"a real ajumma"

An interview with Korean-American internet sensation Maangchi:

"For years, fans have been tuning in for her. She’s a comforting presence in her consistency, giving viewers the things they know to expect from a Maangchi video: her signature greeting, 'Hello, everybody!' in her thick, endearing Korean accent. Glitzy outfits, complete with elaborate headpieces. The occasional text that pops up on-screen to give personalities to the ingredients she cooks with. ('Oh, we are good looking anchovies! :)') But most importantly, it’s the fact that she’s an authority figure on Korean cooking — a real ajumma, a term of affection for middle-aged Korean aunties — that makes her so appealing.

It’s a relief when I meet Maangchi at a Starbucks in Manhattan and discover that her real-life persona is pretty much exactly as we see her on the internet. She walked in wearing white platform stiletto heels, and after giving me a warm hug, she ordered a caramel Frappuccino with whipped cream. When her drink came out, I regretted not living with the same vigor for life, looking pitifully at my watery iced latte."

Her videos are cute and funny even though I've never cooked (or plan to cook) a Korean dish in my life.  Also noteworthy that her name (Korean word for "hammer") comes from her days as an obsessive City of Heroes player.