The Lens of Korean Society: Weight Standards
170cm (5'7"feet) with the weight of 50–52kg (110–115lbs). 170cm (5'7"feet) with the weight of55–68kg (121–150lbs). What is the difference between these two statements? In an 2019 interview with Asian Boss, the first statement was the most commonly given answer from Korean women passerby (all of differing ages) answering the question: “Can you describe the ideal weight for Korean girls?”. In comparison to an older interview dating back from 2017, the same question was posed, answers again revolving around the golden number 50kg (110lbs). Even within the span of a few years, not much has changed in the eyes of Korean society regarding weight for young women. According to HealthifyMe, the second statement was recorded as last years healthy weight for a women measuring 5'7" feet. This 11pound drastic difference in the public mindset (keep in mind 50kg is the IDEAL weight, to be considered skinny would be in the realm of early 40lbs) only scratches the surface of the spiraling rabbit hole concerning the weight and eating disorder problem in Korea. This alarming mindset of always dieting and reaching for a slimmer underweight figure surrounds countless social environments.
In Korea, numerous people can list social experiences (including myself as a Korean Canadian) off the top of their head from receiving greetings such as “You look like you’ve lost weight!” or “Did you gain a few pounds since I last saw you?”. Throwing around these off-putting words are to be frank, normalized, and many people have accepted this blissful ignorance from older generations. Acknowledging that this is the norm from those who fail to educate themselves on social conduct and boundaries allows it to be carried on. Luckily, in recent years teens and pre adults are becoming more aware, informing themselves of the depreciating effects these insensitive comments can have on others mentally.
Large businesses in Asia are also widely known for having smaller clothing sizes available, than say those in the U.S. example being, the most produced clothing size in Korea is a S and fails to go larger than an international size S (“66”) . Although Korean people are built with naturally smaller frames, nevertheless the constructed sizing provides limitations for anyone larger than a international size small. Imagine walking into a store with a intention to dress to impress and being turned away from the lack of produced clothing in your size.
With any other country, social media will always be in play when it comes to shaping perceptions of those around you and yourself. Promotions of weight loss miracle products can be targeted towards anyone’s search histories, always seemingly too good to be true (nine times out of ten is is). The Apple and Banana diet are advertised, consisting of eating one apple or banana a day for a whole week-your diet only being this sole fruit. Influencers online with huge followings give recommendations on how themselves coped with their experiences or creating challenges to reach target weights (be sure to receive information from credible health sources as some of these so called “challenges “are disguised to be seen in an attractive light). Target weights are usually those of A list celebrities (K-pop idols, models, actors, etc.) and many keep updated profiles on their weight, height, and diet online for the public making it oh so easy to readily follow. What most of the public may fail to realize is the editing, strict diets, angles, time, and sacrificed mental/physical health that comes with leading these glamorous lifestyles. Nonetheless, the plastic surgery market in Korea is astronomically wide, advertised globally to the point where a common graduation gift for Korean high school students is plastic surgery for example, a congratulations for transitioning to new chapters in life or receiving your highly coveted dream job.
Reading this has hopefully given you some insight on a few of Korea’s weight expectations on society. Every country has their pros and cons but the focus is to look through the filters and not get swept away. Improvements are always occurring in this day and age and I truly believe it will get better. Keep in mind if everyone in the world lead the same lives with identical diet and exercise regimens, we would all still never look the same (genetics do admittedly play a part). Remember there is no need to adhere to social standards to be seen as skinny/beautiful as we all live within our separate bodies. Being content and having healthy relationships in all aspects of life is what you should aim for instead of numbers on a scale.
On a contrary note
“ They say that we should love ourselves first, before other people learn to love us, but it’s not as easy as it seems. Sometimes, we need someone to accept us and love us first, then we would learn to see ourselves through that person’s eyes and learn to love ourself. “-Yuki Sohma (Fruits Basket)
Sources: found at original publication (below).
Originally published at https://hannakoh05.medium.com on January 18, 2021.
