2. What is the beauty standard weight for a female in Korea? The beauty standard weight for a female in Korea typically favors a slim and lean figure. There isn't a specific number, but a BMI in the lower range of the healthy spectrum is often considered ideal.
In Korea, a person with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 is considered obese, and a person with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 is classified as severely obese. Central obesity is defined as a waist circumference ≥90 cm for Korean men and ≥85 cm for Korean women.
The base unit of Korean weight is the gwan. At the time of Korea's metrification, however, the Geun was in more common use.
In 2023, women in South Korea between the ages of 19 and 24 years had an average BMI of 21.3, while those in their late twenties had a slightly lower average BMI. Both groups experienced sudden jumps in 2020 with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, the average male middle school student in South Korea weighed 65.4 kilograms, while the average female student weight 54.8 kilograms.
In Korea, up to 40% of the population is obese, defining obesity as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2, and obesity and abdominal obesity prevalence has increased dramatically over decades.
Cultural Roots of Korean Beauty Standards
Clear, pale skin, a V-shaped face with a pointed chin, double eyelids, big, bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and small, delicate features are often seen as beautiful in modern Korea. These standards are a unique mix of traditional Asian styles and Western influences.
Do you have pale glass skin, be tall, weigh under 50 kg, have big doe eyes, have plump lips and a small nose, have a small face, have flawless and shiny dark hair, have slim legs, and a flat tummy? If you checked all these items, congratulations, you fit Korean beauty standards!
South Korea has 2 associated plug types: type C and type F.
South Korea classifies BMI figures of 25 to 29 as first-level obesity, 30 to 34 as second-level obesity, and 35 and above as third-level. But by the international standard, the first-level obesity category in Korea is considered “overweight”, not “obese”.
Shopping can be a struggle, but don't be discouraged.
Here in South Korea, you rarely find anything bigger than a UK size 12 (or US size 10) in your typical clothing store.
On average, a fully-grown female Kpop idol will weigh somewhere in the mid-40 kilograms (somewhere around the high-90 pounds). An adult male idol will weigh somewhere in the low-60s (somewhere around 130 pounds).
For women, you must be below 50kg. Nowadays people now use this calculation: height in cm - 115 = good weight (in kg). Dancers and those on the slim side of modelling must have weights (in kg) that are their height's in cm - 120. This applies to both women and men (though the 120 rule does not apply so much).
Based on the various K-pop idol groups, a female K-pop idol's average height is 1.64m to 1.66m (5'5") and the average weight is 43kg to 47kg (95lbs to 105lbs). Meanwhile, a male K-pop idol average height is 1.76m to 1.81m (5'9" to 5'11") and weight is 61kg to 68kg (144lbs to 151lbs).
Rapid increases in life expectancy in South Korea were mostly achieved by reductions in infant mortality and in diseases related to infections and blood pressure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most 13-year-old females weigh around 76 to 158 pounds (lb), and most 13-year-old males weigh between 75 and 158 lb , but this can vary widely. The CDC has set guidelines for healthy weight and body mass index (BMI) in children.