The Reality of Korean Plastic Surgery Explained By Expert

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[Drstrange]

I'm not judging the people individually. I am judging the hyper-competitive and lookism culture that makes people feel like they need plastic surgery.

[Marshmallox]

not too sure that on the topic of the "reality" of korean plastic surgeries a person who makes money through tourists wanting plastic surgeries is a good objective choice.

[NovaLyceum]

70% of women in their 20's? Goodness me. IMO this is just perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. Cosmetic, fashion and other industries that use models should have to use warnings in ads. For years now Dove has given back a portion of sales to self esteem projects. Again, IMO, those who have cosmetic procedures are very judgemental of other's appearance

[Steampunkkids]

I disagree. Commenting on people’s physical appearance is also done in Filipino culture. When my in-laws comment, they aren’t saying “oh you are so cute like a little pig.” NO! They are literally calling me a fat pig. True malice is meant in their statements to me. Waving it off as if it is just a cultural issue is not ok. It is never ok to constantly harp on someone’s physical appearance. If people kept harping on Tony about his broken nose, I doubt he’d think that was cute or loving. It’s like calling a little girl gordita in Spanish. I get that the person saying it might mean well and use it as a term of endearment. But, the little girl doesn’t feel good about herself being called a little pig.

[myshirayne]

It's literally an epidemic. This doesn't address that at all. The fact that practically an entire nation hates their natural appearance to this degree is horrendous. Spooky to see 🥶 the dismissal of pure reality.

[averylfong]

I'll give some context to why Asians tend to comment on other people's appearance, and point things out about others that differs a little from this man's, as an Asian person raised and living in Asia.

It's motivated not just from a place of concern (it is, but it's layered), it comes from a place of concern that you are "sticking out", or something is "abnormal".
To paint in very broad strokes, Asian societies put community over self, which sounds nice and altruistic when you put it that way, but there is a flip side/second layer to it.

Ever heard of the Japanese proverb "the nail that sticks out must be hammered down"? If you are "out of place" in society, you should strive to "return to the fold" to "make things easier for others", to "become a part of the majority". No matter what. Because you being "out of place" is a problem, you are the inconvenience, the reason society is not cohesive.

Sometimes being a part of something bigger is a great thing, sometimes it just tanks your self-worth because it's now tied to what others perceive you to be.

When people say you "look tired", it's because, of course, "looking tired" is not a "good thing". The "ideal way to be" is to NOT be tired, but well-rested, right?
So the observation comes with an implication, a suggestion: fix this about yourself.

Yes, it comes from "concern" for you, but instead of asking "are you doing alright?" and waiting/seeing how the person responds, STATING "you look tired" implies that it's enough of a problem that the person should be concerned, as they look out of place/less than ideal.

That's why the insecurity in Asia exists to SEEM not tired, even if you are. You have a duty (it feels like) to keep up appearances and LOOK well-rested.

Sure, some people just rest to "fix it". And sometimes you are praised for being "pale, tall, having a small head, etc" (fitting standards = good), but sometimes you get called "looking a little dark", or "fat pig".

Aunties have told me before: "you've lost weight! now just a little bit more until you're just right", because that's when you hit society's mark, in their eyes.

And what does capitalism and the beauty industry do when these visible "issues" exist?
Prey on that insecurity. Here's filler for your eye bags. Here's makeup. Here's liposuction and double eyelids and a nose job, too. Here's all these methods to fix these observed problems because society is telling you that you are less than ideal/you stick out, and you don't want to hear that you are a visible problem any more, and you want people to like you automatically because you fit the beauty standard.

"Taking care of yourself" here is sometimes taken to an extreme, because it reflects on you as a PERSON. Looking unkempt is being the nail that's out of place.

So the motivation in Asia for all of these "corrective" cosmetic surgeries comes from, predominantly, the feeling of being out of place and wanting to fit the "best, ideal state" better.

In Asia, society is the best when it looks the best and everyone is doing their part, is the message. Fitting those ideals means you are a good person, regardless of how YOU actually feel.

[kennethshih]

He’s not wrong it is a person’s right to change themselves. But comparing to going to the gym or using makeup versus plastic surgery seems a bit apples and oranges. Plus it’s a bit of a shame a ‘sizable portion’ of an entire nation doesn’t see the beauty in their natural appearance and feel the need to medically enhance themselves. It’s their right but just a bit sad to hear. Love yourself for who you are!

[mariners_platter]

being the 'mecca' of plastic surgery - is that something to be proud of? maybe financially it is, but in terms of self-esteem and self-image, it says a lot about how Koreans feel about themselves. Despite the high number of surgeries to make themselves prettier, Koreans still rank very low in the Happiness Reports.

[cocobolo_chris]

I think Korea should worry about more important issues than looks...

[somerandomfella]

People need to be more happy with what they have.

[Sakurakyo]

All his arguments feel so twisted and full of "excuses."
"It's cultural " or comparing sports activities to avoid diabetes to nose surgery???
He is clearly aware of how he promotes beauty surgery cause it's his revenue.
I don't care if you wanna do surgery, but be real about the reasons.

[Jack-vyhb]

As a UK citezen in Korea, there are definitely points I agree with here. Weight is a big thing, the UK is a very overweight country with fat acceptance. Korea is judgmental of weight, not only from a physical perspective, but also health, so you won't find many obese Koreans on the streets

[divyapalani]

If everyone had plastic surgery to meet the same standards of beauty, they would all look like dolls. Beauty has lost its quality of being distinctive.

He’s been in S Korea for 18 years… He hasn’t aged at all! 😃🤣🤣

[jankxyard]

If Korea has problem with their own self-image, then isn't a plastic surgery rather a very expensive patch compared to treating the root of the problem?

[aL_]

The plastic surgery tourism sales man doesn't think these is anything wrong with plastic surgery?! I'm shocked, _shocked_ I say.
This is basically an ad for his business, he's hardly an independent expert. Did they pay you for this? (Given the affiliate links as well) very disappointing

[michellesp]

Resumes also include photos for job hunting in S Korea. Appearance matters in that competitive society. Your appearance can help you stand out. Also there is more pressure for women to look more out together with skin, hair, clothes compared to men. However both men and women are expected to look their best - hence the trendy clothes. These are the specific standards in S Korea

[tnductai]

anything natural and organic will always be better and its beauty will last much longer

[tortugas-]

I don’t know, Doc. Something seems fishy to me🧐Egocentrism is indeed a part of culture, but it causes dissociation. It’s an unhealthy coping mechanism. But I liked and agreed with what you said about South Korean history and why they are the way they are.

[arminbolt]

Kpop destroyed the beauty perception of alot of Asian Countries