The stars of Dune: Part Two have been spotted doing a peculiar pose when promoting the movie... but what exactly are they doing?
The second Dune movie is set to hit theaters on March 1, so as is customary with Hollywood blockbusters, the stars are flying across the globe to drum up hype about it.
Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Austin Butler are some of the big names involved in the project and they've caught the eye with one particular pose when taking to the red carpet in South Korea.
Instead of striking typical red carpet poses, the trio opted for a gesture that left some puzzled but delighted fans.
Posing with one hand cupped to the side of their smiling faces in a half-heart shape, the actors caught the attention of onlookers and photographers with their unified gesture.
This move, unfamiliar to some, sparked curiosity, with individuals from older generations wondering about its significance.
In addition to the half-heart pose, Chalamet drew attention by crossing his thumbs and index fingers, prompting one bewildered fan to inquire: "WHY IS TIMOTHEE DOING AEGYO????"
Watch the Dune: Part Two trailer below:Unbeknownst to many, these gestures were nods to a cultural phenomenon in South Korea known as aegyo.
Embracing elements of South Korean culture, Chalamet, Zendaya, and Butler, aged 28, 27, and 32 respectively, demonstrated their appreciation for aegyo.
Rooted in the Joseon dynasty dating back to the late 1300s, aegyo encompasses various forms of expression used to convey love or cuteness, per Rolling Stone.
One of the most recognizable gestures, the finger heart sign, gained popularity after South Korean actress Kim Hye-soo introduced it in 2010.
Its widespread adoption was evident during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where even Team USA incorporated the gesture into their photos.
The influence of aegyo extends beyond South Korea, with stars like Lupita Nyong’o and the cast of Black Panther embracing it at the film's premiere in Seoul.
Additionally, K-pop groups such as Blackpink and BTS have contributed to its global recognition, notably using it during significant events like their meeting with President Joe Biden.
During their time in Seoul, Chalamet showcased not only the finger heart sign but also the single and double cheek hearts. These gestures, along with others popularized by influencers like Korean sensation Jeff Kimieee, serve as a means for celebrities to express affection towards their devoted fanbase.