The Korean Beauty Standards and the Pressure to Conform
Korean beauty standards have gained worldwide attention in recent years, with the rise of K-pop and Korean skincare and makeup products. The Korean beauty industry has been successful in promoting the image of flawless and fair skin, small facial features, and a slim body. While many people may see these beauty standards as just another trend, they have a significant impact on the lives of Koreans, particularly women, who face pressure to conform to these unrealistic ideals.
Understanding the Origins of Korean Beauty Standards
Korean beauty standards have a long history, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, where fair skin was associated with the aristocracy’s wealth and power. Skin whitening remedies were developed by the wealthy to beautify their skin and set them apart from the working-class population. Later, during Japanese colonial rule, Western beauty standards were introduced to Korea, such as having a small V-shaped face, long straight hair, and double eyelids. These features were seen as more desirable and attractive, with Western beauty elements being depicted in films, magazines, and advertising.
The Pressure to Conform to Korean Beauty Standards
The Korean beauty industry’s success has created a societal pressure to conform to these beauty standards, particularly among women. Many Korean women invest in various skincare and makeup products and undergo cosmetic surgery to fit the ideal image. The pressure to look this way is not only from peers but from family members and employers, as appearance can negatively affect job opportunities and marriage prospects.
The social media age has amplified this pressure, with perfect Instagram filters and the use of self-nominated ‘influencers’. In Korea, some companies opt to hire work applicants based on their appearance, the mode of dress, and some assumed beauty standards.
Breaking Down the Negative Impact of Beauty Standards
Women who do not fit the Korean beauty standards face criticism and discrimination in society, while those who conform but do not meet standards continue to face insecurities and body dysmorphia. This has led to a rise in mental health issues among young girls and women in Korea, with plastic surgery and dieting becoming common practices.
The pressure to fit beauty standards can take a toll on individual’s self-esteem, body image and their overall health. Korean beauty standards create an unrealistic and unattainable image of beauty that is nearly impossible to achieve without the help of cosmetic surgery or intensive skincare regime. It’s essential to recognize that beauty cannot be determined by rigid beauty standards alone.
The Solution: Dismantling Beauty Norms that Don’t Work
It’s time to break the cycle and explore the root problems of beauty standards. Rather than striving for perfection based on a narrow standard of beauty, we should embrace diversity and celebrate individuality. The media should also play their part and promote images with various shapes, sizes, and skin tones to create a more inclusive society.
In conclusion, Korean beauty standards have been around for centuries, but it’s time to move on from a shallow standard. Rather than pressurizing individuals to conform to these beauty standards, we need to embrace individuality and diversity to create a more inclusive and accepting society. It’s time that we start celebrating people’s uniqueness rather than judging their external appearance.
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