Cosmetic Surgery Popular Among Korean Men

Cosmetic surgery in Korea is redefining masculinity, in a way. In a way Korean women seem to like. Nowadays, the macho military construct of handsomeness in Korea is falling by the wayside with the growing trend toward the ‘kkonminam’ ideal. Kkonminam refers to the pop star idols and boy bands that became famous beginning in the mid 1990s. The word literally means “a man handsome like a flower.” Like the big eyed anime characters in Japan, called manga cartoons, manhwa in Korea idealizes the boy-hero.

While some people seem to think that Koreans are seeking cosmetic surgery to look more western, some scholars claim this is not so. Cosmetic surgery is sought by men and women alike all over the world. Usually, it is attributed to women, but in Korea both men and women seek larger eyes, and a more prominent nose. Gender roles are changing in Korea as much as in the Western world. It is hypothesized that Korean women now prefer a softer image in their men. The surgeries to achieve this look include double eyelid surgery and lift for a wider, brighter more awake and youthful look, and rhinoplasty. Men in Korea also augment this look with pectoral implants to create a smooth, muscular body along with the boyish facial features that are so popular. Some people believe that this ‘softer’ look is a response to what women want. As more women enter the ever competitive workforce in Korea, they have begun to prefer a man that may pay more attention to them, than to his colleagues at work. Ruth Holliday, the director of gender studies at Leeds University discovered that ” the emergence of the kkonminam men . . . offers men a new way to care for the self, their reworked bodies alluding to a new flexibility within relationships which acknowledges feminine desire.”

Interestingly, in Korea, about half of the population also subscribe to beliefs in the traditional form of divination called ‘physiognomy,’ which is based on facial features. It is believed that a person’s character and future can be determined by the facial feature, therefore the idea is to have the best face possible. This is known as the ‘right face’ in Korea. Physiognomy may be used in hiring as well. What are called ‘friendly features’ are preferred assuming all other qualifications are equal. In Korea a person must submit a photo with their job application! Often physiognomists consult together with the cosmetic surgeon to achieve ‘right face.’

It  is also considered that this ‘right face’ should reflect Korean ethnic features. Only those who can afford to go to the best clinics can be assured that their surgery will look natural. Naturalness and subtly that preserves Korean ethnic features have come to mean that one belongs to a higher socioeconomic class. Cosmetic surgery for men may mean affluence and success in many cultures, and in many cultures men have cosmetic surgery to stay competitive in the job market. Interesting, isn’t it?

Call Melinda to set up an appointment with me at 501-227-0707