Apu Apustaja, meaning 'Help Helper' in Finnish, is a variation of the Pepe the Frog character, specifically based on the 'Peper' illustration style. First appearing on the Finnish imageboard Ylilauta in 2016, Apu is distinguished by his soft, childlike appearance and a generally naive or confused demeanor. Unlike the original Pepe, Apu is often used to represent innocence, vulnerability, or simple kindness, frequently accompanied by 'frenly' broken English. Over the years, the character has become a cornerstone of internet culture, used to convey a wide range of emotions from genuine sadness to wide-eyed optimism in various social media communities.