Kris Jenner has become an unexpected symbol of luck and success across Chinese social media
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Users are editing her into different professions and using her image to "manifest" wealth and career wins
TikTok creator Marcelo Wang says the trend reflects admiration for her work ethic — and a sense of humor
Kris Jenneris having an unexpected cultural moment — this time as a symbol of luck, ambition and success on the other side of the world.
Across Chinese social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (also known asRedNote) and Douyin, users have been sharing images of the Kardashian matriarch as part of a playful trend centered on "manifesting" prosperity. Many are even swapping their profile photos for pictures of Jenner, hoping some of her famously sharp business instincts might rub off.
The posts range from simple tributes to elaborate edits, with Jenner reimagined in a variety of professions — from a high-powered attorney to a classroom teacher — all reflecting different paths to success.
So why Jenner?
According to TikTok creator Marcelo Wang, who helped explain the phenomenon to Western audiences, the answer lies in both admiration and irony.
"Because Kris Jenner is one of the hardest working businesswomen in the U.S., Chinese people really respect hard work," Wang said in arecent video, describing the trend as a lighthearted way for Gen Z users to "manifest success."
In China, Jenner's reputation as the ultimate "momager" — guiding the careers of daughtersKim,Khloé,Kourtney,KendallandKylie— has translated into something even bigger. Some users have nicknamed her "Tai Hou," or "Empress Dowager," a term historically used for powerful matriarchs.
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On RedNote alone, over 99,000 Jenner-themed posts have surfaced, racking up nearly 52 million views, as perBusiness Insider. The trend has also spread quickly on Douyin, where users are sharing both memes and explainer videos breaking down the phenomenon.
For many participants, the appeal is equal parts aspiration and humor. Some have gone all-in, setting Jenner as their phone wallpaper or incorporating her image into daily routines, while others jokingly credit her with helping them pass exams or land opportunities.
Eventually, the trend reached Jenner herself — and she didn't miss a beat.
After seeing Wang's video, Jenner jumped into the comments with a line fans instantly recognized: "You're ALL doing amazing, sweetie!!!!" — a callback to her iconic moment onKeeping Up with the Kardashians.
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Her response only fueled the trend further, delighting fans who were already treating her as an unofficial icon of success.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time a Western pop culture figure has taken on symbolic meaning in Chinese internet culture. Earlier this year,Draco Malfoyalso emerged as a playful good-luck icon duringLunar New Yearcelebrations.
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