Tanned, Monolids, and Proud: Redefining Beauty Standards in Asia

[Image: Aesthetically Alluring]

“I can’t wait for summer to end so my skin becomes bright and white again.” 

“I only ate an apple and some boiled eggs today, so I can become as skinny as that one celebrity.”

To my audiences around the world: I know, right? Those statements just sound insane. But what’s more insane is that these are what I hear on, at least, a weekly basis from my Korean friends.

I believe that beauty standards have always influenced us in some ways, but their impact in Asia feels particularly intense. In the 90s, the Western world idolized models like Kate Moss, whose ultra-slim figure became the global standard—not just in the West but across Asia. While the West has since embraced more diverse body types, many Asian beauty standards remained firmly with this same unattainable image of slim perfection.

These ideals reach beyond East Asia into Southeast and South Asia, where many people with naturally darker skin are still encouraged to 'whiten' themselves. But how healthy or achievable are these expectations? And more importantly, are they even realistic?

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What does 'unrealistic' mean?

When we talk about 'unrealistic' beauty standards, we are referring to ideals that the majority of people cannot attain—just like Kate Moss’s figure, as mentioned earlier. These ideals promote a narrow definition of beauty, ignoring natural diversity in skin tone, body shape, and facial features across different parts of the world. 

In many Asian countries, maintaining these ideals often leads to extreme measures, from skin-whitening treatments to harsh caloric restriction to achieve an 'idol-like' physique. These pressures contribute to not only physical health but also mental health issues, such as body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, or even disordered eating behaviors.

The core issue within these standards is not just about looking a certain way; it's the societal pressure to fit into an impossibly narrow mold. The question is, why do these standards persist, and what happens when people start to challenge them?

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Traditional Asian Beauty Standards

[Image: AB Plastic Surgery Korea]

In many Asian cultures, beauty has been long defined by fair skin and a slim figure, as well as specific facial features like large eyes and a small face. In my home country, Korea, skin color was historically associated with social hierarchy: fair skin symbolized power and wealth, as those with lighter skin were typically members of the upper class who did not have to labor outdoors. This emphasis on fair skin has not gone away, but rather has been reinforced by the massive beauty industry over time. At cosmetic stores like Olive Young, shelves are still packed with brightening lotions, tone-up sunscreens, and limited shades of foundation—one that even many Koreans, such as myself, cannot match.

The ideal slim body type also remains ingrained, influenced by both local and international trends. The 90s Western 'heroin chic' look, popularized by top models, solidified the preference for extremely thin figures. While Western cultures have gradually shifted toward body inclusivity, this ideal still holds strong in many parts of Asia. The rise of K-pop culture has furthered the pressure to maintain a thin frame: celebrities are often praised for their tiny waists and openly share restrictive diets that normalize unhealthy eating behaviors.

Beyond skin tone and body, facial features are subject to rigid standards. Double eyelids, sharp noses, and V-shaped jawline are frequently seen as markers of beauty. Cosmetic surgery is common, especially in South Korea, where clinics specializing in procedures like double eyelid surgery and jawline reshaping are widespread. In fact, it is not uncommon for teenagers to receive double eyelid surgery as graduation gifts as a celebration for hard work throughout high school. This reflects how pressurized and entrenched these standards are.

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Western vs. Asian Beauty Standards

[Image: Avenue Seoul]

While Asian beauty standards remain firm, it is interesting to observe how those in the West have evolved. In the early 2000s, thinness was still the ultimate goal in the West, but over the past decade, there has been a significant shift toward endorsing body diversity. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner have played a significant role in shifting Western standards toward a more curvy figure, moving away from the extremely skinny aesthetic.

Western beauty standards have also become more inclusive in terms of skin tone. Tanned skin is now seen as healthy and desirable, representing leisure and 'hotness.' This shift clearly stands in contrast to the Asian preference for pale skin. While the West increasingly encompasses diversity in skin tones—offering a wide range of foundation shades, for example—Asian countries continue to favor fairness as the default.

The main difference between these two regions lies in the speed of change. While Western beauty standards have evolved relatively quickly, Asia has been slower to embrace diversity. But that does not mean there hasn't been any progress.

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Shifts Toward Diversity

Thankfully, over the past few years, there have been some notable shifts in Asian beauty standards. One major area of the change is in attitudes toward facial features. For years, double eyelids were seen as the only way to achieve beauty. But more recently, celebrities like actress Kim Go-eun and Blackpink’s Jennie have helped bring monolids into the mainstream. Their appreciation of their natural features is inspiring the younger generation of women to do the same, signaling a hopeful, positive progress for society.

Additionally, we are seeing a growing representation of a broader range of skin tones. In a homogenous country like South Korea, where fair skin has been the only ideal, some celebrities are beginning to challenge these norms. For instance, Mimi from Oh My Girl has recently appeared with her tanned, darker complexion, representing a departure from Korea’s traditional beauty standards. Although she still faces criticism and resistance from the public, her popularity and visibility are helping to expand the concept of beauty.

[Mimi from OH MY GIRL / Image: KProfiles]

The movement toward body positivity has also begun in Asia, though it is still in its early stages. Celebrities and influencers are starting to promote healthier body images, emphasizing physical well-being over mere appearance. Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have been crucial in this progress, as influencers from around the world are now visible in Asian markets, bringing different beauty standards to the forefront and encouraging more diversity.

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Conclusion

The unrealistic, toxic beauty standards that have shaped much of Asian culture are slowly but surely evolving. Whether through the influence of social media, the global exchange of cultures, or simply the courage of those who promote their natural beauty, there is a growing understanding that beauty is not one-size-fits-all.

It is invigorating to see celebrities such as Mimi or influencers with monolids stepping onto the stage, confronting traditional norms and promoting a more inclusive view toward beauty. As the world becomes more connected, it seems likely that these old beauty standards will gradually give way to a broader, healthier version of beauty, celebrating individuality over conformity.

Ultimately, beauty should be about self-expression and confidence, not about meeting an impossible standard that society has set for all to fit in. While the journey toward true diversity in beauty is far from the end, we are seeing signs of change. And that’s something worth celebrating.