The K-pop industry has cycled through numerous beauty trends, particularly for its popular girl and boy groups. That said, recent years have seen the beauty standards for men and women in the K-pop industry converge more than ever before.
Eastern music industries like K-pop share a vast amount of differences from the West, especially in regards to beauty. Male and female idols alike have gravitated towards adopting a feminine or pretty appearance in their wardrobes, hair and makeup.
This is mainly due to the long historical interest in effeminate appearances within men in media and past historical eras. Despite South Korea still maintaining strict gender roles, their entertainment industry has always allowed for these roles to be played with, so long as these artists follow the guidelines of their company.
However, recent decades have seen the younger generations grappling with changing attitudes towards beauty in men and women. Makeup and skincare is no longer stuck in the confined of being feminine, and instead something that is an acceptable interest for anyone of any gender.
More artists are becoming outspoken about breaking free from the stifling restrictions made by Korean media companies and other media outlets. Additionally, more artists coming out as members of the LGBTQ community are forcing these conversations to stay relevant.
However, these concepts are always in flux and can easily fall back out of fashion. That is why conversations need to continue, within and outside K-pop fan communities.
