KPOP surgery is a slang term that is used to define a series of plastic surgeries that are becoming increasingly popular among Korean women. It is thought that the introduction of what is called ‘K-pop’, or a Korean musical movement that is home to a variety of beautiful teen idols, has led to a surge in these surgeries.
About the Music
The K-pop movement began back in the 1990s, and continues to dominate the music scene in Korea today. Women especially are fans of the boy bands and bubblegum pop scene that is dominated by music videos featuring beautiful Korean stars. This is the first time in the history of the country that such media has been so widespread, and as a result, teens and young adults are able to view the “beauty” that these stars can bring to the television screens, magazine pages and more. KPOP surgery has a certain stigma about it, as many people believe that these young women are having expensive cosmetic surgeries in order to look like their favorite performers.
Double Eyelid Surgery
In discussing the actual surgical procedures, there are many things that these young women want to have done. Perhaps the most common plastic surgery among all Korean women is the creation of the “double eyelid”. This surgery is done in order to create a wider, bigger eye and reduce the “slant” that is such a prominent characteristic. Surprisingly, according to sources such as Soompi.com, this surgery is even becoming popular with male Korean stars, who are coming forward now more than ever to confirm that they have had the procedure.
Rhinoplasty and V-Line Surgery
While the double eyelid surgery is undoubtedly the most common cosmetic procedure in Korea, there are others running a close second and third. Another type of surgery that is popular in Korea, especially among women, is known as the V-line procedure. It is much more intensive than the double eyelid surgery because doctors must effectively break the jaw and realign the face in order to create a more rounded, oval appearance. Men and women alike often opt to have rhinoplasty, or a surgery in which the Asian nose, which is known to be small and flat, is increased in volume in order to appear more prominent.
Why the Stigma?
When reading articles coming out of Korea concerning the celebrities who have had such surgeries, terms such as “accused of having surgery” or “admits to having the surgery” are commonplace, almost as if these stars are being frowned upon for changing the way they look. Of course, there are those who feel that the K-pop generation is only having the surgeries because they are considered trendy, and this may be the case with some people. However, like any other plastic surgery anywhere else in the world, these procedures are meant to help the patient feel better about himself or herself – not to look like someone else or to satisfy someone else’s image of him or her.
Although KPOP surgery is on the increase, the exact reason behind this is unknown. While it may be that Korean men and women are interested in a different look to please themselves, it is still believed by some that celebrities may be pursuing these procedures in order to appeal to their fans.
Image Source: Flickr/CreativeCommons/Kaybee07
