The Dangers of Korean Beauty

@minisick

In an ever-growing beauty market, South Korea has proven itself to be one of the most dominant influencers in the industry. However, South Korean beauty standards have brought the ever prominent issue of toxic and potentially dangerous perceptions and pressures surrounding beauty and femininity even further into prevalence. Famous for its cosmetic surgery, Korea is one of the countries with the highest social standards in regard to beauty and attraction. The pressure is focused mainly on women and young girls to fit into the unrealistic social standards of beauty. Some of these standards include a small face, fair skin, small nose, big eyes, clear skin, and double eyelids. Many women feel ashamed of their natural features, leading to low self-esteem and obsession over body image due to nearly inhuman standards. In many cases, unhealthy diets or cosmetic surgery are an easy access to “fix” their problem; in reality, they are making it worse.

Cosmetic surgery has become a social norm in Korean society. The reality is that these standards are always subject to change, and often pressure people into permanently altering their bodies in ways that are at risk of falling out of the norm. Their infamous surgeries are available to everyone; including minors. Parents are able to give their kids coupons or free surgeries and, as a consequence, these underage children are expected to undergo surgery either for the company they work for or because of bullying, peer pressure, or low-self-esteem as a way to mask their vulnerability with a false sense of confidence.

Extreme dieting is another very common phenomenon rooted in toxic beauty standards. Many “diets” utilize extreme calorie deficits to the point of starvation under the pretense that it is the fastest and most effective way to lose weight. Some of these diets include one-to-three small meals that consist of protein and fruits or vegetables that amount to a maximum of 300-1000 calories a day while accompanied by intense workouts. The dangers of such a diet are numerous; effects can be as extreme as organ failure, anemia, and even death. When a body is not fueled with enough calories, it will begin breaking down its own tissue to sustain itself. Eventually, the body will shut down completely.

In recent years, a new wave of Korean standards has begun to blossom. With new ideals and beliefs that show that beauty is more about finding self-worth with yourself instead of others. Although this yet has to become the new norm, there is hope. The standards of beauty are becoming more optimistic and realistic even if there is still a huge market for plastic surgery and inhumane dieting.