Move over MBTI—K-pop-obsessed South Korea has a new personality buzzword in town: the Teto-Egen classification. This trend, already blowing up among Generation Z, describes people by two archetypes derived from the hormones testosterone and estrogen: Teto (short for testosterone) and Egen (short for estrogen).

In this post, we’ll explore:

• What the Teto-Egen test is and where it came from
• What the archetypes mean (and how they differ)
• Why it’s so popular — especially among young Koreans
• What the critics say
• How you can engage with the trend thoughtfully

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What is the Teto-Egen Test?

The Teto-Egen Test is a self-reported quiz (online or via apps) that asks about your behavior, style, emotional tendencies, and interpersonal energy. Based on responses, you are classified as leaning toward “Teto” or “Egen” (or somewhere in between).

• Teto: Represents more “masculine” energy—bold, assertive, direct.
• Egen: Represents more “feminine” energy—gentle, soft, reserved.
  These labels apply regardless of gender identity. So a “Teto woman” or “Egen man” is totally valid in this discourse.

Although rooted in the hormone metaphor, the trend is more about style, vibe, attitude than actual endocrinology. In other words: you’re not being medically assessed—just playfully categorized.

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The Archetypes: What Does “Teto” vs “Egen” Look Like?

Here are some broad snapshots of the two archetypes:

✊ Teto

• Confident, assertive, outspoken
• Edgy or bold fashion: leather, oversized silhouettes, statement accessories
• Doesn’t shy away from being noticed
• Might lead conversations, take initiative, enjoys dynamic settings
• Example: A “Teto man” might be sporty and muscular; a “Teto woman” might be tomboyish, bold and outgoing.

🌸 Egen

• Gentle, soft-spoken, reserved
• Style leans to subtle, elegant, pastel tones, minimal statement pieces
• Prefers harmony, emotional connection, comfort
• Example: An “Egen man” might be thoughtful and appearance-conscious; an “Egen woman” might favour classic femininity and calm energy.

Important nuance: Many participants don’t see themselves as strictly one or the other—they might shift depending on mood, context, or outfit. It’s less about fixed identity and more about energy expression.

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Why Is This Trend Catching On?

Several factors explain the rapid rise of Teto-Egen among Korean youth:

• A new kind of self-definition: Amid complex identity landscapes, younger generations seek quick, shareable labels to describe themselves. The Teto-Egen dichotomy is simple, memorable and aesthetic.
• Social media friendly: It’s highly visual—users compare styles, “which one are you today?”, share memes, classify K-pop idols. The virality helps.
• Dating & compatibility: Some treat it like a quick compatibility check—“I’m X, you’re Y—how do we match?” Although obviously not scientific.
• Fashion & vibe culture: In a world where aesthetics matter (especially in K-pop & influencer culture), labels like Teto/Egen help articulate one’s vibe, outfit, mood.

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The Upside & The Cautions

✅ What’s good about it

• It provides a light-hearted way to talk about personality and energy without heavy psychometrics.
• It fosters self-reflection: “Which energy am I expressing right now?”
• It helps create social bonds: friends or fans share their results, discuss aesthetic alignment.

⚠️ What to watch out for

• It risks simplifying complex human personality into two neat boxes. Many psychologists caution against over-reliance.
• It can reinforce stereotypes about masculinity/femininity—especially if taken too seriously.
• Because it’s so new and unregulated, results may feel more like trend participation than meaningful insight.

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How to Explore It—With Intention

• Try the test: Take a quiz (online or via an app) and see whether you identify more with Teto, Egen, or somewhere in-between.
• Reflect: Rather than “This is my type forever,” think: “This is my vibe today / in this mood.”
• Use it for fun, not decision-making: Use the result as conversation, aesthetic guidance, or introspection—not as a blueprint for identity or relationships.
• Observe your shifts: Maybe on one day you feel Teto-energy, next day Egen-energy. That fluidity is okay—and perhaps more realistic.
• Be mindful of nuance: Keep in mind intersectionalities—gender identity, culture, personality traits—all play into real human lived experience.

The Teto-Egen trend is an intriguing snapshot of how Gen Z in Korea is generating new vocabulary for self-expression. It blends personality, fashion, mood and identity into a compact, shareable framework. While it’s not a scientific personality assessment, it is a cultural phenomenon worth noticing.

So… next time you check yourself in the mirror and pick an outfit—ask: Am I channeling Teto or Egen today?