This thesis examines women's beauty ideals in South Korea. The beauty standards present in South Korea have been heavily influenced by media, including K-pop, and Western cultural imperialism, resulting in a specific standard of beauty that women strive to achieve. The media, including advertisements and television programmes, promotes a narrow definition of beauty, emphasising fair skin, a slender figure, large eyes with double eyelids and a V-shaped jawline. K-pop with its popularity further amplifies these ideals, since K-pop idols, who set unrealistic beauty standards, are role models for many young women. Additionally, Western cultural imperialism, which equates the physical features and features of the Caucasian race with attractiveness and success, also plays an important role in shaping beauty ideals in South Korea. Many women in South Korea feel compelled to conform to these beauty standards. To achieve the desired look, they undergo cosmetic surgery and follow strict diet regimes. However, this pursuit of an idealized appearance has negative repercussions. Beauty standards create the problem of lookism, as individuals are judged and treated based on their physical appearance. Those who do not fit the beauty standard face discrimination and social exclusion. The pressure to conform leads to low self-esteem, body image issues, and mental health problems.
|
