I just read on the Chosun that on a recent episode of the Oprah Winfrey show the talk show Maven dissed Korea, specifically, Korean women bigtime.
The show in question concerned the lives and rising influence of women from around the world in their respective countries. Some of the countries on the table for discussion were Mexico, Ghana, the United States, Brazil, Iraq, Cuba, France, Great Britain and Korea. Comparisons and contrasts were made between the women of each country, highlighting and analyzing the distinct social positions of women. However, apparently, when Korea became the topic of discussion the conversation veered toward plastic surgery and stayed there.
Also the Chosun reports that the show didn’t have a Korean woman on to speak on the topic, but instead invited a Chinese woman who confirmed that Korean women go under the knife to look more “Western” which is basically code for white. Which I do find strange. I mean its sort of understandable why in the US some in the minority population straighten their hair and use other beauty tactics to help assimilate into the culture, but why are Koreans so keen on this Westerninzing when their own look should be the defining standard of beauty? Everywhere I turn Korean pride is everywhere and rightfully so, but then why rush off to the plastic surgeon to erase the part of you that identifies you as Korean?
I do have to mention that I find it hard to believe that the big O couldn’t find a single Korean woman to invite on, but still did the Chinese woman say anything false?
From what I learned in the small amount of time I’ve been here is that, yes, some Korean women do get plastic surgery to look Western. Why else would eye surgery, which widens the eye to make it more circular, be so prevelant? What about the whitening craze with cremes and potions and lord knows what else that women and, yes, men, slather on to make themselves translucent? Maybe these folks are trying for that Caspar the Friendly ghost look? Lets just say Michael Jackson would feel right at home. Oh, and don’t get me started on Anal Bleaching! I mean unless you’re some porn star or “escort” why on earth are you splashing bleach down there? I’m all for good grooming, but please, there has to be a line or some kind of limit where common sense takes over, right?
I don’t think Korea has the market cornered on plastic surgery, but to act like it’s not widespread when every corner in Apujeong looks like a plastic surgery candy store is just laughable. And it’s not like the United States doesn’t have its own problems: just look at the number of obese people on the rise. No place is perfect.
So, admit it Koreans, you have a plastic surgery addiction just like Americans can’t put down that damn donut and slice of pizza, you can’t resist that nip and tuck. You can do one of two things: Embrace it and become the science fiction cut and paste people of the future or calm down, do some self examination and figure out why so many go under the knife.
And while they are doing that maybe Americans will figure out why we can’t put down that Hostess Ho Ho.
I’m a blogger, writer, and teacher. I’ve been working in South Korea’s ESL field for the last three years. My one year contract has unexpectedly turned into a journey that I’m still on and loving.
It was probably stupid to talk about Korea without having a Korean woman on the program, but suggesting that Korean women are plastic surgery obsessed is hardly out of line. Something tells me a lot of these “Korean”-Americans who are complaining about this are out of touch with the country to which they claim such kinship. Oh, btw, the reason I’m commenting is because this story was four years old when you—and I—blogged about it: http://briandeutsch.blogspot.com/2008/04/korean-americans-complained-about-oprah.html
When Oprah picks on Korean women again, do not let it sit. Make sure all her phones @ Harpo light up immediately and scold her! Other ways to scold her are boycotting her shows and anything that she is connected to and voice your opinions. I sure hope Korean companies make it clear of that by not sponsoring her shows unless she apologize to Korean women. Do not let her abuse you. Remember this: fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
Maybe she couldn’t find anyone after Tyra invited a Korean-American woman on her show who had double eyelid surgery and completely dissed her. And WTF? Anal bleaching?!
Ha!
Hey, didn’t you know Oprah knows best as the new age earth mother of the planet?
Why on earth do people like Oprah think it’s OK to pass judgment of people in a country where she has probably never been? I would think that someone of Oprah’s stature would be more aware and more sensitive. She lives like a queen and she eats like one too. She’s made such a big deal about getting slim but gets fat in silence.