7 Stereotypical Korean Beauty Standards That K-Pop Idols Are Eliminating

K-Pop idols face the harshest versions of Korean beauty standards. From unhealthy weight loss to the shape of your eyes, everything gets criticized…and international fans are just about over these petty issues. Here are the 7 basically impossible standards of beauty that global fans wish would never be talked about again.

1. Fair Skin

One of the harshest beauty requirements of the K-Pop industry is the preference for light skin.

However, many idols prove that darker skin tones deserve to have a place on the stage, as well.

Idols like BTS’s RM, MAMAMOO’s Hwasa, and more have radiant, tan skin that suits them like a glove.

They are not beautiful despite their skin, but rather because of it!

There is also a preference for no freckles, blemishes, or spots of any kind. However, Stray Kids’ Felix proves his freckles are uniquely adorable!

2. Slim Face

In Korea, a slim face is much more preferred than a wide or angular type of face.

However, idols with round faces prove they can be sexy…

…or cute!

For idols with round faces, it’s often one of their charms, like BTS’s Suga and SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan.

3. Skinny Body

Idols are pressured to keep their weight very low and sometimes achieve these results through intensive diets and unhealthy means.

However, some idols are known for their curvier body types. Idols like MAMAMOO’s Hwasa often receive praise for her fuller figure and cool image.

International fans like to see representation of various body types on the stage. Whether it’s curvy…

…muscular…

…or anything else, these idols prove they don’t have to be stick thin to look amazing!

4. Small, Child-like Face

Faces with youthful features like a short chin, prominent aegyo-sal, and a small circumference are praised in Korea.

However, longer faces are just as handsome and have their own charm. BTS’s J-Hope has a masculine vibe with his gorgeous face shape.

Female idols like Sunmi also confidently rock their longer face shape and look stunning.

5. Double Eyelids

Big, round eyes with double eyelids are the standard of beauty in many Asian countries.

Despite having monolids, BTS’s Jimin and Red Velvet’s Seulgi have some of the most alluring eyes in K-Pop.

Sharper eyes have their own appeal and give idols a charismatic look.

6. Slim, Straight Nose

Thin, tall noses get a lot of love in Korea…

…but there are many exceptions to the rule. Weki Meki’s Doyeon is known for her gorgeous visuals yet has a wider, flat nose.

On the contrary, idols like VIXX’s Ken have a much larger nose, but it makes him even more handsome.

7. Straight, Even Teeth

Most idols have a “perfect” smile consisting of straight, white teeth.

Did you know that there are tons of idols loved for their “imperfect” teeth? TWICE’s Nayeon and UP10TION’s Sunyoul are often praised for looking like adorable bunnies.