Understanding Korean Beauty Standards in K-pop

The beauty standards in K-pop, while not a rigid set of rules, are often discussed and analyzed. These standards are more of a guideline rather than an unbreakable barrier to entry, yet they still play a significant role in how idols are perceived. They include having a small face, a v-lined jaw, big doe eyes, pale skin, a slim nose, full lips, straight eyebrows, aegyo-sal (expressive eyebrows), a height above 165cm, and an hourglass body shape. Understanding these standards forms the basis for a comparative analysis between Aespa's members, Karina and Ningning.

An Overview of Aespa's Members

In this section, we'll examine the visual characteristics of both Karina and Ningning, and how they fit into the Korean beauty standards.

Karina and the Korean Beauty Standards

Karina, a member of Aespa, significantly aligns with the Korean beauty standards. She possesses several key features that make her stand out:

Small face V-lined jaw Big, double-lidded eyes Pale skin tone Slim nose Full, heart-shaped lips Straight eyebrows Aegyo-sal (expressive eyebrows) Height above 165cm Hourglass body shape

Considering these points, it's evident that Karina fits 9 out of 10 of the Korean beauty standards. This isn't to say she perfectly meets every criterion, but her alignment with these standards is notable and striking.

Ningning and the Korean Beauty Standards

While Ningning also has several features that align with the beauty standards, her adherence is fewer in number and less complete:

Small face V-lined jaw Fair skin tone (though it's not mentioned if this is due to double eyelids or natural) Big, double-lidded eyes Slim nose Full, heart-shaped lips Straight eyebrows Aegyo-sal (expressive eyebrows) Height above 165cm Hourglass body shape

Comparatively, Ningning fits 7 out of 10 of the beauty standards. While she possesses essential qualities, she falls short in a few areas.

A Detailed Analysis of Visual Characteristics

Let's break down the visual characteristics of both members to see where they differ and how they align with the beauty standards:

Karina's Characteristics

Straight Eyebrows: Fits standard Big Eyes: Double-lidded eyes Double Eyelids: Fits standard Thin and High nose bridge: Nose is a bit downturned (not upturned), but still slim and of good size Small face length: Fits standard Plump Lips: Fits standard, though her skin is not particularly pale Pale Skin: Skin is naturally not particularly pale, but has a good complexion V-shaped Jaw: Fits standard

Overall, Karina’s strengths lie in her alignment with the core standards, making her a standout member in terms of visual appeal according to the Korean beauty standards.

Ningning's Characteristics

Straight Eyebrows: Fits standard Big Eyes: Fits standard, double-lidded eyes Double Eyelids: Fits standard Thin and High nose bridge: Nose is round (slightly thicker than the standard) Small face length: Face is long (does not fit the standard) Plump Lips: Fits standard Pale Skin: Skin is more neutral, not particularly pale V-shaped Jaw: Face is more heart-shaped than v/oval (does not fit the standard)

While Ningning also has many desirable features, her deviation from several key standards is notable. This deviance affects her overall alignment with the beauty standards.

The Subjectivity of Beauty

While the Korean beauty standards are a significant factor, it’s important to recognize that individual preferences vary. Both Aespa members have their unique qualities and visual impact. Some fans might prefer Ningning for her unique features and natural makeup look, while others might be drawn to Karina for her more traditionally Korean beauty standards.

Conclusion: In the context of the Korean beauty standards, Karina fits more closely than Ningning. However, this doesn’t diminish the beauty or appeal of either member. Beauty is inherently subjective, and what constitutes an ideal beauty standard can differ based on cultural, personal, and aesthetic preferences.