Does K-culture set unrealistic beauty standards?

When considering beauty, many Bangladeshis tend to focus on essential skincare products like moisturisers, face washes, and sunscreen to keep their skin healthy.

However, in a specific Asian country, beauty has always played a central role in shaping not only personal lives but also career paths. The country is none other than South Korea. 

The K-pop fascination

Many Bangladeshis find themselves drawn into the captivating world of K-pop, often influenced by their peers and the mesmerising music of BTS. K-pop singers are distinguished from other pop musicians by their distinct style, out-of-the-box lyrical concepts, synchronised singing and dancing, engaging and catchy tunes, attractive performers, and colourful music videos, all of which are appealing to the younger generation.

As K-pop artists captivate the younger generation with their music, many Bangladeshi youth find inspiration in these artists to take care of their skin and stay fit.  

The K-drama hype

K-dramas have also gained immense popularity in Bangladesh. From romantic dramas like Crash Landing on You to thought-provoking films like Parasite, Korean dramas and movies have become a beloved genre among many Bangladeshi youth.  

Korean actors are admired for their flawless, good-looking skin, and many Bangladeshis see them as the epitome of beauty. The glass-skin look of most Korean actresses and actors has had a significant impact on youths. 

Being inspired through K- dramas, many Bangladeshis have embraced the 10-step skincare routine, drawing inspiration from the popular practice followed by Koreans. This skincare routine is not only long but also quite costly. Amidst this surge of Korean fever, numerous businesses seized the opportunity to showcase the most coveted Korean products on the internet. 

The 10-step glass skincare routine: essential or toxicity?

 It has to be acknowledged that Korean beauty products are truly exceptional. However, one must ponder whether the 10-step skincare process is truly essential for achieving healthy-looking skin or if a more streamlined routine will suffice. 

Beauty is an essential part of Korean culture. They view beauty as a potential advantage in securing a desirable job opportunity. It's no secret that a significant number of Korean youths opt for plastic surgery after completing their studies. Although it may seem toxic, the impact of this thing is more detrimental than it initially appears.

As the phenomenon continues to sweep across the globe, numerous teenagers are beginning to question their appearance due to the unrealistic beauty standards portrayed in Korean Dramas and Korean pop culture. This ultimately leads them to believe that incorporating K beauty products and following a 10-step skincare routine is essential to adhere to the beauty standards influenced by K-dramas. 

K dramas have a profound impact not only on the skincare routines but also on the dietary choices of their viewers. The actresses in K-dramas often appear on screen with unbelievably lean figures, making it a standard that many teens aspire to achieve. Besides, many individuals have developed a strong affinity for various Korean dishes, such as Ramen, which has now become a popular snack choice among many Bangladeshis.  

With Korean trends making waves in the global beauty landscape, it has provided opportunities to delve into a new language and immerse oneself in a different culture. However, it has also given rise to certain negative aspects that affect not only industry insiders but also many youths worldwide.

When it comes to evaluating whether Korean products and K drama standards are a must-have for a healthy lifestyle, the answer is unequivocally clear: it is not. For healthy skin or to stay fit, it is essential to stick to the essentials instead of overwhelming oneself. It is important to remember that true confidence comes from embracing and accepting our natural beauty.  

adibaisfara@iut-dhaka.edu