Using titles to refer to one another is a sign of politeness and respect in South Korea. Korean people use titles to address strangers based on the appearance of their age and gender. Yet over time, the word “ajumma” has gradually been associated with the intention of belittling middle-aged women often in their 40s or 50s. The word is now associated with the stereotype of a feisty, rude woman with old-fashioned permed hair, who will not back down until she gets what she wants. In the case of the accident in the subway, the assaulter confessed to doing such an unpredictable act because she found the term as an offensive mockery. Even though a warrant has been requested as a “special violence” case under the Railroad Safety Act for carrying a weapon in the subway, no charges have been filed for this specific crime. Police charged the defendant with "a special injury" after concluding that the victim committed the offense accidentally and not on purpose. Several citizens questioned this decision, criticizing that the crime is a case of attempted murderer since a person was stabbed with a weapon. Such incidents showcase how even a simple term like “ajumma” can have fatal consequences.

Reasons Behind the Incident

The word "ajumma," which can be connected to Neo-Confucianism influences in Korean culture, is occasionally used to refer to what some may call a "third sex.” Since it refers to a stage in a woman's life when she has “traditionally” settled for marriage, children, and housework, its meaning has also extended to define a woman who has little to no contribution to society any more.

Professor Sou Hyun Jang (Sociology) adds that gender and motherhood are intertwined with Confucianism in Korean culture. As a result of Confucianism and the patriarchy, gender roles are relatively strictly segregated in Korean society. Although there is a general perception that men should work and women should care for children at home, women's engagement in the economy has expanded. Because of this, women now have an inferior social and economic position and are thusly less valued. As evidenced by the term Samcheonjigyo, which describes a mother's zeal for education, Confucian culture highly values parenting from the mother’s perspective. Yet despite the significance of motherhood in Korea’s Confucian culture, it is frequently deemed “unfavorable,” and it does not help that criticism spreads even more swiftly online.

Therefore, the word “ajumma” is sensitive territory, as it may provoke discomfort and unpleasantness based on its social, historical context. It goes without saying that people must be careful of societal norms at all times. To this, Professor Jang adds some explanation for the sociological reasonings behind the incident; in public spaces like the subway, consideration of others is especially important. Therefore, people should be wary of abiding by social cues and presenting culturally proper behaviors in public spaces.

The Importance of Language

Language usage within the case in particular fully reveals the social context and the power of words. Professor Jang states the importance of noting that the Korean language not only expresses negative nuances and hatred toward “ajummas”, but also toward different generations, genders, and minorities. Words that were originally harmless, such as jenmin, Korean slang for “immature children,” can be used to look down on others. The use of language can highlight and perpetuate prejudices and discrimination. Language is very much influenced by society and culture, and vice versa; thus, oftentimes words may have negative connotations depending on the context. The usage of the word "ajumma" in the subway most likely reflected a stigma or hatred toward middle-aged women. While it may not seem like an offensive hate crime within a broader social context, those familiar with its nuanced context will be familiar with the discrimination and hatred it entails.

The media also plays a huge role in the spread and transformation of language, so readers should be able to critically evaluate various media content and the language it uses. Various articles or news broadcastings that highlight or put as the word “ajumma” in their titles may succeed in catching the eye of the public; however, more often than not, they end up fueling social hatred even more. The negative nuance associated with the word “ajumma” on social media platforms further promotes hatred towards motherhood and women. Although the word itself nor these platforms explicitly intended to promote hatred, they still wind up playing a huge role in distributing the sentiment.

Although Korean society respects honorifics, instances like the "ajumma" scenario are nonetheless unavoidable when the language's influence is taken into account. Language has the power to make or shatter someone's day. Some people may find it more difficult to consider the societal justification for the offender's actions, like a "storm in a teacup." Yet, after looking at the connotations associated with the term "ajumma" and how anyone might be addressed as such on a regular basis, it is crucial to emphasize the power of language that can result in an act as shocking as what occurred. As it is important in Korea to be respectful more than anything, it is important for community members to make efforts to understand the sociological reasonings behind such acts. One thing that is certain is that, when used within specific social and cultural contexts, the simplest of terms have the potential to have the most unexpectedly intense effects.