And this quest for perfection has reached its pinnacle with “Wonyoungism,” a new personal development trend driven by fans of Jang Won-young, a 19-year-old K-pop singer.
The young woman has made a name for herself among South Korean pop fans thanks to her role in the six-piece girl band, IVE, but also thanks to her strength of character.
Indeed, Jang Won-young seems to exude self-confidence. In one interview, she can be heard saying: “I don’t care. You are you, I am me.” Now, these simple words have become a mantra for thousands of young Korean women.
Jang Won-young’s mostly female fans have developed a method to help anyone become as confident as their icon. It relies on a spot of meditation, a touch of relaxation and, above all, a lot of dietary restrictions.
For, like most K-pop stars, Jang Won-young places great importance on her physical appearance.
The singer always appears in public in outfits that are carefully designed to highlight her slim figure. Her long black hair shines and her nails are meticulously manicured. In short, her image comes close to perfection.
On social networks, followers of “Wonyoungism” share tips on how to achieve the same aesthetics as Jang Won-young. But this inspirational content can lead young – or even very young – girls to adopt behaviours that are dangerous to their health.
For example, posts featuring the hashtag #wonyoungism show empty plates or chewing gum, a confectionary that’s supposed to act as an appetite suppressant.
The Korean singer’s most loyal fans are condemning these excesses.
“I am sure that Won-young herself would not want her name to be associated with unhealthy practices. We should take care of our body and mind. That is the main message of the movement,” a “Wonyoungism” TikToker called Anastasia told The Daily Beast.
“Wonyoungism” shows the extent to which many Korean women are devoted to a cult of beauty from an early age. They try to live up to beauty standards by following strict diets, exercising rigorously and even undergoing surgical procedures.
According to figures from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, cited by The Atlantic, one in five women in the country has undergone surgery to improve her appearance. All with the aim of becoming as perfect as the K-pop idols they admire.