Pet peeve #4: Ahjumma and Ahjussi Aegyo-Acting (or A&AAA)
If you’re new to Korean dramas, here are MY definition of the terms ahjumma and aegyo.
Ahjumma: 35 years old or older
Ahjussi: 32 years old or older
Aegyo: ridiculously cute actions or speech mimicking a toddler’s behavior
Gifs from kangyooseok’s tumblr
Yes. They’re super annoying. I stand with Miseon.
source: kangyooseok’s tumblr
Here’s more. How can Shin Minah do this to herself?
Gifs from kangyooseok’s tumblr
Ugh! When I recall that Shin Minah is 37 years old in real life, this is so cringe. I can’t imagine her doing this shit with her real boyfriend, Kim WooBin.
I hope my favorite, Park MinYoung (“What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” and “Her Private Life”) isn’t asked to perform like this in her upcoming noona romance with Song Kang. Her upcoming drama is called, “Meteorological Agency People: The Cruelty of Office Romance.”
She’s 35 years old.
And here’s a embarrassing specimen of an ahjussi doing aegyo on cue.
What the heck? That’s as cringeworthy as this. His dimple is his vaunted co-star.
To my very non-Korean tastes and sensibilities, aegyo has a shelf life.
It should expire when the actress turns 35 and actor turns 32. Why the age disparity? Because women age slower than men.
When they’ve reached their maximum age limits, they should have a vaccine card…err… license to carry aegyo around with them because it’s a harmful chemical imbalance inside their body. When you think about it, they’re worse than the anti-vaxxers.
Why?
a. There’s no vaccine on fast-track for this degenerative disease. Hellooo, Pfizer, Moderna???
b. Infected people (and their supporters/enablers) are resistant to shaming.
c. Aegyo-positive people spread the disease with their babyish ways, and who wants to smack down a baby?
d. Many aegyo people are asymptomatic. You only know you’ve been infected when you feel light-headed and/or nauseous after seeing their smile.
e. They have zero respect for social and physical distancing.
This my “Aegyo Mandate.”
As Uber-Bitch, I’m implementing a multi-pronged, restrictive strategy in this blog. This strategy employs a “feelings-based approach” to identifying the problem.
Don’t talk to me about science because I’m in a glass case of emotions.
This approach has successfully utilized to combat the the “Oppa!” disease during “The King: Eternal Monarch” craze.
Obligatory gratuitous gif of Lee Minho.
To stop the spread and save our mental health, I will used every available tool to eradicate useless aegyo in actors and actress over 35 years old.
The following restrictions shall be imposed:
1. Require aegyo vaccination for all posters that comment on the blog.
“No vaccine, no post.”
2. Require only dramas with non-aegyo actors and actresses to be reviewed on the blog
We can only watch zombie shows from now on.
3. Require one derisive sentence to balance aegyo
4. Require dark glasses when watching these aegyo-radiating actors and actresses in their dramas.
5. Require a mask while writing to stop personal aegyo from seeping into the laptop
6. Require spoiler alerts when writing with aegyo or about aegyo.
I’ll add more when I think of more restrictions. Let’s all do our part to stop A&AAA.
Fighting!
Happy Friday, everyone!
You are hilarious @pm3!
No to ahjumma & ajussi aegyo ever, because it is so cringe!!
There is a chinese version of it called sa3jiao1 which is like the Korean Aegyo…that I can’t seem to find a good english translation for…Google says behave in a spoiled manner but that isn’t quite right. Act cute may suit it better but still is not it.
For more legit Aegyo and some..not quite @pm3 approved cos it’s Ajussi level, this is a song that got so popular that it has become a kindergarten kids song.
Lol! I super agree with you @packmule3. That’s why I said that the episode went overboard. I can’t with Min Ah acting like that, even when they are in the honeymoon stage. It was too much for me. And I think aegyos are primarily done to get what one wants. Yeah, for others, it may look cute but for me, it sends an underlying message to viewers that people can be persuaded just because of physical attributes (cutesy voice + actions) ~
LOL and thanks @pkml3 for a good laugh. I don’t mind wearing the mask and dark glasses but I’d rather not watch only zombie shows, except Zombie Detective 2 (if it ever gets made!).
Unfortunately the Aegyo Vaccine is in short supply in my neck of the woods. Aegyo keeps seeping into my home through various electronic devices, but fortunately my family is resistant to infection. However I need to have a word with the husband. His liking of ‘very cute’ Tik Toks of pretty, young things which he insists on showing me, bring on symptoms of nausea and endless eye rolls.
(*≧∀≦*)
//(*▼▽▼)∩//
“packmule3: You are in your element!! I’m in splits reading this post!!!Require a mask to prevent Aegyo from seeping into laptop…LOL!!! Totally second that 😛 😀 😀 I actually have stopped watching HTCCC because of how much Aegyo they both do, that too at their age! It has just gone downhill from when they were normal! I’m not sure why they are subjecting us to all the saccharine sweetness, a romantic comedy doesn’t need to be like this (case in point. Dali and the Cocky Price, where the main leads are much younger than Shin Mina and KSH yet don’t do Aegyo)
Dear @packmule3 I had real laugh at your anti-aegyo post. I understand completely the necessity for a mask interface between yourself and the computer. However, the phenomenon worries me; do I have tiny currents of cutesy sympathy floating in my own emotional make-up? The very thought of cuteness beyond toddler-hood makes me want to roll up into a ball of squirming embarrassment. I’m glad to say that within my circle of friends, aegyo would be simply stared out of existence. We are as resistant to aegyo as bikies are to scooters, hence our stare of calm, dispassionate curiosity. But you never can tell …
@grace Oh dear, the kitty song has turned into a fanged monster; it’s become an insidious ear-worm, with visuals. The only thing that will shift it will be via my granddaughter who will apply the necessary element of analytical scorn – but she’s not due to visit for another two weeks. Aaagh!
ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ this is gold!!! I am 200% onboard this aegyo vaccination ship 🤭🤭🤭 I totally agree. I had a chat with my friends last night. Finally been able to hang out with them again and they knew I hate this aegyo superficial thing in my drama watch and they teasingly asked if I have watched HCCC and related aegyo fest dramas 🤭🤭🤭 I said nope cos those dramas will only make me spit fire and raise my BP 😂😂😂
Aegyo can be naturally done, me think and depending on the context, might be acceptable in that particular scene. But when being forced by a characters older, mature and expected to act their age, it is just ❌❌❌. I noticed some actors have this skill at a disadvantage. Most of the time they come out awkward and the whole scene becomes so cringey 🤢🤢🤢🤢
Even older people can be cute, in their own natural way. But these actors in that characters are basically overdoing it. Perhaps also the directing from pd plays a role on this 🤷♀️.
When it comes to talks/acts of love, I am more interested to watch something more substantial, and deeper than an aegyo put in an act with no proper context or worthy purpose. For example, this is, for me, more meaningful and has better depth. (Spoiler alert)
https://youtu.be/H6h6gvP3dGg
Of course, there shall be teasing and fun moments in a relationship but done differently than just aegyo. 😊
ROFL!!! I like drama sweet moments but please, no aegyo for the 30+. I agree with @PM3, it has a shelf life. When the sweet become cringey, then it just becomes ridiculous. It’s too late for me to drop HC3 and I’m already invested in the side characters to see it to the end so here goes the last 2 episodes.
@Grace, I regret watching your YT link, now I am suffering from LSS (last song syndrome). Hahaha! But I wouldn’t be caught copying those moves.
@PM3 – maybe we should do an “aegyo meter” for kdramas being reviewed by the BoD aegyo-police! That would be a good info or warning… watch with caution; Wear your protective gear and wash hands thoroughly after watching. LOL!
@Packmule3, I have five words for you: Ruth Gordon, Harold and Maude. Perhaps Maude’s joie de vivre doesn’t fall into aegyo (https://youtu.be/6ooboieA_eE).
@Janey I like your idea of Aegyo meter🤣🤣🤣 Maybe the post can be tagged as “Virus alert! Proceed with caution!”😜 Then we will know that we need to start disinfecting ourselves and steer clear of that drama in future or risk catching the Aegyo virus! The post will be almost like a precaution.
@janey The simple appearance of an aegyometer warning might just well stimulate my perverse curiosity. We could be entering deep and troubled waters here. On the whole, though, I think I would appreciate a cringe content heads up, rather than be surprised by its arrival. It’s a great suggestion.
😂 And what’s with the spate of Noona romances of late?
Song HyeKyo (39) and Lee DoHyun (26 – Capt Firefly in Hotel Deluna)
https://www.soompi.com/article/1493235wpp/lee-do-hyun-in-talks-to-join-song-hye-kyo-in-kim-eun-sooks-new-drama
Kim HeeSun (44) and Rowoon (25)
https://www.soompi.com/article/1477557wpp/kim-hee-sun-confirmed-to-star-in-new-drama-sf9s-rowoon-is-in-talks-for
Where have you been, @nrllee?
Yes, I noticed the Nona romances. Even Park MinYoung with Song Kang. 🤪
That Capt Firefly aka Lee DoHyun has been waiting for his major breakthrough. Maybe this it with Song HyeKyo.
SHK has been a donsaeng killer anyway. Wasn’t her ex younger, too? Welcome to cougar world, SHK! 😂
And aegyo makes it to the Oxford disctionary… and BoD. Though I like the more technical definition, i.e. applicable age.
I like the hug between HJ and DS when MiSeon walked in. 🙂 But didn’t notice her going aegyo watching the sunrise, until you pointed it out. That back shot was cringey. 😛 Reminded me when Jeong Won opened the umbrella for Gyeo Ul in front of the ER, and started swaying. X_X At 40 y.o. (his character’s age), he is way past the age for aegyo.
@pm3, I burst out laughing at the zombie restriction! 😂
Gosh, I just can’t with the silly aegyo in HCCC. I’ve been fastforwarding most of the OTP’s scenes since Ep 11. 🙄😂 I’m too old for that shiz. 😅
@grace, your YT video reminded me of this song. (Apparently this was 8 years ago?!?! 🤯) Now how to get this abysmal song out of my consciousness again. 😂
https://youtu.be/WyCwVdNaubY
Gee thanks, @Grace, 😂
That “meow meow meow” video was stuck in my head for a couple of hours. At least the women in the vid looked young, not a try hard ahjumma.
I had to listen to Schubert “Die Forelle” to get it out of my ear. 🙂 Incidentally, it’s the tune the Samsung washing machine plays when your laundry is done. I don’t know what Schubert did to deserve this. 😂😂
https://youtu.be/NF9DrUXowBo
@packmule3 it’s Spring here and the homestead is keeping me busy so I am taking your advice – JOMO. 😂. Haven’t watched any KDrama for weeks now. SHK was in Boyfriend with BoGum so she’s already been in 1 Noona romance. This would be her second?
No. This is Song Hye Kyo’s fourth drama with donsaeng.
All her last four dramas were with guys younger than her. 😈😈😈
Somebody should add up her age differences with her leading men. That would be fun fact.
1. Descendants of the Sun with her Ex
2. Encounter (or Boyfriend or whatever) with Park Bo Gum
3. upcoming Now, We’re Breaking Up with Jang Ki Yong (the lead Roommate is a Gumiho)
4. and this drama with Lee Do Hyun
That’s okay. She doesn’t have to stop parlaying her beauty. If Madonna can do it, why not her?
Give her a couple more years and she’ll probably do Nam Da Reum too. 😜
Yumi’s Cells, Ep. 10, is about this topic! How timely!
Here, I did my quick search, @nrllee
Song Hye Kyo is 39 years old.
Her Ex: 3 years younger
Park Bo Gum: 11years younger
Jang Ki Yung: 10 years younger
Lee Do Hwan: 13 years younger
Add all the ages differences, 37 years
Nam Da Reum is 19 years old. 20 years age difference. Age is just a number, right? 🤷♀️ She might as well portray “Mrs. Robinson.”
I’m psychic, @Skayt. 🤪😂🤪😂
@packmule3 point taken about SHK. Please no with NDR. 🙄. SHK is beautiful I will give her that. A cold still winter’s day is what I think of when I look at her.
@nrllee,
I’ll always remember SHK as the lead in “Full House” with Rain. She was fresh and pretty then.
Thanks @nrllee for the Soompi links. I just saw this article on ‘age-shaming’. https://www.todayonline.com/8days/mother-son-netizens-react-song-hye-kyos-pairing-actor-14-years-her-junior-new-drama
Personally, I don’t mind the age differences if they can pull it off without making their ages obvious, or rather, acting younger (without aegyo) or older than they are, if it’s to suit the characters. That, afterall, is the job of an actor… to act like another character, so I look forward to what they can do regardless of age.
The other show with Kim Hee Sun, however, rubs me differently, probably because I’ve a personal problem with certain ‘individual’ actors, and KHS is one of them. It probably won’t matter if the one acting opposite her is older than her or her age, I’ll probably feel the same, however she perhaps it’s the norm for actresses her age, but she seems to be another actress playing opposite younger men. So it could be because she has tried unsuccessfully to act younger than her age, and it put me off. In Angry Mom, she was a mother pretending to be a high school kid and Ji Soo’s character had a crush on her. We already grumbled much about her in Alice with Joo Won.
@pkml3, yes, I really liked the fresher Song Hye Kyo in Full House. I always do think she’s gorgeous.
@nrllee, speaking of SHK and a cold winter’s day, I watched That Winter the Wind Blows mostly because of SHK, and that was really a chilled beauty in action.
@GB That Winter the Wind Blows turned me off. The whole premise of her and how she related to her “long lost brother” seemed incestuous? I just felt all sorts of uncomfortable. So I dropped it in the end. 😑
I’ll open a separate Just Bitching thread on these Noona romcoms so it’s easier for us to find our discussions later.
Gotta go and prepare for our winery tour. What hat to wear? What scarf to wear? What shoes to wear? What earrings to wear? What purse to bring? After watching Yumi’s Cells in action, I’m more aware of my own Fashion Cell dictating what’s appropriate for a Wine Country Chic look. 🙂
There’s this scene in HomeCha ep 16 where DS and HJ were doing aegyo again. @_@ Namsook and Hwa Jeong made faces, and I suddenly remembered this blog post.
There’s an Aegyo Manual in ep 10 of Yumi’s Cells! So it’s not just the cutesy expressions but also actions like “tongs of love “ and “spike serve on your shoulder” to the ridiculous “cap skill of love”. ROFL, this episode is a winner in a-egg-yo as coached by Ruby! I hope you can include those examples in this mandate post @pm3!!!
At Packmule3, loved this post, thanks for writing! I have had a hard week and you have just made my day. Thanks for making me burst out in laughter!