Kat’s Topical Analyses: Topic no. 1 - The Ajumma

“Ajumma” is the Korean slang term for the tiny old women with black, balding perms and sharp, pushy elbows. They are generally considered to be mean little troopers. Small and hunched in stature, the Ajumma tends to find standing or walking a challenge, yet they are somehow able to block one’s attempts to pass them on the sidewalk. Though the Ajumma is usually slow-moving, she can muster up a sizable amount of energy to sprint toward the closing doors of a subway car, leaving other contenders and passers-by as casualties in their wake. The Ajumma finds the elbow to be a useful weapon when making her way through a crowd, or claiming territory on a congested bus. She thrusts her elbow without mercy, and it lands with precision in the most effective places. Because the Ajumma has most likely paid her debt to society by giving birth to children and increasing the Korean population, she is no longer restricted by societal considerations and/or demands. She takes great pleasure in staring. She will position herself closely to her subject of interest, which tends to be individuals of foreign descent, and she then partakes in a long and overt gawk session. If the subject reacts in any way, such as speaking, laughing, becoming visibly uncomfortable, or attempts to dish it back and stares at the Ajumma, the Ajumma will most likely take offense, and the full-frontal gawk turns into the ever-feared Ajumma Glare of Indignation. This glare is intentional, and usually latches itself onto an exposed collarbone or partially visible tattoo. The Ajumma follows a strict dress code, wearing a knit turtleneck and pants with elastic waist and ankle bands. Their tightly-permed curls stand proudly, impervious to the band of the visor with the exaggerated bill that hides half of the Ajumma’s fallen face. The lower half of her face is covered by a mouth-and-nose mask, made fashionable by the H1N1 epidemic last fall season. Though initially perceived as helpless, the Ajumma is able to sit on her heels for hours at a time, tirelessly preparing copious amounts of kimchi. The Ajumma can hold her liquor. She can drink with her husband, and drag his wasted body home. She can finish a line of Soju shots, outdoing even the freshest foreigner who has come to Korea for round number two of the college life. I find the Ajumma both entertaining and frightening. To me, the Ajumma has been the most fascinating cultural trend I’ve experienced so far in Korea. Please stay tuned for Kat’s Topical Analyses: Topic no. 2 – The Cute Korean Girlfriend (A Phenomena), coming soon.