Today, Explained The Kia Boyz are coming for your car
May 30, 2023
Taylor Durrell, a freelance writer whose sister's car was stolen, dives into the alarming rise of car thefts involving Kias and Hyundais, driven by a reckless subculture of teens known as the Kia Boys. Alongside Ray Surrett, a criminal justice professor, they explore how social media fuels these thefts and the emotional toll on victims. They discuss the phenomenon of performance crimes and its historical evolution, shedding light on how the quest for online fame impacts teenage behavior. Personal anecdotes add humor to this serious issue.
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Sister's Stolen Kia
- Taylor Durrell's sister's Kia was stolen by teenagers, highlighting the Kia Boyz phenomenon.
- The only item stolen was strawberry candy, emphasizing the joyriding nature of the thefts.
Kia Boyz Culture
- The Kia Boyz are not just car thieves; they're a cultural phenomenon with slang, music, and social media presence.
- Their joyrides, often documented on TikTok, act as a status symbol.
Pandemic's Influence
- The pandemic and lack of supervision may have contributed to the rise of the Kia Boyz.
- Stealing Kias and Hyundais provides a real-life "Grand Theft Auto" experience for these teens.