Korea's obsession with celebrities' bodies
These days, the new standard of beauty is “bone-thin” — so skinny that one’s bones are visible. It is the latest version of the old ideals of a size 44 figure and an “ant waist.” Being moderately slim is no longer enough; apparently, you have to be extremely thin before people will acknowledge that you have really put in the effort. And the judging of other people’s bodies does not end there.…
In contemporary South Korea, the benchmark for beauty has shifted dramatically, with "bone-thin" models now considered the ideal physique. This new standard is a stark departure from previous ideals, such as a size 44 figure and the infamous "ant waist." The pressure to conform to this extreme standard has reached alarming levels, with individuals now expected to maintain an almost skeletal appearance to be deemed "successful" in terms of their physical appearance.
The obsession with celebrities' bodies has reached new heights, with even minor deviations from the accepted standard sparking controversy. When global pop star Ariana Grande stepped away from her activities due to the relentless scrutiny over her thin body, the public's reaction was nothing short of judgmental. Describing herself as "a specimen on a glass dish in a laboratory," Grande pleaded with her fans and the media to stop commenting on others' bodies, emphasizing that what is considered healthy can vary greatly from person to person.
Despite her well-intentioned plea, the public's fixation on celebrities' bodies shows no signs of abating. In fact, Grande's recent music video for her new song "Petal" serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing issue. The video, which features Grande's ultra-thin figure, only amplifies the scrutiny she faces, further highlighting the absurdity of this new beauty standard.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Korea's obsession with celebrities' bodies koreatimes.co.kr
