How Do Korean Beauty Standards Affect You?

Interviewees

My Socials

[betamax]

That Laos girl was spot on. When we were in Korea, we were constantly amazed at how "dressed up" the men and women were. We enjoyed this aspect of our trip because it was so different than being in the US. But yea... those were some good looking people we saw, and we respected that they took the time to dress themselves so well. Of course, there are going to be negatives when such expectations exist in society, but since I'm not a Korean citizen nor do I live there, I enjoyed being able to experience this part of Korean culture.

[jul]

I'm korean, however, I grew up in the United States most of my life. The effect of living in the U.S. instead of Korea has definitely made me more accepting to different standards when it comes to beauty. Beauty shouldn't be cramped into this one specific circle, where only certain features are pretty and others are considered "not pretty". Even though I don't physically live in Korea, most of my life, I've been made by my mother to believe that pale skin, under 100IBS, not eating regularly, is normal. The glorification and normalization of not eating and extremely pale skin is outrageous. Yes, pale skin isn't bad, however, its harmful to say one skin tone is superior to the rest. Skin tone should never be a topic to bring up when it comes to Beauty Standards, it upsets me till this day that Koreans believe pale skin is more beautiful. As for the not eating regularly part, yeah, that is extremely normalized aswell. You should not skip any meals, you should adjust it. Entirely skipping meals will lead to more long-term problems. Eating is normal, you should never be ashamed for doing what is normal.

[GTbreezy]

I like what one of the girls said about striking that balance. Like a positive to pull from the beauty standards is to take care of your skin and body, to be a healthy person and not to let it drive you to insecurity or comparison.

[mushroomprincess]

I'm Korean but I've lived in Australia my whole life. Our family recently went to Korea for a holiday and we definitely stood out. Everyone was dressed so immaculately, not a hair out of place. And everyone potentially looks the same. Pale white flawless skin, double eyelids, skinny, etc. In my opinion, I feel that everyone is expected to look their best every day which (personally for me) would be both physically and mentally exhausting. I think America is on the other end of the spectrum though. They promote individualism to the point it can become toxic... So glad I can literally go to the shops barefoot and in my PJ's in Australia and no one will even bat an eye.

Edit: I don't know why this triggers people so much but to make you happy, my NATIONALITY is Australian but my BACKGROUND is Korean (my parents were both born in Korea to korean parents). Happy now? Calm down please, I'm sorry if some random person on the internet calling themself Korean (when that's their eThNiciTy not NaTiOnaLitY) is so offensive to you. No need to be so rude about it...

[stripedsweater]

I knew someone who developed an eating disorder living in Korea. But they are much more confident/healthy in their body now since leaving. I don’t like the disregard Korean society has for different body types, because not all Koreans are “skinny” or ”pale”. It would be interesting to do a video segment on fashion designers looking to reform fashion sizes in Korea.

[Armyblinklife]

The Laos girl said it so well. She is very beautiful though but sad knowing she and the others were negatively effected because as a US resident all of them fit the many different diverse beauty standards here

[user_mjj]

One of my best friends is Korean-American. She was born and raised in the US to Korean parents.
After college, she went to live in Korea. She cried almost daily, shunned for being fat and dark, like a total outcast!! (She is NOT fat or dark, btw.)
She stopped eating food, and became anorexic. She eventually left the country after trying to fit in for about 2 years.
She met and married a half White half Chinese American guy, who was also born and raised in the US, like her. (She is still dealing with the anorexia)

I'm pretty sure she NEVER wants to go back to Korea. It was incredibly sad watching her feel disgusted about herself, in a very deep way. I remember having tears in my eyes listening to her hate herself 😪

For Korean Americans, it can be deeply painful to not fit in, in Korea..

[estherk]

I'm sorry to burst everyone's bubble, and people who live in Seoul might portray some of what people in this video are saying, BUT if you go outside of Seoul, there are tons of people who don't get dressed up to go to a convenient store. Girls wear pajamas on the street and no make up... I'm Korean American, born in Korea but raised in NYC and came back to Korea to work in my adulthood. I still look like an outsider but totally comfortable in my skin and look. We don't have to conform to the Korean standard of beauty.

[jonathanchen]

after hearing the girl say they wear black and white tones. literally notice how many background people are only wearing black and white tones

[sisih]

I would love to hear the actual thoughts and opinions of Korean women living in Korea. It obviously affects them as well

[ezRicky]

You will definitely feel underdress in Korea, it feels like everyone is going to event or special occasion. A part of me like that they put effort for dressing up since I enjoy fashion, but It does pressure on you to stay on top of everything. Hopefully overtime things will become more accepting to some individuality.

[mirockle]

Amy was my student 7 years ago. She’s very talented and she knows what she’s talking about. Not to mention she’s beautiful inside out! And yes, the pajamas out of the house is a thing in Laos! 🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦

[abena]

Can you do a video asking men what they think about the beauty standards, specifically womens beauty standards in Korea?

[milsu]

As a Korean, I can relate to the people in this video. In fact, I don't follow trends, and despite having dark skin even though both my parents are 100% Korean, I embrace and love my skin and personal style. Many Koreans have complimented me, saying, "I love your style.'" or "You know how to style your appearance according to your own personality". Sometimes It feels like they're afraid to express their own unique style. I hope Koreans won't solely obsess over trends but instead enjoy expressing themselves through their own unique styles.

[codiXai]

Very interesting. I was in Korea 11 years ago and I did not examine any of these practices. Make-up was still big yes, but I didn't feel like everyone was really dressed up all the time. For example, I bought a neon green sleeveless shirt and a t-shirt with colorful threading while there. However, I currently have two male Korean classmates who dress in neutral colors and have a sharp professional look. It would be interesting to see how beauty standards have shifted and where they have been most prevalent over the years.

[myoungraepark]

여기 인터뷰한 여성들이 오히려 한국의 평범한 여성들 보다 더 많이 꾸몄네요.
인터뷰를 진행한 장소는 평범한 한국의 거리로 보이지 않습니다. 유흥가 주변에서 인터뷰한거 같은데 너무 편향적 시각이라 보면서 놀랐네요.
한국인들이 단정한 차림을 선호하는 것은 맞지만 인터뷰에서 말하는 것처럼 심각하지 않습니다. 나는 평소에 전혀 화장을 하지 않지만 저들이 얘기 하는 것 처럼 압박을 받은 경험이 없습니다.
인터뷰의 편집이 의도가 있는 것으로 보입니다

[AnimalRiddles]

A Korean told me that the beauty standard is for Koreans. Not everyone else. Simple!

[koolkoo]

I just love the way the girl from Laos talks! Super cute and damn good English skills

[ybgy]

4:42. Hell yeah. Korean population is largely homogeneous, and to add to that a homogeneous beauty standard is to create a society of clones basically without actually cloning people. I'm so used to diverse looks here in Canada (and the US, of course), and it behooves me to think that millions of people want to all look the same. I would want to stand out, not look like a person on a magazine cover.

[chillingteatalk]

한국에 대해 무조건적인 찬양보다 중립적이고 비판도 섞인 시선으로 편집한듯해서 즐겁게 봤어요! 응원할게요!