You find a funny video, think of a friend, and tap “send.” No long explanation needed. The video itself says, “This reminded me of you.”

That everyday moment is a useful doorway into Korean internet culture—and a handful of expressions you might not find in a beginner textbook.

Today’s phrase is 디엠 보내! (Diem bonae!), meaning “Send me a DM!”

Why talk about DMs now?

KakaoTalk has long been closely associated with messaging in Korea, but it is not the whole picture. Somako’s October 2 trend report highlights teenagers’ use of DMs as a recent topic. 

There is also a fresh connection to how people share content. Opensurvey’s September 21 Social Media Trend Report identifies DM sharing as a notable response to content on Instagram. Its summary contrasts this with likes and reactions on TikTok and watching without further action on YouTube.