maknae (막내)

Currently listening to: Black And Yellow – Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, Juicy J & T-Pain

Stay high like how I’m supposed to do
That crowd underneath them clouds can’t get close to you
And my car look unapproachable
Super clean, but it’s super mean
She wanna fuck with them cats, smoke weed, count stacks
Get fly and take trips and that’s that, real rap
I let her get high if she want and she feel that
Convertible drop feel, ’87, the top peeled back

In most of the friend groups I’m part of, I tend to be the youngest—and honestly, I prefer it that way. My circle spans a wide range of ages, from people my age all the way up to folks in their 80s. One of my oldest friends is 83, and she’s still sharper than most twenty-somethings I know. Most of these older friends came into my life through work. Over time, we built a bond that lasted well beyond their retirement. Even now, we still meet up occasionally and text regularly to check in or share something funny or thoughtful.

In Korean culture, elders are deeply respected and held in high regard. There’s a strong emphasis on honoring our elders—not just in family settings but in society as a large.

I’ve always been drawn to older people, especially those who’ve seen and lived through some shit. They’re like walking archives of wisdom and perspective. There’s something grounding about being around people who have navigated entire eras I’ve only read about. I absorb everything I can from them—their stories, their advice, their hard-earned lessons—and I pass those insights down to the newer staff I mentor. It feels like honoring a chain of knowledge. I’ve seen things in my time, sure, but the things they’ve lived through? A whole different level.

In my ARMY crew (yes, BTS ARMY, don’t judge), I’m the maknae—막내—the baby of the group. They call me that like Jung Kook, my bias. I bring the energy and in return, they spoil me rotten.

And then there’s my friend from work—we’ve known each other for over fifteen years. We’re not related by blood, but we’ve got the dongseng (동생 – younger sibling) and oppa (오빠 – older brother) relationship going on and it’s often used as a term of affection and closeness amongst friends. Even though we’ve grown up and now work in the same hospital, that bond hasn’t faded.

What about you? Are you the oldest, middle, or the youngest in your crew?


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30 responses to “maknae (막내)”

  1. Jesse Pallante Avatar

    Definitely middle crew. My older sister and my younger sister and then there is me. In terms of work, I doordash so I don’t know the other dasher, but from the looks of things. There are older and younger dashers so im in the middle again.

    1. justrojie Avatar

      Ahh thats interesting!!

  2. Hazel Avatar

    I feel the same. I love friends who are of older age than me. Talking to my aunties brings so many lessons and stories from their eras. I adore their resiliency.

    I have only one group chat: family.🤭

    1. justrojie Avatar

      Your aunt that just moved seems like good peeps! I wish I had more family nearby!

      1. Hazel Avatar

        Yes, she’s wonderful. Thank you so much, rojie. All the best.

  3. Nicholas K F Matte Avatar

    When I was small until 13-14 I was the youngest. Hangin with my older bro and his crazy friends at early teens, I was the younger “mature” padawan type, highschool parties ALL THAT, skateboarding downtown Ottawa all day all night + Montreal, meeting girls a bit, then with my school friends my age……I had knowledge right?
    It was fun!

    1. justrojie Avatar

      Sounds like a grand time!!

  4. Devendr Avatar

    It’s clear you’ve found a truly special balance in your life, surrounded by a rich tapestry of wisdom and youthful energy! “Black And Yellow” sets the perfect vibe for cruising through life, “super clean, but it’s super mean,” just like your approach to soaking up knowledge. It’s fantastic how you bridge generations, valuing the deep insights of your older friends while bringing your own “maknae” energy to your ARMY crew. Your appreciation for elders, rooted in Korean culture, is truly beautiful, creating a powerful chain of shared wisdom. This genuine respect and reciprocal bond with your “oppa” from work speaks volumes about the meaningful connections you cultivate.

    1. justrojie Avatar

      Thanks so much for your feedback, Devendr!! Much appreciated

      1. Devendr Avatar

        😍

        1. justrojie Avatar

          🙂

  5. April Avatar

    This is so sweet!!

    1. justrojie Avatar

      Thank you!!

  6. Michael Williams Avatar

    im oppa status now lol Mike

    1. justrojie Avatar

      Hah! Oppa Mike it is

        1. justrojie Avatar

          Lololol

  7. Violet Lentz Avatar

    I am one of the younger ones in one of my circles, and I enjoy that. Until we start talking about something that exposes my skewed moral compass! hehehe

    1. justrojie Avatar

      😆 there are lots of benefits for being the younger one!

  8. Info-Man Avatar

    In my crew , I am the middle one . Even in my family I am a middle child 😑 . I hate that being the middle child btw 😔. 🤣.

    1. justrojie Avatar

      What’s it like being the middle child??

        1. justrojie Avatar

          Oh snap…

  9. ibarynt Avatar

    Our cultures are quite similar. We too are taught to respect our elders, whatever it is they’re still elders and we give them due respect . It is a different matter that the young today refuse to imbibe that, such a shame.
    Imagine what one can learn from an 83 year old, they’ve truly walked through life.

    1. justrojie Avatar

      That’s what I’m sayin!!! They hold so much knowledge

  10. Drew Cremeans Avatar

    It is wonderful you take the time to be a mentor. I want to be a mentor someday.

    1. justrojie Avatar

      I hope you get that opportunity some day!!

  11. Matt Avatar

    Youngest my brother is 5 yrs older

    1. justrojie Avatar

      It’s funny cause my brother is three years younger than me and he acts like he’s older

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