Cultural Post #3

[Ann Pongsakul]

In Korean culture there is a concept called Aegyo. It refers to certain way of behaving. For girls, it entails displaying affection through a cute/baby voice, making cute facial expressions and gestures. For men they behave in a protective manner towards the girls. I notice it most in girls. When I meet girls that act this way, I always felt like I was more masculine than they are and in some instances I just felt like they were too cute it was uncomfortable. But I think aegyo represents the Korean culture’s gender norms. Girls are supposed to be feminine, which means being kind, soft. For men, they are supposed to be in the dominant role, be the protector of the household and the family. I do think aegyo is a bit exaggerated in dramas. But in general from looking at advertisements to cosmetics and fashion, I think in general Korean girls can be seen as more girly and cute than American girls.