[HanSpot Ep.10] Smashing the Stuck-Up Stereotype // 나이스하신 미스터, 아재 !

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!)

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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