In recent years, South Korean culture has become a global phenomenon through its music,
dramas, fashion, and beauty products. Among all these, one trend that has rapidly spread and
gained immense popularity is Korean cosmetic surgery. While it is often promoted as a way
to enhance beauty and confidence, this trend has grown into a serious social and
psychological concern among teenagers and young adults. The influence of K-pop idols, K
drama actors, and social media influencers has created an unrealistic beauty ideal that is
leading to unhealthy comparisons, emotional distress, and even medical risks among today’s
youth.
The Rise of the Korean Cosmetic Surgery Trend
South Korea is often referred to as the plastic surgery capital of the world, where procedures
like eyelid correction, nose reshaping, and jawline contouring are extremely common.
Cosmetic surgery has become a normalized part of society, and in many families, it is even
considered a traditional gift for young adults after graduation. The acceptance of such
practices has spread globally, with international fans of K-pop and Korean dramas becoming
increasingly influenced by these beauty ideals.
K-beauty standard promotes flawless, fair skin, a V-shaped face, a slim nose, and double
eyelids. This image of perfection is constantly reinforced through entertainment media,
advertisements, and online platforms. Teenagers, especially girls, are heavily exposed to
these ideals, leading them to believe that achieving this “perfect face” is necessary to be
admired, successful, and confident. As a result, many start to feel insecure about their natural
appearance and consider cosmetic surgery as a quick solution to fit into these unrealistic
standards.
The Influence of Social Media
The impact of social media on promoting cosmetic surgery cannot be ignored. Platforms like
Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are flooded with videos showing before-and-after
transformations, cosmetic clinic promotions, and influencers showcasing their “new look.”
These visuals glamorize surgery and create the illusion that it is a simple, safe, and risk-free
way to become beautiful.
Teenagers, whose identities and confidence are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to
these messages. The constant comparison with celebrities and influencers makes them
question their self-worth. Many start to believe that looking good on social media is more
important than being healthy or authentic. The use of photo filters and editing apps also
contributes to distorted self-perception. When they look in the mirror and see a reflection that
doesn’t match their filtered image, they experience disappointment and shame. This emotional
struggle often becomes the driving force behind their decision to seek surgery.
Psychological and Emotional Impact
While cosmetic surgery might offer temporary satisfaction, the long-term psychological
consequences can be severe. Many teenagers who undergo surgery develop body
dysmorphia, a condition in which a person becomes obsessed with perceived flaws in their
appearance. Even after altering one feature, they may find new imperfections, leading to
repeated surgeries and continuous dissatisfaction.
This cycle affects emotional health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. The
desire to appear “perfect” overshadows their individuality and confidence. Their sense of
identity becomes tied to external approval rather than internal self-worth. Moreover, failed
surgeries or unsatisfactory results can cause deep regret and trauma, which can further
damage self-esteem. The pressure to maintain a certain look also leads to fear of judgment,
making it difficult for young people to engage comfortably in social or professional settings.
Physical Risks and Health Concerns
Cosmetic surgery is not a simple beauty treatment; it is a medical procedure that involves
significant risks. Surgeries such as rhinoplasty, jaw reduction, or eyelid correction can lead to
complications like infections, scarring, nerve damage, and asymmetrical results. Recovery can
be painful and requires strict aftercare. However, these realities are often hidden behind glossy
advertisements and celebrity endorsements.
Teenagers face even greater risks because their facial features are still developing. A face
that changes naturally over time may distort the surgical results, leading to long-term
discomfort or the need for corrective procedures. Additionally, many young individuals are not
emotionally prepared to deal with surgical pain or the possibility of failure. The physical and
psychological toll of such procedures can have lasting effects on their overall well-being.
The Role of Celebrity Culture
K-pop idols and Korean actors are admired worldwide for their flawless appearance. What
many fans do not realise is that most of these celebrities undergo professional grooming,
makeup, and often, surgical procedures as part of their career expectations. The
entertainment industry places immense pressure on performers to maintain a perfect image.
Fans, influenced by these ideals, begin to believe that such appearances are natural and
attainable for everyone.
As a result, imitation culture has become widespread. Teenagers often visit clinics with
pictures of their favourite stars, requesting to look exactly like them. This desire to resemble
celebrities can lead to loss of individuality and self-acceptance. Instead of celebrating their
natural features, young people begin to see uniqueness as imperfection, which damages their
confidence and identity.
Impact on Young people’s Life and Relationships
The rising obsession with Korean cosmetic surgery can disrupt every part of a young person’s
life. Constant comparison with K-beauty standards often leads children to spend excessive
time editing photos, monitoring their appearance, and seeking approval online, which
gradually weakens their confidence and emotional stability. This pressure carries over into
family relationships, creating clashes when parents cannot meet their child’s demands for
costly procedures or when families refuse with the child’s desire to change their appearance.
Academic performance may decline as attention shifts from studies to appearance-related
worries, social withdrawal, or preoccupation with surgery content. Financial strain becomes
another major consequence—cosmetic procedures are expensive, and many young people
may try to save aggressively, borrow money, or pressure parents to fund these alterations.
What begins as a trend can quickly evolve into emotional distress, strained family dynamics,
disrupted education, and long-term financial burdens.
The Need for Awareness and Education
Schools, parents, and mental-health professionals should intervene early by promoting critical
awareness of cosmetic-surgery trends and helping children question unrealistic beauty ideals
driven by K-culture and social media. Practical steps include school-based workshops on
realities of such trend, open conversations at home about self-worth, and guidance on how
edited images and beauty filters change reality. Sharing real stories of cosmetic-procedure
risks can help young people make right choices and reduce glamorisation of surgery. If parents
notice obsession, anxiety, or body-image distress linked to these trends, they should consult
a psychologist for timely support. The goal is not to condemn cosmetic procedures but to
protect children’s mental health by reinforcing body positivity, respect for diverse appearances,
and confidence rooted in their natural identity rather than surgical alteration.
Author Name : Lavanya Sri
Designation : Special Education Teacher
Organization : Breeze CDC
