The 'Sad Panda' meme originally rose to prominence through the animated series South Park, specifically via the character 'Sexual Harassment Panda' who became 'Sad Panda' when losing his job or purpose. Since then, the image of a dejected-looking panda has evolved into a universal symbol for profound disappointment, regret, or mild depression over everyday inconveniences. It is widely used across forums and social media to react to bad news, technical glitches, or situations where one feels unloved. Its simplicity and the inherently cute yet miserable nature of the panda make it a timeless choice for expressing relatable sadness in a lighthearted way.