A Meme Born in the Midst of Crisis
In January 2020, as news of a novel coronavirus spread from Wuhan, users on the imageboard site 4chan created an anthropomorphized version of the virus named “Corona-chan.”
Styled as an anime girl in a red cheongsam with green eyes and bat wings, she appeared holding bat soup or a bottle of Corona beer—references to early theories about the virus’s origin. The character spread quickly to Reddit, where a subreddit dedicated to her attracted thousands of subscribers.
Online Art and Controversy Collide
Corona-chan joined a trend known as “moe anthropomorphism”—assigning human traits to objects or concepts—similar to the earlier Ebola-chan meme from 2014. Though often drawn in typical anime style, elements like thorny hair buns referenced the virus’s shape.
As the pandemic intensified, critics argued that turning a deadly virus into a cute character was in poor taste, particularly as it affected countries like China and Japan. Media outlets like Vice reported on the meme’s presence and the conflicting reactions it provoked.
Cosplay and Criticism
Several women outside China cosplayed as Corona-chan, posting images online. Some faced backlash from Chinese internet users, prompting apologies.
These cosplayers said their intent was not to offend but to encourage public hygiene awareness. Others defended the cosplay, arguing it was a form of expression rather than discrimination. In contrast, Chinese-American cosplayer Yaya Han condemned such portrayals, likening them to Nazi cosplay and urging caution.
Government and Extremist Interest
Beyond the online art and cosplay scenes, the term “Corona-chan” appeared in federal security reports. The U.S. Federal Protection Service noted that some white supremacist extremists used the term in discussions about employing the virus as a weapon.
These findings underscored how internet memes can cross into more serious and dangerous contexts. Meanwhile, artist Lushsux included the character in graffiti art, and musicians like Ken Ashcorp referenced her in videos.
A Digital Reflection of a Global Event
While the origins of Corona-chan were grounded in internet subculture and humor, the character quickly became a touchpoint for global conversations around race, pandemic anxiety, and artistic freedom.
By late 2020, she had appeared across platforms in drawings, fan art, and videos, attracting both condemnation and fascination from different corners of the internet.
In early 2020, as COVID-19 spread worldwide, a surprising character appeared online: Corona-chan.
Created on 4chan, she was drawn as an anime girl with bat wings and a red dress, holding bat soup or Corona beer.
The meme quickly spread to Reddit, fan art sites, and beyond… pic.twitter.com/EFuO81NxqG
— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) May 29, 2025