Summary of THIS is why Kpop colorism and body image are worse than ever.
The video discusses the worsening issues of colorism and body image in K-pop, contrasting the representation of idols from the second generation to the current era. The presenter notes that while there has been an increase in diversity among K-pop idols, particularly with the inclusion of non-Korean and darker-skinned idols, the overall standard of beauty has shifted towards a more unrealistic, pale complexion due to advancements in technology and social media.
Key Points
- Historical Context: The presenter reflects on how older K-pop videos showcased a more diverse range of skin tones due to less advanced filming technology, which did not exaggerate skin color as much as modern filters and photo editing do.
- colorism in K-pop: Despite the growth of international recognition and the presence of idols from various backgrounds, colorism remains a significant issue, with idols often being photoshopped to appear lighter. This creates a beauty standard that marginalizes those with darker skin tones.
- social media Impact: The accessibility of photo editing tools and the normalization of filters have contributed to a culture where idols feel pressured to conform to an unrealistic beauty ideal, often leading to the erasure of their natural skin tones.
- Cultural Norms: The presenter argues that the desire for lighter skin is deeply rooted in historical and societal norms within Korean culture, where lighter skin has been associated with higher status.
- Call to Action: The video encourages viewers to acknowledge and speak out against colorism in K-pop, suggesting that positive reinforcement for idols who embrace their natural skin tones can help shift the narrative.
The video concludes with a commitment to continue addressing these issues in future content.
Presenters/Contributors
- The video appears to be presented by a single individual, though specific names are not mentioned in the subtitles.
Notable Quotes
— 01:30 — « K-pop, and Korea by extension, has a massive colorism problem. »
— 03:01 — « Despite all of this, colorism, and color diversity for lack of a better term, seems to be at an all-time low in K-pop. »
— 07:31 — « It's about the perversion of natural skin tone in order to meet a beauty standard that doesn't actually exist. »
— 08:25 — « Continue the conversation, call out colorism when it happens, and I hope we see a positive change. »
— 08:58 — « Small ways to remove dark skin stigma and change the narrative. »
Category
News and Commentary