As growing numbers chase ‘geongangmi’ look, critics argue it’s yet another narrow beauty ideal imposed on women
Koo Hyun-kyung, 29, owner and personal trainer at Timber, a women-only gym that specialises in strength training and weightlifting, says that for many clients, priorities have shifted from losing weight to enhancing their quality of life.
“There is an aspiration towards excellence when you want to learn a certain skill or hobby, that being exercise in this case. You cannot have a pale, skinny body and be successful in fitness, so people tend to shift their beauty standards towards aligning with their goals.”She says women aiming to improve their appearance to attract men has given way to a desire to have a “well-functioning body”.
Shifting cultural expectations around women’s role in Korean society has also influenced how many think about beauty. “Lots of women have gotten exposed to feminist ideas, and that’s certainly affecting Korean women’s desire to seek real health, instead of just looking skinny and beautiful,” says Nikki Kim, 32, an office worker.
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