If the 'Corset' Isn't Happiness: Navigating Societal Beauty Standards

The societal expectations placed on women in South Korea have long dictated a narrow ideal of beauty. For one young woman, these pressures began to take hold in elementary school, fueled by media portrayals of slender, attractive women.

This early fascination evolved into a desire to emulate these ideals, leading her to explore makeup, hairstyling, and fashion. In middle school, these interests became a social currency, helping her connect with peers. However, her journey was complicated by her experience as a disabled adolescent. Multiple cancer treatments stunted her growth, leaving her significantly shorter than her peers and reliant on a wheelchair from age four.

Her height became a significant complex, prompting her to compensate by focusing on other aspects of her appearance. She used makeup and mature clothing to mask her perceived small stature. Similarly, her physical condition, with limited mobility and circulation, made weight management a constant concern. She notes that a lower weight makes it easier to accept help from others, a necessity given her disability, and reduces the burden of relying on strangers or even peers.

For nearly a decade, she has adhered to these beauty standards, even for simple errands like going to the local market. While she acknowledges the 'corset' of these expectations, she also recognizes the unique pressures faced by disabled women, such as managing weight for practical assistance. She observes the growing 'degendering' movement among her peers and strives to listen to diverse perspectives on womanhood, even those that challenge her own choices.

She acknowledges that completely escaping these influences is difficult in South Korea, where 'looks-obsessed' has become a common term. However, she warns against letting the pursuit of appearance become self-destructive. The author emphasizes that if self-adornment does not bring happiness, it should be abandoned. For disabled women facing immense societal expectations, she argues that the demands are often unrealistic, requiring double the effort in time, money, and energy. Recognizing that perceived flaws are often just external judgments can bring a sense of peace.