 |
| A 'baby face' Korean celebrity |
In South Korea, being told you "look younger than your age" is more than just a casual compliment—it reflects deep-seated social norms and beauty standards. Age plays a significant role in Korean society, influencing how people interact and even how they perceive self-worth.
📍 Age & Social Interaction in Korea
In Korean culture, asking about age is a common first question in conversations. This is because age determines the appropriate level of respect and form of address. When someone reveals their age, it’s almost automatic for the listener to comment on their appearance, especially if they look younger than expected. This practice extends beyond middle-aged individuals—even younger Koreans engage in this social custom.
Unlike in Western cultures, where discussions about age might be considered impolite, South Koreans openly acknowledge, discuss, and even compare their age and looks. This has led to the rise of detailed beauty expectations surrounding youthfulness.
💄 The Obsession with Staying Young
Looking young isn’t just a personal preference in Korea—it’s often seen as a social advantage. Those who maintain a youthful appearance are admired, while anti-aging content dominates social media and entertainment platforms.
For example, actress Choi Hwa-jung, 63, gained viral attention after sharing anti-aging secrets on YouTube, with her videos surpassing 1.1 million views. She covers topics ranging from hair loss prevention to achieving flawless skin, fueling a growing audience obsessed with age-defying beauty tips.
This phenomenon has driven the rise of the "dongan" (baby face) trend, where skincare routines, makeup techniques, and even aesthetic procedures are marketed as essential for staying young. South Korea’s cosmetic clinics and beauty brands have capitalized on this by launching aggressive advertising campaigns promoting age-reversal treatments.
One example is Song Su-jung, 40, who admitted that watching these beauty videos made her consider getting a facelift. She feels pressured knowing that her friends have already undergone various anti-aging procedures, making her question if she’s falling behind.
💬 Aging in Korea: Social Pressures & Mental Health
In a society where youth is glorified, aging is often treated as something to resist rather than embrace. However, experts emphasize that it’s important to develop a healthy mindset about aging.
Kim Hyun, a clinical psychologist and professor at Columbia University, advises people to observe their aging process without judgment.
"When you notice wrinkles, instead of thinking you’re losing attractiveness, simply acknowledge them without assigning them a negative or positive value," she explains.
Kim emphasizes that aging is a universal experience, and accepting it can reduce feelings of self-doubt and isolation.
Similarly, Lee Seon-kyung, a psychologist and CEO of With Insight, encourages people to change their perspective on aging.
"Self-criticism only creates more anxiety," she says. Instead of resenting signs of aging, individuals should appreciate their bodies for carrying them through life’s challenges. She also suggests that open conversations with loved ones about aging can ease anxiety and create a stronger sense of security and happiness.
Reference: Korea herald, korea joongang daily
🔍 SEO Keywords:
Korean beauty standards, South Korea anti-aging culture, dongan baby face trend, youth obsession in Korea, Korean skincare for youthful skin, Korean anti-aging secrets, aesthetic clinics in Korea, staying young in Korea, Korean beauty trends, aging and self-acceptance.