Tell them I can't go

The meme "Tell them I can't go" originates from singer Lee Ae-ran's song "A Hundred Years of Life." The song conveys the message of refusing to follow the Grim Reaper because there are still many things left to do, and the phrase "Tell them I can't go" is repeatedly featured in the lyrics. The humor and satisfaction of this phrase quickly gained popularity, becoming a humorous way to express situations where one cannot attend or participate.

Around 2015, this meme started being used on internet communities and social media to match various contexts, such as "Tell them I can't go to work tomorrow" or "Tell them I can't go to the weekend plans," bringing laughter through its adaptations. Along with these parodies, Lee Ae-ran's song also became widely recognized, significantly increasing her popularity.