Lee Hyeong-seon (이형선)

Ajumma now depicted as smart, strong, cool

Source | 2008/03/12 | Permalink |

Call it ajumma power.
Ajumma is Korean for middle-aged women, and ajumma characters are currently in full control of the screen ― both television and film.
But they are no longer portrayed as aggressive or hot-tempered, for example, as a woman dashing for a vacant seat in the subway or elbowing other ajumma for the last grocery item on sale. They no longer wear loose floral-print pants or sport curly hair.
Their aggressiveness is presented rather as an endearing trait ― as enthusiasm for life and full tolerance of others.
Jung-geum (played by Bae Jong-ok) from MBC TV's "Park Jung-geum, Heavenly Beauty" is one example.
Jung-geum is a 38-year-old detective in charge of investigating violent crimes and a single mom living with a child. Her divorce transformed her into an uncompromising, tough woman.
In one episode, she shouts fearlessly at a knife-wielding gangster, "Stab me if you can. I'm just ashamed that I have to deal with a loser like you". The gangster turns tail ...| More