Is Body-Shaming a Thing in Korea?

A Korean GIrl Explains If Body-Shaming Is a Thing in Korea

Wondering if you might get body-shamed in South Korea?

Here are your chances, what to expect, and why Koreans body-shame each other.

Quick Summary

  • Body-shaming does happen in Korea. It’s common for family members or friends to casually mention weight changes, not always intending offense.
  • 98% of the MZ generation find appearance important to get a job or ahead in society.
  • There’s genuine admiration for taking care of oneself. Skincare, fashion, and fitness are all seen as forms of self-care rather than pure vanity in South Korea.

Is Body-Shaming Common in South Korea?

Yes, body-shaming does happen in Korea, often through casual remarks about weight or appearance.

I’ve heard throughout my life that I needed to either lose weight, then gain weight along with a few recommendations to get specific plastic surgery operations.

Whether I like to hear it or not, body-shaming is somewhat socially acceptable because people are showing concern through the comments.

Some Koreans body shame as if they’re giving you a piece of advice.

Why? Because some believe that being chubby or overweight shows a lack of self-control and looks unhealthy.

According to a 2021 survey by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity, 58 percent agreed that obese people look lazy, while 56 percent answered that obese people seem to lack willpower and self-control, written by reporter Song Seung-hyun at The Korea Herald.

A Korean Girl Explains Health Gate But More like Shame Gate
“Health Gate” where you pass through sideways and be judged.
From the left, it says, “Are you an earthling?” “This is embarrassing!” “You’re fat (27cm/10.6 inches)” “You’re chubby (25cm/9.8 inches)” “You’re average (23cm/9 inches)” “You’re slim (21cm/8.2 inches)” and “You’re thin (19cm/7.4 inches).”


– From my book, “A Korean Girl Explains: What No One Tells You About Korean Culture

Why Is Appearance So Important in Korea?

According to the 2024 survey by UPPITY, 98% of MZ generation responded that “appearance is one of the specs.”

Koreans refer to specs as requirements we think we need to get a job or benefits in society.

Also, beauty means a lot in South Korea.

Media, including K-dramas and K-pop, frequently showcase slim figures as the ideal.

Not maintaining one’s thin body is viewed as a failure in self-management.

This puts pressure on many people to meet high beauty standards.

It’s common for families or friends to casually mention weight changes, not always intending harm.

You can read more in this article, “Why Are Koreans So Skinny?

What Are Your Chances of Getting Body-Shamed in Korea?

I’d say it’s a 50/50 chance regardless of your figure.

Even a US small is a medium or large size in Korea.

Younger generations are less likely to comment because we know it could be rude.

On the other hand, older generations like ajumma and ahjussi might say it because they believe they’re telling you the truth. They don’t mean to hurt your feelings though.

What Should You Expect and How Should You Deal with This in Korea?

I sincerely hope you won’t hear it while visiting Korea.

But if you do, try some Korean humor.

We joke about how fat we are or aren’t. Some of my friends proudly say they’re in the 0.1-ton (220-pound) club.

Just like in an excerpt from my book, “A Korean Girl Explains,” Koreans laugh in the face of crippling social pressure. It’s our coping mechanism.

Things may sound harsh but please remember that they’re often meant playfully.


While Korea has strong beauty standards, there’s a genuine admiration for taking care of oneself.

Skincare, fashion, and fitness are all seen as forms of self-care rather than just vanity.

Koreans admire people who put effort into self-improvement, which can sometimes blur the line between body-shaming and encouragement to be one’s best self.

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