These days, the younger generation calls themselves the 'scratched generation' and say 'scratched' when their pride is hurt or their mentality is disturbed.
This represents the accumulated stress and wounds caused by the unstable economic situation, soaring prices and interest rates, and the uncertain future. Against this backdrop, people are showing greater affection for small objects that provide psychological comfort. Cute and harmless items such as key rings satisfy these psychological needs and provide small joys and a sense of stability.
The popularity of key rings goes beyond mere fashion items. Through them, people can express their personal tastes and individuality, and enjoy their own little happiness. This is also closely related to the spread of social media and meme culture. For example, the expression 'scratched' has spread widely as a meme, showing that the younger generation is relieving their daily stress by empathizing with it and digesting it with humor.

Keyrings are relatively inexpensive and easy to own, so they are considered a “small luxury.” They provide small pleasures in everyday life without spending a lot of money, and they play a role in providing psychological comfort to people. In times of great economic and social pressure, these small pleasures are even more comforting.
Ultimately, the trend of wearing key rings may be a part of the unconscious effort to relieve the anxiety and stress that people feel in modern society. The desire of modern people to heal their scratches through harmless beings makes the symbolic value contained in these small objects even more special. These small consolations reflect the wounds and anxiety that the current community is experiencing, while also showing the way to find small ways of healing within it.
In these times of high prices and high interest rates, people may need something harmless like this to help them heal their wounds.