Maratanghulu, often written Matanghulu, comes from South Korean singer Seo Eve and spread widely in 2024 through TikTok and YouTube Shorts. The lyrics playfully ask a senior to buy spicy malatang, then sweet tanghulu for dessert, pairing two foods that were trending with Korean students at the time. Its simple hand gestures and repetitive chorus made it easy for K-pop idols, influencers and fans to copy as a dance challenge. The clip remains popular because the hook is short, recognisable and tied to colourful food culture.