Aegyo

Aegyo (/eɪˈɡɪoʊ/; Korean: 애교; Hanja: 愛嬌) in Korean is a normalized gendered performance that involves a cute display of affection often expressed through a cute voice, changes to speech, facial expressions, or gestures. A similar expression is Gyotae (/ɡɪoʊˈteɪ/; Korean: 교태; Hanja: 嬌態). Aegyo literally means behaving in a flirtatious, coquettish manner and it is commonly expected for both male and female K-pop idols and is also expected or demanded from exclusively younger females in Korean society in way which reinforces or reflects Korea's traditional gender roles. However, it is not uncommon for everyday people to behave in such a way, and is widely used as an expression of affection towards loved ones, family, and friends, and also as a hyper-sexualized form of seduction. Aegyo can also display closeness with others, which can possibly bring people together. The word is often translated as "cuteness" in English, and can be compared to the Chinese concept of sājiāo (撒嬌),or the Japanese concepts of kawaii and amae.