Looks like some Hallyu stars are joining the long list of people saying thanks to an online shopping platform. But first, let us give you the context.
Around April 2020, GMA Network’s afternoon gameshow “Wowowin” began airing the segment “Tutok To Win“. TTW features host Willie Revillame calling the viewers himself to announce that they have won a certain amount of cash. With the pandemic still around, many hopeful Filipinos turned to the program for the chance to get quick cash.
Popular online shopping brand Shopee then sponsored the segment as part of their then-upcoming 5.5 event promo. As a sign of gratitude towards the company giving away the prize, Revillame started asking participants to say “salamat, Shopee.” (“thank you, Shopee.“)
The line became an instant hit in the world of social media as a winner on the show’s May 18, 2020 episode became famous for her answer.
As usual, Willie asks the contestant to say “salamat, Shopee.” However, rather than repeating the line, she replied with “gago,” a Filipino word for fool (but is also sometimes considered as a curse word). Realizing her mistake, she quickly defended herself by saying sorry and explaining that she thought that it could’ve been one of those pranks that were already trending around that time.
So much so, netizens picked up the encounter and has since spawned various memes.
With this new and unique Filipino joke, even K-pop stans are now asking their favorite idols to say the line, especially during their live broadcasts. Some idols have since already joined the craze by unknowingly saying thanks to the e-commerce brand (and we honestly couldn’t stop laughing).
First up is Sangyeon of The Boyz
Next is Kevin of The Boyz
and the latest victim… Yuta of NCT 127
Shopee Philippines’ official Twitter account has since picked up Yuta’s “salamat, Shopee” moment and replied “oh pano ba yan? charot.”
With majority of the Philippines still under movement restriction, expect many K-pop fans to past time with this new (kinda) inside joke.