Am I beautiful? Beauty standards in Australia vs Korea

Korea is a popular destination for beauty products, skincare and cosmetic surgery. The 10-step Korean skincare routine is known worldwide. What are K-beauty standards and how do they compare to Australian beauty standards?

A woman browsing products by South Korean skincare brand Innisfree. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) / Source: AFP / LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images

Korea is known as a world-leader for cosmetic and skincare products.

In this episode, Shona and Harry chat to influencer Kelly Yool to discuss the differences and similarities between Korean and Australian beauty standards, makeup and cosmetic surgery culture.

As a social media influencer, Kelly Yool has first hand experience with confronting Korean and Australian beauty standards. The difference in aesthetics between Korean and Australian beauty standards are subtle, but distinct. Korea is a popular location for cosmetic surgery, with ‘double eye-lid’ surgery being one of the most common procedures. Together Shona, Harry and Kelly discuss the impacts of Korean beauty standards and share their experiences with confronting them as Korean-Australians.

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Am I beautiful? Beauty standards in Australia vs Korea

SBS Audio

33:29English

Say Kimchi is a podcast about Korean culture but not as you know it. Hosts Shona Yang and Harry Jun offer a snapshot of Korean culture through a Korean-Australian lens.

Follow Say Kimchi in your podcast player or the SBS Audio app. Tag us on socials using #saykimchisbs, and get in touch by emailing [e-mail]

Hosted by Shona Yang (Kozziecom) and Harry Jun

Produced by SBS Audio: Max Gosford, Niko Plaskasovitis and Micky Grossman