Professor Kim Nando from Seoul National University’s Department of Consumer Science, who has been forecasting consumer trends for the upcoming year annually, highlighted "Omnivores" as the key consumer trend for 2025. He made this announcement at a press conference held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 25th, during the launch of his book Trend Korea 2025.
"Omnivores," originally meaning "those who eat all kinds of food," has evolved to describe individuals with a wide range of interests. Omnivore consumers are characterized by eclectic consumption habits, infinite evolution of preferences, the blurring of group boundaries, and more distinct personal tastes. A prime example is a billionaire who enjoys shopping at Daiso instead of luxury brands.
In addition to this, Professor Kim also predicted that other significant keywords for next year would include the "Avaha" phenomenon, which reflects the growing appreciation for the power of everyday life, and "Gradation K," symbolizing Korea’s evolution from a homogenous society to a truly multicultural nation. He also mentioned the "Topping Economy," where consumers are given room to express their creativity, such as decorating the same pair of shoes or bag in different ways; "Climate Sensitivity," referring to proactive efforts to tackle climate change; and "Innocuity," the appeal of small, cute, and harmless things, exemplified by the public’s love for the baby panda Fu Bao.
Professor Kim noted, "Many analysts predict that the current sluggish economy will persist into next year. In times like these, where the economy is stagnant, small things and a present-focused mindset gain importance, which is why I reflected these aspects in the keywords." He added, "Despite the economic downturn, other factors are changing significantly, with technology and climate being the most prominent examples. Some of the keywords were selected to reflect these macro-level changes."
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