The track "Ai♡Scream!" by the special unit "AiScReam" from Love Live! School Idol Project has absolutely blown up recently! This catchy tune has gone viral across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, even topping Spotify's trending charts in China, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia. Major K-pop groups like NMIXX and IVE have even jumped on the bandwagon, posting their own dance videos to the song.
A Japanese netizen recently took to X to share a hilarious and bewildering experience. While traveling in China, visiting Shanghai, Chongqing, Ganluo, and Daocheng Yading, they were approached a whopping five times by locals with the line, "はーい、なにがすき？チョコミントよりもあなた" (Hi~ What do you like? I like you more than mint chocolate). This sweet-as-syrup pickup line was apparently used even more frequently than common greetings like "thank you" or "hello."
The netizen couldn't help but exclaim, "What in the world is that?!" finding themselves both confused and utterly amused by the bizarre encounters.
Other netizens quickly chimed in, explaining that the phrase comes from "Ai♡Scream!" by the "AiScReam" unit from Love Live! School Idol Project. It's become a huge trend among K-pop idols and is massive on Chinese social media. This widespread popularity is likely why it's turned into a go-to icebreaker for young Chinese locals when they spot a Japanese tourist.
▼ Check out the song "Ai♡Scream!" below!
Some netizens pointed out that the phrase's viral spread is likely due to K-pop idols mimicking it on platforms like TikTok. While many initially found it awkward – some even forced to play along at their part-time jobs – they later fell in love with the full original song, leading to some serious internal conflict.
Interestingly, observers note that many people using the phrase don't necessarily know it originates from "Love Live!" — a good number are completely clueless about "Pinchirin!" What's even wilder is that this trend isn't confined to China; people in the Philippines and English-speaking regions are also using this phrase to interact with Japanese people, leading many netizens to exclaim, "This trend is literally going viral globally!"
Another Japanese netizen shared their own experiences, hearing the phrase or song loudly playing in public places like train stations, on trains, and even in saunas. Some even witnessed children belting out "I like you more than mint chocolate," which was both hilarious and bewildering.
It just goes to show how incredibly powerful social media platforms are in this internet age – such phenomena are hardly surprising. But for "Love Live!" to unexpectedly go viral and break into the mainstream? That's got to leave its dedicated fans with a mix of emotions, for sure!
via： togetter