Have you noticed this tendency for adult Korean women to sound like spoiled brats when talking to men in Korean dramas? This โactโ is called aegyo in Korea, kawaii (Japan), and sajiao (China). The purpose of aegyo is to act adorable to convince others to do what you want them to. But what is aegyo? And, why is it a desirable characteristic for modern women to act like cute, innocent, spoiled babies?
The Obsession with Youth
I donโt think I can discuss aegyo without talking about how much Korean TV bombards us with school uniform-wearing adults and women who are surgically enhanced to look younger. I admit Korea doesnโt hold the patient on obsession with youth. Itโs worldwide. However, Korea does punch you in the face with it.
I remember the first time I became curious about Koreaโs obsession with youth. I met with a group of Korean women and they asked me my age. That day I learned that age was one of the many indicators that would determine my place in Koreaโs hierarchy. Age made me deserving, or not deserving of my friendsโ respect. Iโve been curious about age in Korean culture ever since. And that curiosity has manifested itself in several different ways over the years.
I am older than my husband โ 8 years older. And to his Korean friends, thatโs baffling. They all have much younger wives than themselves โ now thatโs baffling to me. But I digressโฆ
The latest topic that has caught the attention of my fascination with age in Korean culture is aegyo. I was caught off guard when a very intelligent, well-respected woman I know Benjamin Button(ed) in front of my very eyes in order to get a seat at a crowded restaurant. I was speechless.
What is Aegyo?
I may be wrong, but from what I read, aegyo initially referred to cute babies and pets. Initially, women performed it at home to โnegotiateโ with their husbands and children. The traditional purpose was to act adorable, especially to get your way or to sort of tease those around you.
However, now Aegyo has a more broad definition and refers to anything from subtle to any over-the-top cute displays of affection expressed using changes in speech(often high-pitched), facial expressions, and gestures. Basically, aegyo means flirt โ and donโt hold back.
According to the Korean Herald:
Traditionally, aegyo is associated with women making cute gestures, speaking in high pitched voices and using the third person, but the word has taken on a new meaning as a wider range of television celebrities are showcasing their aegyo, regardless of their gender or age
Korean Herald
How to Pronounce Aegyo
The word ์ ๊ต (aegyo) is pronounced similar to โegg-yo.โ However, it should sound a bit more like โe-ggyo.โ Click the link for Google translate pronunciation help.
Aegyo & K Dramas
Itโs Why I Watch
The most exaggerated cases of aegyo are still the Kdramas. And itโs funny, but I wouldnโt have it any other way. Thatโs one of the reasons I watch them in the first place. Kdramas are all about exaggeration โ speech, hand gestures, and eye-rolls. I just didnโt know there was a word for it. And, there is! Welcome to aegyo.
In Korea, the act of aegyo is regarded as cute, endearing, and charming when performed correctly by most people in the Korean culture- but not all. Some Koreans feel the same way I do.
Personal Experience
A few years ago my husband went to a norabang (karaoke bar) with a few of his Korean friends. They were having a good time, singing, drinking, and laughing like they always do.
Then it got weird. One of his friends sang a love song and kinda directed it toward my husband. He included cutesy finger & hand hearts, shoulder rubs, and two too many I love youโs for comfort. He might even have blown a few kisses his way before it was all over.
Granted. There was a lot of alcohol involved that night. Regardless, those definite signs of genuine affection were just too much for my husband to handle.
Final Thoughts
Anyone can use aegyo. But I think women and entertainers use aegyo the most. I also believe there is a distinct difference in the perception between my Korean and Korean-American friends.
I get it though. Korea is STILL a highly patriarchal society. Women will use what works for them in a society that isnโt always built for equal opportunities. Iโve experienced the dismissal that inevitably surfaces in certain situations. Iโve had repairmen completely ignore me in my own home until my husband validates my authority.
And while I hate to criticize any aspect of a culture thatโs not my own. I do have a few thoughts on the subject.
The first one isโฆ is it serious, or is it just playful banter? I am getting mixed messages from my friends. If itโs just pillow talk between lovers โ go for it. Otherwise, it just seems a bit disingenuous.
Itโs not cute. It seems silly at best, and harmful to young developing minds, both boys and girls, at worst. It puts otherwise strong and intelligent individuals in a position where they feel they need to act like children in order for people to listen to their thoughts and ideas.
For these reasons, I personally think itโs weird to see people use aegyo. However, if you do go the pro aegyo route โ hate on me if you like, but men and women should be equally subjected. If the hair, makeup, and plastic surgery arenโt weird enough to you, then you shouldnโt mind a little bro on bro aegyo either.
I am curious, what do you think? Am I over-thinking this? Let me know in the comments below!
Want to dig more into the Korean psyche? Click Here to read about the MBTI craze in Korea and decide for yourself if itโs gone too far.
