Influencers inspire how we dress, eat, and think.
But who started it all in Korea?
Here’s the first Korean influencer, Oh Yeop-ju, a true pioneer of style and beauty during the 1930s.
Quick Summary
- Oh Yeop-ju was the first Korean hairdresser to open a hair salon in Jongno, Seoul in 1933.
- She was also the first Korean woman to get double eyelid surgery.
- As an actress, teacher, makeup artist, hair designer, and beauty icon, Oh Yeop-ju holds many titles of “first Korean”.
The First Korean to Get Double Eyelid Surgery
Oh Yeop-ju was a fearless innovator in beauty and fashion when Korea was under Japanese colonial rule and society was super conservative.
She was the first known Korean to undergo double eyelid surgery in 1933, a procedure to get bigger eyes.
Now double eyelid surgery is so common in Korea and you can get it done as quickly as 30 minutes.
But back then, such surgeries were rare and unheard of in a society deeply rooted in traditional values.
Her decision was groundbreaking.
Oh Yeop-ju’s surgery was so meticulously done that it went unnoticed by many, allowing her to quietly influence others in her own unique way.
Her bold step made a lasting impact on the beauty industry, paving the way for future generations to explore and challenge conventional beauty standards in Korea.
The Pioneer of Perms
Oh Yeop-ju was also Korea’s first hair designer, introducing the perm to the country.
Her salon was known as the “birthplace of the modern woman,” helping many Korean girls get modern hairstyles like short hair and perms.
Even though the price of perm was around 5 won, which was enough to buy a gold ring back then, wealthy women were lining up.
Getting a perm was such a thrilling and wonderful experience for them in the 1930s. Even now, I get excited to get my hair permed in Korea.
Oh Yeop-ju was a woman who supported other women as she also provided complimentary styling to actresses who were financially struggling.
She was a pioneer who didn’t view beauty as simple consumerism for improving appearance but emphasized the pursuit of a modern view on women’s bodies, hygiene, and health.
The First Korean Influencer
Long before the age of Instagram or YouTube, Oh Yeop-ju was the living embodiment of an influencer.
She was a true fashionista who enjoyed breaking boundaries with her style choices, such as wearing colored glasses, high heels, and outfits that were custom-made by skilled tailors.
Her distinctive sense of fashion caught the attention of many, especially at a time when strict norms and traditional dress codes dominated society.
By wearing bold, elegant suits and dresses, she showed the people of the 1930s that fashion could be a form of self-expression and empowerment.
Oh Yeop-ju’s influence extended beyond her wardrobe. She was a role model for women in Korea who began to embrace their individuality.
Her innovative style was combined with her confidence.
She encouraged many to challenge the narrow standards of beauty and fashion of that time.
In a way, she set the stage for the social media influencers of today by proving that style could shape perceptions and inspire change.
What Happened to Oh Yeop-Ju?
The records about Oh Yeop-ju jump to 1972, nearly 40 years after her contributions to fashion and beauty in Korea.
In 1960, she wrapped up her business in Korea and moved to Hawaii.
Then, twelve years later, in 1972, she briefly visited Seoul and gave an interview to Chosun Ilbo, where she shared stories from the Japanese colonial era.
One particularly fascinating story was about her elite courtesan clients, who wished to look like schoolgirls during the day.
Oh Yeop-ju finished her interview by saying, “I feel like I may never come back. Before leaving, I want to enjoy my favorite summer in Korea, the blazing sun, the cicadas’ songs, and the refreshing breeze.”
After this interview, she disappeared from the public eye, leaving behind a legacy.
Oh Yeop-ju’s impact resonates even today.
Korean perms and K-beauty industry owe much to pioneers like Oh Yeop-ju.
There’s even a musical, Eye Charm, based on her life story.
Her legacy reminds us that the desire to express oneself through beauty and fashion is timeless.
