Remember Kkondae? (꼰대)
So in our very first episode, we had a riot looking at a very popular word today – Kkondae (the korean curmudgeon). It refers to the “old-minded” people of Korea who are super oppressive, super self-valuing, and severly underestimate younger and less “experienced” people. It has become a battle cry of the younger generation against the older one, demanding a different form of respect that isn't tied strictly to age.
The use of it is now quite offensive. Being called a Kkondae, regardless of gender, is a striking claim almost to the same degree as a slur. To be a Kkondae is to be ignorant, self-centered, bigoted, self-aggrandizing, pessimistic, unproductively skeptical, and overall just a plain-ol curmudgeon of little social value.
Older adult men in particular have been rattled by this word. Many would rather be called a pervert or sexist before being labeled a Kkondae. As such, many have changed their tune, trying to subvert this damaging stereotype.
The result?
The “Nice” Mister
With the high use of such a damaging term, many citizens of Korea have a new goal – to be an Ahjae (아재). It is essentially a cute and endearing way of taking the simple and common word for “Mister” (아저씨/Ahjushee) and turning it into “Mister~.”
An Ahjae is the opposite of a Kkondae. He is humble. He is gracious. He is supportive and does not diminish the achievements of others. He wishes to be a resource for the growing generation, not a hindrance.
An Ahjae is what a sensible male (there isn't quite yet a term for females) aspires to be.
Have a listen and let me know what you think! Which one are you? (Be honest!)
이번 한스팟 팟캐스트 에피소드에서는 한국의 아저씨 문화와 “아재” 단어를 소개했습니다. 사운드 파일 클릭! (영어)
“아재”
아빠 미소를 짓고 계신 어른분의 이미지가 떠오릅니다. 세대차이의 갈등에서 시작된 단어지만 어감조차 친근한 이 단어는 우리가 소위 말하는 “꼰대”와 정반대의 의미를 지니고 있죠. 다양한 세대들을 아우르며 소통을 하려는 아재들. 스팀잇 커뮤니티에서도 긍정적인 본보기가 되어 모두를 존중해주며 소통하고 이끌어 나가시는 멋진 아재 작가님들이 많으신 것 같습니다. 고맙습니다!
Previous HanSpot Episodes
Episode 1: 꼰대: Kkondae // The Korean Curmudgeon
Episode 2: 성괴: Seonggwe // Plastic Monsters
Episode 3: 깡패: Kkangpeh // Korean Gangsterisms
Episode 4: 듣보잡:DeudBojob // Name Value
Episode 5: 팩트폭행: Fact Pokhang // Fact Violence
Episode 6: 혼밥혼술: Hon-Bob, Hon-Sool // "Alone" Culture
Episode 7: 읽씹:Ilk Sib // Eat Your Texts
Episode 8: 떼창:Ddae Chang // Karaoke Krowds
Episode 9: 웹툰: Webtoon // Korea's Vertical Art Form
@hansikhouse // design collective @hitheryon
