While much of the world focuses on the beauty standards of Korea’s rich and famous, its K-Pop stars, actors, and influencers, we are left wondering how much of this actually applies to real life. Do regular Korean citizens face the same scrutiny around weight, fashion, surgery, and tattoos? I brought 4 Korean adults together to talk about these ideas and also to reveal some things about their own lives.

Today’s Guests

Sage https://www.instagram.com/twopercensage/

Jeoung https://www.instagram.com/jjong___s2/

Nuri https://www.instagram.com/nurichoii/

AJohn https://www.instagram.com/ft.ajohn/  / https://www.youtube.com/@ftajohn

Discussion Outline

0:00 Nail culture

7:40 Pretty Privilege in Korea

18:00 Showing Skin

24:45 Does K-Pop Affect People?

37:40 Fashion Turnoffs

42:05 What’s Hot?

46:25 Weight and Fitness

57:10 Men's Hair

1:03:05 Skin Color / Being White

1:08:35 Tattoos

1:16:28 Plastic Surgery

1:25:00 K-Beauty and Cosmetics

1:30:22 A Message about Beauty

1:36:20 Recommendations

 

David A. Tizzard has a PhD in Korean Studies and lectures at Seoul Women's University and Hanyang University. He writes a weekly column in the Korea Times, is a social-cultural commentator, and a musician who has lived in Korea for nearly two decades. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Music by Jocelyn Clark

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