8 Viral Pop Culture Moments That Defined 2024
From Wicked dynamic duos to Moo Deng, 2024 sure was a year to remember.
By Syaza Agape and Ynez Loh - published
From Olympics memes to Brat summer and pygmy hippos becoming global sensations, 2024 was an eventful year for pop culture. Before we usher in the new year, here’s a recap of the most viral pop culture moments of 2024.
1. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce making cameos at each other’s key events
2024 was a big year for Taylor Swift; from wrapping up the sold-out Eras world tour to her ongoing relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce. The pair were often seen acknowledging each other during Swift’s tour and at Kelce’s football games. Most recently, Kelce threw a themed surprise party for Swift to celebrate the end of her Eras tour, and we can’t wait to see what unfolds for the cute couple in 2025.
2. STRAY Kids attended the Met Gala at full strength
Making history as the first K-pop group to attend the Met Gala, Stray Kids rocked the event in custom Tommy Hilfiger outfits. As the brand’s ambassadors, Stray Kids showing off their unity and charm on the global stage was truly a moment to remember.
Related article: Top Stray Kids Moments That All Fans Can Be Proud Of
3. The season of BRAT summer
After Charli XCX released BRAT on 7 June, the album’s lime green colour quickly flooded all our social media feeds, along with the ‘Apple’ dance. BRAT summer may be over, but the revolution it began will forever be etched in our minds.
Related article: 2024 Was The Most Important Year For Female Pop
4. Moo Deng graced the world with her presence
Thailand’s beloved pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng stole the hearts of netizens worldwide after her birth in July, drawing large crowds to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where she currently resides. Some celebrities—including one of our 2024 cover stars—have even cited Moo Deng as someone they want to potentially collaborate with.
5. Meme moments galore at the Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics was nothing short of epic, from South Korean shooter Kim Ye Ji becoming an instant icon—so much so that she was casted for Balenciaga’s spring 2025 campaign, shot by Juergen Teller—to Singaporean Max Maeder clinching the first sailing medal on National Day, as well as closing performances from the likes of Snoop Dog and Billie Eillish.
6. Rosé’s comeback with ‘APT’
Rosé dominated the charts with ‘APT’, after a three-year hiatus. She collaborated with fellow superstar turned newfound bestie Bruno Mars for the single. At the 2024 MAMA Awards, the pair took to the stage with a spirited performance, and also nabbed the Global Sensation award at the same time.
7. G-Dragon returned
G-Dragon’s long-awaited return to the entertainment scene has been met with an outpouring of support from his loyal fans, including fellow celebrities. After dropping his single ‘Power’, the star went on to perform at the 2024 MAMA Awards show and even had a reunion stage with fellow BIGBANG members Taeyang and Daesung.
Related article: Billkin, Win, ITZY, Plus More Thai And K-pop Stars Are Performing At Yuewen Music Festival In Singapore
8. ‘Wicked’ gave us the duo we never knew we needed
The highly anticipated musical-turned-movie finally hit theaters this year—even though as it turns out, we will all need to wait one year for part two. The press tour turned out to be the gift that keeps on giving, from the pink and green outfits worn by leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, to the holding space meme.