Keropepe: The tumultuous journey of a character symbolizing the light and shadow of internet culture

In 2005, artist Matt Fury created the frog character “Pepe” in the comic “Boy’s Club,” which from the outset embodied a peaceful and cheerful vibe. This character eventually rose to become a central figure in internet culture. The story of Pepe the frog serves as an intriguing case study of how cultural symbols can evolve and recover in the digital age.

The Birth and Early Stage of Pepe: The Rise of a Friendly Character

Designed by Matt Fury, Pepe is more than just a comic character; he evolved into a visual icon that would later dominate the entire internet. In its early days, Pepe was recognized as a symbol of friendliness and calmness. With the rise of social media, countless variations of Pepe emerged, and users began creating their own meme adaptations, spreading them across various platforms. This explosive proliferation of Pepe made him one of the most recognizable symbols of 21st-century internet culture.

Turning Point: From Meme’s Light to Shadow

The 2016 U.S. presidential election marked a major turning point for Pepe’s fate. During this period, some online communities hijacked Pepe, transforming him into a vehicle for hate speech, racist ideologies, and other discriminatory content. Pepe, once a friendly symbol, was suddenly perceived as a socially problematic icon. This crisis posed significant challenges for Matt Fury and the future of the character.

The Path to Reclamation: Matt Fury’s Decisions and Industry Collaboration

Faced with the spread of problematic memes, Matt Fury did not remain passive. He partnered with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and launched initiatives like the “Save Pepe” campaign to restore Pepe’s original positive context. These efforts aimed not only to defend the character but also to recover goodwill within online culture. Fury’s proactive approach exemplifies the social responsibility of content creators in the digital era.

Copyright and the Era of Pepe Coins: Creators’ Rights and Current Challenges

Over time, Pepe entered a new phase. In the world of cryptocurrencies, projects like “Pepe Coin” and others bearing Pepe’s name emerged, utilizing Fury’s creation in new contexts. Legally, Fury holds the right to pursue copyright infringement claims for commercial use of his work. However, so far, no aggressive legal actions have been taken against Pepe Coin creators. This situation highlights the complexities of intellectual property rights for characters in the digital age and the delicate balance between creators and society.

The journey of Pepe the frog exemplifies how internet culture can change rapidly and how it can also be reborn. A single character experiences both light and shadow, sparking interest and debate among many—this is a characteristic phenomenon of the digital era, with Pepe remaining at the center of this ongoing evolution.