Why Are Young Koreans Debating Dating Expenses? The Viral Story of a 22-Year-Old Couple’s 100-Day Anniversary

The Viral Anniversary That Sparked a National Debate

Did you know that a simple 100-day anniversary celebration could ignite a nationwide conversation? In June 2025, a 22-year-old Korean couple’s modest date—just pasta and coffee, with the boyfriend covering the bill—became a lightning rod for public opinion. What started as a personal post on a popular online community quickly escalated, as the girlfriend expressed disappointment over what she felt was a ‘cheap’ celebration. The story exploded across Twitter and other platforms, with thousands weighing in on what young love should look like in modern Korea. This incident didn’t just stop at social media; it made headlines, with major news outlets and bloggers diving deep into the cultural and economic factors at play.

How Social Media Reacted: Outrage, Sarcasm, and Solidarity

Social media platforms in Korea, especially Twitter, were ablaze with reactions. Many users harshly criticized the boyfriend, calling him ‘stingy’ and comparing the date unfavorably to high school outings or even friends’ birthday parties. Some sarcastically suggested that even teenagers spend more on special occasions. But not everyone sided with the girlfriend—others pointed out the unrealistic expectations, especially given the couple’s young age and likely limited finances. The debate quickly broadened, touching on issues of gender roles and the pressures men face to spend lavishly, even before marriage. This online firestorm highlighted a growing divide in attitudes toward money and romance among Korea’s youth.

Latest News Coverage: Dating Costs Under the Microscope

Korean media jumped on the story, publishing articles with headlines like ‘Korean 22-year-old couple’s 100-day anniversary sparks debate on social media’ and ‘Economic realities vs. romantic expectations: Young Korean couples under pressure.’ Experts interviewed by the press discussed how societal pressure for men to spend big in relationships is clashing with the harsh economic realities faced by young people today. These articles also explored how social media amplifies individual grievances, turning private moments into public controversies. The consensus? The gap between romantic ideals and financial reality is wider than ever for young Koreans.

What Korean Bloggers Are Saying: Personal Stories and Cultural Critiques

Naver and Tistory bloggers have been equally vocal, sharing personal reflections and cultural analyses. One Naver blogger wrote about the emotional toll that financial expectations can take on young relationships, while another on Tistory dissected the roots of these expectations from a woman’s perspective. Bloggers often pointed out that the pressure to spend isn’t just about money—it’s about proving love and status in a hyper-competitive society. Many posts questioned whether these standards are fair or sustainable, especially as Korea’s youth face mounting economic challenges like high housing costs and job insecurity.

Community Responses: From Outrage to Empathy

Korean online communities such as Theqoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, Naver Cafe, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21 were flooded with comments. Some users echoed the girlfriend’s disappointment, arguing that special occasions deserve more effort. Others pushed back, saying it’s unreasonable to expect lavish spending from 22-year-olds, especially when economic conditions are tough. A few representative comments include: ‘Are we really expecting college students to act like CEOs?’ and ‘This is why dating feels like a competition, not a relationship.’ The debate revealed deep generational and gender-based divides in how love and money are perceived.

Cultural Insights: Why Money Matters in Korean Dating

To truly understand this controversy, overseas fans need to know about the unique pressures of Korean dating culture. In Korea, milestones like the 100-day anniversary are celebrated with fanfare, and there’s a widespread belief that men should pay for dates, especially in the early stages. These expectations are rooted in traditional gender roles, but they’re being challenged as more young people struggle financially. The tension between old norms and new realities is fueling debates like this one, as young Koreans try to navigate love in a rapidly changing society. For international readers, this story is more than just gossip—it’s a window into the evolving values of a generation.