Why is everyone in China changing their profile picture to Kris Jenner?
Chinese spirituality just adopted a new icon: American “momager” Kris Jenner.
Jenner, best known for launching the mega-successful careers of her daughters Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé Kardashian, is suddenly the go-to profile pic for Gen Zers on Chinese social media, including apps like RedNote, Weibo, and Douyin.
The reverence for Jenner doesn’t stop there. Her photo is also being used for wallpapers on computers, tablets, smart watches, and more, all as part of Chinese Gen Z’s manifestation for good luck.
How did Jenner of all people become a Chinese symbol for good fortune? Chinese influencer Marcelo Wang broke down the trend in his own viral TikTok. He explained that Jenner has long been a popular celebrity in the country, even getting the nickname Tian Hou, or “the Empress Dowager.” Now, Wang says, many Chinese Gen Zers see Jenner as a symbol of “good luck, career, success, wealth, and confidence all coming your way.”
“Kris Jenner is one of the hardest working businesswomen in the U.S., and Chinese people really respect hard work,” he said. “So cosplaying Kris Jenner is like a Gen Z, funny way to manifest success.”
Though one headshot of Jenner is dominating Chinese social media, some users also put their own spin on the image, editing it to reflect their own careers. It’s not unlike a Barbie doll’s ever-changing professions: Scrolling on RedNote, you’ll see Doctor Kris, Chef Kris, Lawyer Kris, and more.
Wang also translated one social media user’s story of Kris-based manifestation in action. “I was literally about to have a mental breakdown last night,” the user wrote. “Then I switched my profile picture to Kris Jenner, and suddenly I feel like I’m slaying. My confidence is through the roof. I feel like I can judge everyone right now.”
Another user expanded on the lore, saying that after switching your profile picture to Jenner, you’re guaranteed to receive two job offers.
The trend has gotten so big, it made its way back overseas to America, where Jenner’s daughters have gotten in on the meme. Khloe Kardashian commented a string of applause emojis on one of Wang’s videos about the trend, and Kim Kardashian joked about booking appearances for her mother in an Instagram story: “Should I be your manager?” she wrote alongside a post about the meme.
Even Jenner herself has taken notice, and she seems to be embracing her newfound role as Lady Luck. She responded to Wang’s breakdown of the trend with a riff on her most famous catchphrase, writing, “You’re ALL doing amazing, sweetie!!!!”