Korean celebs who spoke against Korean beauty standards

Korean beauty standards have become widely known due to the popularity of Hallyu. Especially, with an array of its pop-culture namely, K-pop, Korean drama, movies, fashion, cuisine, etc. Alongside its popularity is the rise of Korean beauty standards. Although every country has a standard of beauty, Korea’s standard is our main focus for today. With such standard people might think that it’s part of Korean culture, well it is somewhat true.

But what does Korean beauty standard mean? Overall, it pushes for an innocent look: small face, big eyes, slim body, and pale skin to maintain a youthful glow. In contrast with Western standards, it aims to pursue a cute, feminine, and elegant look. Many Koreans follow this standard as it is considered good and acceptable. However, people are different in viewing what beauty means just like these K-pop idols who are vocal when it comes to beauty.

Korean celebs who spoke against Korean beauty standards

MAMAMOO’s Hwasa

Hwasa is popular not just because of her incredible talent but because of her being true to herself. But, it doesn’t sound so easy as she experiences humiliation. She is considered unacceptable by the people who criticized her for being fat. Known for her eye-catching outfits the “Maria” hitmaker doesn’t hesitate to flaunt and embrace her curves. In MAMAMOO’s concert, she shared her story of being rejected because she’s fat and not pretty. Hwasa, then, promised herself to achieve her dream of becoming a singer and set her own standard of beauty.

“If I don’t fit into this generation’s standard of beauty, then I will have to become a different standard.”

She encourages her fans to embrace their flaws and assures them that being yourself is spectacular. Indeed, Hwasa is an inspiration to all of us. Embracing her curves and tan skin leads us to the realization that being true to yourself is much more important than anything else.

BTS

The group always encourages their fans to embrace themselves and be confident. They encourage them to have a unique style and have diversity. As the band has to reach influence society through their music, they are proud to be themselves. BTS also advises their fans to not be affected by those people who make an ill statement about their appearance and well-being. The group is commonly vocal about beauty standards and their negative impact on society.

“No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin color, your gender identity; just speak yourself. Find your name and find your voice by speaking yourself.” – RM

JESSI

Korean rapper Jessi doesn’t hesitate to speak for herself. Known for not trying to fit in Korea’s beauty standard and always confident about her body and of course herself. She is open about her cosmetic procedures and her controversial breast implant. Jessi is a woman that radiates girl power! Despite the comments she received about her body and personality, Jessi doesn’t waste her time minding those haters. As she always feel confident of being herself.

AMBER LIU F(X)

Another idol that speaks against Korean beauty standards, Amber doesn’t hesitate to break the norm. Especially with her boyish appearance and tattoos in the world of K-pop. The society she belongs to finds it odd about gender and tattoos as it is often associated with gang activities. But, Amber doesn’t hesitate to accept herself and often found vocal about her thoughts on strict beauty standards.

“If I can give something to the next generation, I want to give a message of positivity, to believe in themselves, because I think the world has just a lot of unnecessary stresses to be a certain way, look a certain way, do certain things.”