“Poverty Challenge” Sparks Public Outrage The challenge began as a simple “joke” and turned into a striking phenomenon

A new social media trend, dubbed the "Poverty Challenge," has sparked widespread debate about societal sensitivity to economic disparities. The challenge involves wealthy individuals showcasing their luxurious possessions, such as expensive cars, designer clothes, and lavish homes, while placing symbolic items of poverty—like cheap instant noodles—next to their belongings, or mocking the circumstances of those in need.

What started as a simple joke quickly escalated into a prominent phenomenon, with users sharing images of Ferrari cars surrounded by noodle packs, rooms filled with luxurious art pieces accompanied by sarcastic comments like: "All I own are a few paintings and a dog." This indifferent display of hardship has drawn broad criticism from commentators, who argue that the trend trivializes the real struggles of the poor and highlights the disconnect between the wealthy and ordinary people’s daily lives.

“Not a Subject for Laughter or Entertainment”

Korean artist and singer Kim Dong-wan was among the voices criticizing the challenge, posting on social media to warn against exaggerating the ridicule of poverty, stressing that the suffering of those in need is not something to laugh at or entertain. Kim shared his personal experience living with his single mother in a small, semi-basement apartment, highlighting the difficulties faced by university students who might not even afford a simple meal. He said: "The word ‘poverty’ always hits straight to the heart."