K-BEAUTY

(By SAFWAN IQBAL)

Beauty is a subject to its gazer. But 'objective beauty' lies in an ideal symmetry and
proportion. And k-beauty, methinks, is also classified in this. In Korea, the major
concern of people is facial symmetry and proportion. They care too much about their
nose, skin and eyes; weight is also of prime importance.
Tracing back history, K-beauty's philosophy was founded during the Goryeo
dynasty and Joseon dynasty. Even before in around 6th century, there existed an
elite class of men called 'Hwarang',(Flowering knight), who are believed wear
makeup, selected on the basis of their beauty. But at times of war this class would
protect their land.

K-beauty has many aspects, but the most adorable one, to me, is that they
are not solely focused on women, but on men too; which is still considered a sinister
taboo in many well-developed countries. Korea is the biggest country to spend on
men's creaming products. Almost 3/4 of Korean men get a make-up treatment every
week.

A good-looking and handsome Korean man, who is concerned about his beauty, in
now-a-days, is called 'Kkonminam',(flower boy). These men have played a significant
role in the spread of 'Hallyu'(K-wave).
 In Korea, most people are concerned about their nose; so they either use a
nose filter or get surgery. Another note-worthy thing is that Korean men hate beards,
and focus on skin-glow. As we see, Korean creaming products have gained
immense popularity in the world, as due the contributions of the K-pop Idols and K-
dramas.
Korean women care too much about their skin-glow and lightweight. In an
attempt to maintain a lightweight, they hardly eat anything rather eat nothing.

In short, the modern Korea we are acquainted with has inherited its
beauty and ways of modifying it from it's ancestors. And, no doubt, things have
gotten better with time, and the advent of modern techniques. And the most
entrancing fact is that Korean men are as much concerned about their beauty as the
women are. And the realm of K-Beauty seems to expand with time to the extent of
unfathomable popularity and modifications.