In South Korea, there is immense societal pressure to conform to the community and societal expectations placed on the individual. This is evident in the theorization of what influences both Korean men and women to want to strive to achieve a strict beauty standard.
South Korea is known to be one of the countries with the most extreme beauty standards. Women there would often compete with one another to see who has the biggest eyes, smallest face, or palest skin.
In South Korea, being 'presentable' does not simply consist of proper attire; physical appearance is considered a sign of respect and diligence that each individual seeks to project from their persona.
Korean Beauty Standards: A Deep Dive into Cultural Ideals. South Korean pop stars like Kim Ji-soo (Blackpink), Irene (Red Velvet), Jin (BTS), and actresses such as Kim Tae-hee, Shin Min-ah, and Jun Ji-Hyun are among the most admired celebrities in Korea and beyond.
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!
Based on the National Health Interview Surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer Korean Americans report chronic health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, asthma, cancer and diabetes than Non-Hispanic Whites (3).
America has a culturally accepted norm of what makes someone beautiful. A standard that is hard to meet. Being light-skinned, blonde and blue-eyed is the benchmark of beauty, of what is most desirable.
The South Korean beauty standard
In a survey, South Korean women were asked about their preferred height range, and their answers fell between 165 to 175 centimeters. Women not only have a preferred height for themselves but also for their future spouses.
Kim Tae-hee: Often referred to as one of the most beautiful women in Korea, Kim Tae-hee's Korean nose is frequently highlighted by surgeons for its perfect proportions. Her nose is defined yet subtle, with a slight curve that adds softness to her face. It's a classic example of the “natural but refined” look.
Historically, having fair skin was an indicator of higher social status, as individuals engaged in manual labor often had darker complexions from sun exposure. The elite, meanwhile, enjoyed a sheltered indoor life due to their wealth, which translated into fairer skin.
From a very young age, Koreans learn from their mothers and grandmothers to care about their skin with the main rule that self-care should be enjoyable. There is a term called “skin-entertainment,” which involves skincare while doing other activities such as drinking tea or listening to music!
Genetics determine how tall we can potentially get during puberty, but throughout most of human history, that growth was stunted. In the past 100 years, though, the average human has had significantly better nutrition and health. In turn, we got taller. South Korea is a unique example.
Beauty is often seen as a means for socioeconomic success in the rapidly modernized post-war economy of South Korea, which has seen a sluggish job growth rate after its economic boom.
Diet plays a large role in keeping skin beautiful and fresh. Japan, China and other countries located in Asia have a rich diet of vitamins (specifically A and C, which benefit skin elasticity) and minerals including antioxidants from fruits and green tea. The Asian diet is very low in saturated and total fat.
The mean weight of boys was 3.3 kg at birth, 10.3 kg at 12 months, and 70.9 kg at 20 years. The mean weight of girls was 3.2 kg at birth, 9.8 kg at 12 months, and 55.1 kg at 20 years.
In the United States, conventionally attractive features include clear skin, a symmetrical face, and a fit body, among others. You might be conventionally attractive if you get lots of attention because of your physical features, or if you get special treatment because of your looks.
Unrealistic beauty standards refer to the societal expectations and ideals placed on individuals regarding their physical appearance. These standards often prioritize a narrow definition of beauty, which can be unattainable or unrealistic for many people.
Japanese beauty standards are firmly grounded in the principles of simplicity and a natural appearance. Traditionally, pale skin, dark hair, and refined features have been esteemed, with an emphasis on enhancing natural beauty rather than concealing it with excessive makeup or drastic changes.
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.
Where are the most popular countries internationally? The top countries to which Koreans traveled to in 2022 were: USA with around 800.9 thousand visitors from South Korea. Vietnam with 567.7 thousand visitors.
The short answer is, it depends. If you're using calorie-dense ingredients like cheese, fatty meat, or fried items, then you will be reducing the health benefits of your kimbap or sushi. (Remember, everything in moderation!) Kimbap and sushi can be healthy, but it really depends on the types of fillings you use.