demonstrated the obscure smirk and offered the caveat that “this might make you look like a fool.”

Left: Haewon from girl group NMIXX. Right: Hyunjin from boy band Stray Kids. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

The smile went viral, as other K-pop idols and celebrities soon posted their attempts, including members of girl group NMIXX alongside boy bands ATEEZ and Stray Kids.

Korean influencer Jooshica more recently went viral for her attempt, where she billed the smile as being able to “make men instantly fall in love with you.” Her TikTok has been viewed 4.2 million times, with over 353,000 likes.

“It’s cute but it’s kinda goofy,” said one commenter, while another added that they “look like a bunny rabbit who is about to sneeze” when they do it.

While several comments indicated they would try it, others were less sure, insisting that it is just plain scary.

BY TREVOR TREHARNE [trevor.treharne@joongang.co.kr]