About Face: Why is South Korea the Worlds Plastic-Surgery Capital by Patricia Marx - Article Example

The Prevalence of Cosmetic Procedure in South Korea Introduction Research concerning plastic surgery has dominated the field of cosmetic procedure over the years particularly face operation. Research reveals that Seoul, a region in South Korea has been found to be the leading in cosmetic surgeries worldwide with approximately a million procedures per annum. Further research ascertains that about one in three South Korean women under plastic surgery between ages 19 and 29. Specifically, the most common plastic surgery undertaken by the population encompasses the blepharoplasty or double-eyelid operation which consist of implanting a wrinkle in the eyelid making the year appear larger and bigger. The essay explores the article “About Face: Why is South Korea the World’s Plastic-Surgery capital” written by Patricia Marx who affirms that the prevalence of plastic operation in the region has been significantly influenced by the concept of Confucianism that entails the cultural, religion’s and social aspects concerning the way of life, unity, and social order. The essay focuses on the ideology that individuals of South Korea are influenced by the Confucian community encompassing the relatives, friends, and organizations that hire individuals based on their looks apart from qualifications. Summary of the Article The article provides comprehensive information regarding the prevalence of plastic surgery among South Korea individuals. The author stipulates that South Korea is leading in plastic surgery worldwide capital as the rate of cosmetic procedures increases in the contemporary world. Many individuals are influenced by the society’s way of living to engage in actions that nevertheless, are against their will in order to fit in the society. In particular, job applicants seeking positions in companies are expected to appear beautiful to increase the likelihood of being hired by individual organizations. Relatives are also criticizing their family members regarding the need to undertake surgery to look appealing and effluent[Mar151]. In the beginning, the culture of surgery was a western ideology, but recently the practice has been considered the country’s tradition and way of life. Numerous hospitals specialize in the cosmetic procedure in the region considering that there are approximately four to five such healthcare facilities within a square of one mile. Clinics occupy many patients approximately sixteen floors whereby the largest comprise various high-rises. The clinics are advertised on the sidewalks, and large buildings are bearing names such as Magic Nose, Small Face, Before, and After, and Reborn. The article affirms that teens and college girls are influenced by peers as most of them undergo the operation by the age of nineteen. The young women claim that they prefer surgery at a young age in order to look younger for a long time. Some other teenage underwent surgery through influence by the parents claiming that their children need to look different from the parents. Therefore, most individuals undertake the operation in efforts to fit in the society [Mar151]. Analysis Strengths Plastic surgery has been a controversial topic in the world particularly South Korea region. The rate of the practice has increased over the years due to cultural influence and media advertisement. It is evident from the article that the media and the community have played a significant role in escalating the rate of plastic surgery in South Korea. The article has been comprehensive enough by proving in-depth information regarding the plastic surgery culture in the country [Mar151]. The article is specific in revealing the information that substantiates the claim that South Korea is the leading nation in cosmetic procedures both on a personal level and the community at large. The major strength crowning the assumption of the essay is demonstrated by the fact the author uses solid facts to support his claims. For instance, the essay articulates that approximately a fifth and a third of females in Seoul have undertaken cosmetic procedure to enhance their beauty thereby appealing to others. The author further affirms that 50% of women in their 20s embrace the culture of plastic surgery in order to fit in the society. On the other hand, approximately 15% of men undergo an operation. Consequently, it is evident that the practice is prevalent in the country because the cosmetic industry is not significantly regulated by the government and legislative agencies [Mar151]. The author comprehensively explores how culture and way of life have influenced the increase in plastic surgery among citizens of South Korea. The article provides instances in the region where the young are forced to undergo a cosmetic procedure against their will in order to please their family members, fit in the group of peers, or secure a good job based on their shapes and looks. For instance, the writer uses the example of a college student who had had a double eyelid who claims that peer influence played an essential role in increasing the likelihood of an individual undertaking plastic surgery [Mar151]. The student argued that When you’re nineteen, all the girls get plastic surgery, so if you don’t do it, after a few years, your friends will all look better, but you will look like your unimproved you,” [Mar151] Another example indicate that culture significantly influenced the need for surgery for some women and men in South Korea. In particular, the prevalence is not only influenced by the western culture of being the most attractive and affluent but also the social status, appearance, gestures, and inner aspects which comprise feelings and thoughts. Moreover, some individuals especially the young are mobilized by their parents to undergo surgery in order look different from the parent [Mar151]. Weakness However, despite vivid description and full illustration to ascertain why South Korea is leading in the cosmetic procedure increasing the rate of plastic surgery, the author does not articulate its points in an orderly manner. For instance, the central theme is supporting the claim why the rate of plastic surgery has increased in South Korea over the years; the author fails to organize the work by coherently articulating the primary factors that have impacted the increase of surgical practices in the nation. The article randomly describes and illustrates the influences instead of organizing and writing according to the themes in the factors. In particular, the significant factors include, cultural influences, peer pressure, social life, need for an appealing appearance, and hiring companies. Nevertheless, the factors are well articulated even though they are not organized. Furthermore, the author uses informal language and phrases that are not clear- “They put their money where their mouths—and eyes and noses—used to be.” The language is informal and unclear [Mar151]. Therefore, the author needs to organize the significant points of the essays as well as presenting them in order. He should avoid using colloquial language and many contractions in the essay which makes the text unclear and difficult to understand [Mar151]. In conclusion, it is evident that the increased rate of plastic surgery in South Korea is due to cultural, family, and peer influence as well as a basic requirement stipulated by some hiring companies in the nation. The aspects have made it impossible for many people to remain in their original shapes and forms. The mindset of Korean individuals regarding body surgical procedures significantly results in the increased practice of the operations as they believe that in order to fit in the social status and particular class one ought to undergo surgery. The media and entertainment industry reinforces the beauty trends which are followed by its citizens to be among outstanding. The admired beauty standards are strengthened by the nation’s social and cultural beliefs making the practice widely accepted among the citizens of the country. Therefore, without government intervention and legislative regulations, the likelihood of controlling the cosmetic industry in engaging in unnecessary plastic surgery are minimal. Consequently, plastic surgery might seem to be the way of life among South Koreans but it is a reflection of self-denial, and lack of confidence in oneself. References Mar151: , (Marx, 2015), Read More