Crazy Videos

A crazy occurrence has happened in the last week here in the ROK. It seems that essentially EVERYONE is talking about it, too. That's because it made the front page of local newspapers and was instantly uploaded to YouTube. From teenagers to the elderly, the latest drama in Korea has caused a lot of laughs and lot of debates.

1) Ajumma Fights Female Student on the subway

Those of you who have read my previous descriptions about ajummas, may not be so surprised by this video. However, although Korean ajummas can be a headstrong, stubborn, and determined people, it's not very often that they drop the gloves and throw down.

Apparently, eyewitness accounts of the incident reported that the middle school girl was sitting cross-legged on the subway next to the ajumma. Her shoes were covered with mud which touched the ajumma's pants and caused her to go into an all out rage. The female student then apologized twice but the ajumma did not accept. The student then spoke to the ajumma in banmal, the least respectful form of Korean, which is considered totally inappropriate to use with elders. It is usually reserved for a very casual conversation with friends. A lot of speculation has happened surrounding this video (and be be found here on Dave's ESL cafe) giving me reason to not trust the above version 100%.

 In addition, the video has sparked a lot of conversation and controversy. First of all, people are arguing over what exactly was said between the two as it's hard to make out in the video. Secondly, posters are also arguing over who is crazier, the student or the ajumma. While some say the student was too disrespectful in Korean culture to speak that way, others say that ajumma is insane and that violence is never the solution to the problem. I agree with the latter group. Okay, so there's a little mud on your pants and the girl spoke to you rudely. Who cares? You're like 70 years old. You should be the mature one in this situation and set an example. There's no need to lose your temper and throw a young girl across the subway car by her hair. You can always express your feelings in a more calm manner while remaining seated. Third, people are arguing over why nobody stepped in between the two to stop the fight. I also question this myself, but do remember the "Bystander Effect" from second year social psych classes. Lastly, there is a rumour going around that this ajumma is a well known subway bully, and likes to start fights with younger girls whenever possible. If you want to read more about all of this, check out the link to Dave's above.



2) Wheelchair Man Flies into a Rage (August, 2010 but only circulated recently)

In this incident, a man in a wheelchair is at a subway station headed towards the elevator. When he arrives at the elevator, a woman has just closed the doors. He flies into a rage and rams his wheelchair into the door several times. Finally, the door breaks and the man's wheelchair momentum carries him forward into the elevator shaft. He falls down the shaft and his chair falls after him and possibly on top of him. A lot of people found, and still find this video to be hilarious. I must admit, I laughed pretty hard the first time I watched it. One poster on Dave's ESL cafe even went as far as to say "Only in Korea. This is the kind of stuff the Korean tourist industry should be advertising, because it is absolutely priceless."


Unfortunately, a few hours later it was reported that the man in fact died from this incident. That definitely makes it less funny.

Within a few hours, this man had been given a Darwin award- a prize awarded to those who die in incredibly stupid ways that are usually self-caused. He is another cause of much discussion. Several people have questioned the safety and durability of the elevator doors and can't believe they broke that easily. Others have questioned the sanity of the man, his emotional difficulties, and the problems often expressed by those with disabilities living in Korea.



Other Interesting Videos

These two incidents this week have caused a re-share of other craziness that has been witnessed on Korean subways and around the country. This is not to say that crazy incidents do not happen in other cities and other countries. But, for those of us living in Korea, there is just something that resonates and is just kind of funny. There are a LOT to be seen on YouTube, but I have selected just a few to post here.

3) Fight in Parliament (last year)

For anyone who hasn't seen this, it's pretty epic. It took place in 2009 and was the result of arguments over a new media law. I think it is seriously hilarious.




And now for a scary turned happy video...

4) Korean Subway Hero

In this video, an anemic woman becomes visibly ill and collapses onto the subway tracks. She is recused by a good samaritan just in time. This video gives me chills. BUT, it's good to know there are still some really good people out there. Coincedentally, this man just happened to work in construction at subway stations and was aware of the "safety gutter" in place for sudden emergencies such as this one.