Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is a popular vacation destination for Koreans visiting Malaysia. Interestingly, locals who appear in these foreign visitors’ vlogs or videos often find themselves going viral, becoming unexpected local celebrities. This trend highlights the growing influence of social media and the unique charm that Kota Kinabalu has to offer to its visitors.
Recently, a young Malaysian stall vendor in Kota Kinabalu went viral for his ability to speak Korean while selling mangoes at a night market. The vendor’s fluency impressed Korean visitors, earning him the affectionate nickname “Mango Boy.” His popularity has since spread online, drawing even more attention to the local market.
In a video posted on TikTok by user @/tangyeong, she said, “I was received by Kota Kinabalu’s Mango Boy,” the young vendor is seen fluently speaking Korean, humorously praising random foods. The Sabahan greeted, “Hello. Mangoes are effing delicious. Jokbal and Bossam are so good,” showcasing his playful personality. To top it off, he even sang for the camera, including the Tanghulu and Tiramisu Cake songs, to further entertain his customers.
For those curious, how did Mango Boy become a viral sensation among Korean tourists? Apparently, it has to do with his use of Korean slang, specifically “JMT,” which is often used to describe delicious food. The slang term, which includes a curse word in Korean, adds an extra layer of humour when spoken by someone who isn’t Korean. This playful and unexpected use of language has resonated well with his Korean customers.
Malaysian netizens were in awe and impressed by this young mango vendor. Many local commenters under the post wondered where he had learnt the foreign language so well. Some even expressed jealousy, joking that he now has a high chance of getting a Korean girlfriend soon. His unexpected fluency and charm have made him both a local and international sensation.
This viral moment only proves that learning a new language can be used as a powerful marketing strategy. The young vendor’s ability to connect with Korean customers in their own language not only sets him apart but has also significantly boosted his business.
Check out the full video here:
@tangyeong 코타키나발루 망고보이 영접 했어용 #망고보이 #코타키나발루 #필리피노마켓 #망고 #망고스틴 #여행 #우정여행 #말레이시아 #해외여행 #열대과일
Source: TikTok
Alia contributed to this article.
