thanks for sharing this important story
the government is not entirely wrong
Korea's cosmetic surgeons all seem to be working to one, westernised, standard of beauty - Koreans are notorious for being conformist trend followers
the weight thing is kind of a chicken-and-egg problem
are idols promoting unhealthy values, or just responding to unrealistic expectations that don't originate with them?
there is definitely pressure from fans for idols to lose wight - netizens berate girls with normal, healthy bodies for being fat
pale skin has traditionally been associated with the aristocracy, and a dark complexion or a tan is considered vulgar and low-class
there are plenty of other differences between Korean and Western norms
going out in public with bare shoulders is seen as brazen and provocative
but Koreans have no problem with extremely short skirts
go figure
www.theguardian.com
www.gallup.co.kr
