I’m a member of a middle-aged flash mob called Ajumma EXP—MmHmm—and it’s terrific. I mean, we are making some serious waves, people! Not to brag but we’ve had over 100K views on Youtube and
Are you wondering what an Ajumma is? So did I! According to the Ajumma EXP website, “Ajumma is a Korean term for a woman between her 30s and 70s who is typically married with children and works her ass off for her family. Lately, however, the word Ajumma is mostly associated with rude, unattractive, older Korean ladies wearing colorful, unmatching clothes with big sun-hats who elbow their way through the subway…”
Did I mention I’m not Korean? As it turns out, my heritage is immaterial. I’ll back up.
Sonia Chin and Lee-Ann Kim, co-creators of Ajumma EXP, are both Korean-American—born in Korea and immigrated to the U.S. as tykes of hard-working parents seeking a better life for their mini-me’s. They are now wildly successful American citizens living the dream. The three of us have kids at the same school. You know what that means—we volunteer at the same carnivals, watch (perhaps cringe at?) the same talent shows, and take turns speaking passionately at meetings for the betterment of the
Back to Lee-Ann and Sonia. It was apparent to me straight away, when our kids were still
Sonia Chin, Master Ajumma
Lee Ann Kim, Master Ajumma
Fast forward seven years, and I’m scrolling through my feed. Talk about things running together, sheesh. I usually wonder why I’m scrolling as I continue to smear up my screen with my
I watched the entire video, I don’t recall how many times, but it was borderline creepy. Then I tapped Comment. I can’t find the post now, but I wrote something reeking of shameless desperation very similar
Did I notice that not every dancer was Korean? No, I was far too busy thrashing about on my back, agonizing in self-pity for being
Once I collected myself, I naturally resumed my scrolling position. And what to my wondering eyes did appear but a reply from Sonia to the effect of, “Lindsey, the Ajumma EXPerience is not about being Korean. It is about the ferocity of your middle-aged, warrior heart. And if you want to be a part of it, there is a visor with your name on it.”
I might have cried or peed my pants a little. Probably both (I’m an Ajumma now so I can say real stuff like that and not care what people think of me. I’m telling you, this Ajumma thing is so liberating!). I hit Prime for my perm and Goodwill for my get-up. Sensible shoes I have in spades (I just heard my
This description on the Ajumma EXP website says it all: “We at Ajumma EXP believe that Ajummas are fierce, tenacious, and solid from enduring challenges throughout their lives. They have earned the right to be who they want to be and say what they want to say…Ajumma EXP is a crew of fierce women who embrace growing older, getting wiser, and being able to laugh at ourselves. We boogie, we bargain, and we bust-ass… because we’ve earned the right to. So grab your sun visor and join us in celebrating middle-aged women everywhere through the Ajumma EXPerience.”
I’m so proud to be a part of this crew. Thank you, Lee-Ann and Sonia, for your leadership, your genius, and your inclusion. I can’t wait to see what we do next.
And to think, middle-age used to be
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Ajumma apprentice Lindsey
Photos courtesy of Ajumma EXP
Love it! I shared the video with friends. Hysterical.
Thank you, Nancy!
OMG! From bustin’ass in Kappa Cabana to Ajumma EXP…this is your destiny. Keep rocking it girl!
it is truly a full circle moment. I only need you by my side to make it perfect!
Thanks for bringing extra spice and enthusiasm to our crew, Lindsay!!!! Love that you peed in your pants over this. hahahahahaha But seriously, this truly is about owning where we are in life and embracing being older and wiser. Love you!
Love you, too! I’m definitely embracing the growing older and crossing my fingers that the “wiser” shows up at some point…
No words for how amazing this and you are!! And yes I am slightly jealous! Do you think they have an OC chapter??!!
You would be the perfect ajumma (except your clothes match)! If there isn’t a chapter in your hood, you should probably start one!
Hi Lindsay,
I love this. Can I join? I’m already one of you in you heart.
Are you in Phoenix? We definitely need a Phoenix chapter. The movement is growing…
Linda think how perfect your Indian pants would have been if only you hadn’t unceremoniously dumped them. Keep on keeping it real babe, you are truly an inspiration.
Really not sure who the hell Linda is, sorry Linds, curse you auto correct xx
Auto correct gets me every time, my friend. And either way, I always answer to Linda, so we’re good!
Linda definitely regrets giving away her yellow jockey pants!