South Korean Drama Series and the Beauty Obsession Essay Example
South Korean Drama Series and the Beauty Obsession Essay Example

South Korean Drama Series and the Beauty Obsession Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (411 words)
  • Published: January 26, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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The pervasive influence of social media has led many people to feel dissatisfied with their appearance and seek drastic changes at any cost. Society's implicit message is that one must conform to certain ideals of beauty or risk failure in both career and love. South Korean dramas, while depicting daily life, also shape the audience's mindset and propagate an idealistic worldview.

In contemporary times, Korean society has been recognized as one of the most competitive, image-conscious, and beauty-driven societies. Stories of Korean teenagers resorting to extreme measures such as DID v-line face surgery and 2013 Korean beauty contestants looking almost identical after extensive plastic surgeries are not unheard of. One may wonder if such actions are insane.

A Korean girl shared that she only began receiving job interview calls after getting pla

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stic surgery, highlighting how people succumb to social pressure and make risky decisions in the pursuit of physical perfection. The notion that appearance is the basis for happiness and success is reinforced by social media and deeply ingrained in society.In order to acquire a desired position and be accepted by others, individuals often resort to surgery, as commonly seen among Korean celebrities. The popularity of South Korean culture, specifically in the form of dramas, has led to a rise in plastic surgery requests from visitors seeking a resemblance to their beloved idols. This has transformed the once underdeveloped Kananga district of Seoul into a flourishing medical tourism destination. These clinics function like factories that modify the physical appearances of patients, leading to a star-like transformation similar to those on TV. While South Korean dramas tend to portray an obsession with

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westernized looks, American dramas embrace imperfections and diversity. Despite this difference, black and Asian American characters in American dramas are still respected for their hard work and remarkable achievements. For instance, Korean-Canadian actress Sandra Oh won hearts with her portrayal of Dr. Yang in the TV show "Grey's Anatomy".Despite not being conventionally beautiful due to her typical Asian appearance, she exudes confidence and has become a symbol of hard-working, aspiring, tough, and intelligent Asian Americans. A good drama series, in my opinion, should inspire and encourage people, helping them love themselves and the real world without imposing unrealistic expectations or strict standards. Therefore, I believe South Korean drama directors should cease giving absolute definitions of beauty and break the vicious cycle. Instead, they should allow fresh air in and empower people to embrace their true selves.

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