Reflection of Seoul

By Hanna Hong

Nowadays, people aren't saying ``Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" Who needs to check the mirror when many people have high-tech cell phones to take ``sel-cas" (a Konglish term from ``self" and ``camera" meaning to take one's own picture)?

Wherever I go around Seoul, the streets, restaurants, and elsewhere, I see Koreans twisting their wrists and stretching out their arms to take pictures of themselves. ``Sel-ca" is the modern day mirror.

Koreans are obsessed with their looks. A moment of one's best appearance isn't sufficed through a glance in a mirror, but must be saved in a picture for a lifetime. People repeatedly take pictures until they ``think" they've got their best shot, making them look possessed.

There is no shame in taking ``sel-cas" in public; the narcissistic behavior is committed by many. I admit I've committed the act myself. Although after seeing others snapping away, a mirror image of myself reflected how vain I've become living in Seoul.

I understand people wanting to capture their most dazzling moment, but not if they're snapping innumerable times. It's humorous to watch people switch from one arm to the other, striving to capture perfection. At least people are toning their arms, which would in fact enhance their appearance. However, can't people accept that on some days they won't be picture perfect?

Another shameless act practiced by Koreans is freely commenting on people's weight. Koreans have no courtesy or mercy about this topic. People religiously make remarks on my looks, which is annoying because I'd rather share deeper dialogue. Then again, Koreans kick off a conversation on appearance as an icebreaker. This Korean chitchat custom is probably why people, especially women, are obsessed with looks. The utterances on appearances build insecurity in people. Commenting on appearances should be considered a huge faux pas, not a dialogue opener.

Once, my parents and I visited their friends' place and were introduced to a couple. Everyone mingled over red wine and I alone was enjoying a late dinner. The man of the couple, whom I'd just met, obnoxiously said, ``Should you be eating this late? You're going to gain weight.'' I wanted to blurt ``Look who's talking!'' Later that night, my mom's friend gave my mom one of her outfits as a gift. As my mom was looking at the pants the delusional man exclaimed, ``What makes you think you can fit into that! She's half your size!'' My socially versed mom giddily said, ``To fit in this, I'll end up bed rested. I think I can fit one leg in.'' It's amusing how blunt Koreans can be. You definitely need thick skin to make it out here!

When anyone freely comments on common people ― just like my parents' friend ― I feel for Korean celebrities. I can understand why they go under the knife. Imagine the pressure they're under to be beautiful. When many of these stars come back from sabbaticals, it's obvious they actually returned from their cosmetic surgeons' surgeries.

These celebrities not only fix themselves to have great features. They also nip and tuck to follow cosmetic trends such as ``S-line bodies'' and ``V-line chins.'' This is what I call a ``true" vanity. Are seasonal fashion trends so insignificant that physical features have to be changed? I can't tell who's who on TV anymore as everyone looks the same.

Cosmetic surgery doesn't stop with celebrities. Commoners get cosmetic surgery to enhance their chances with jobs, relationships, social status and so forth. I detect a strong case of ``lookism" plaguing the streets of Seoul these days.

Everyone knows that inner beauty is more valuable than outer beauty. We hear it all the time, making the idea perfunctory. People continue to take ``sel-cas," go on diets and undergo cosmetic procedures. We tend to value what is easily manifested. Credit is given to what is palpable. Personalities and inner qualities are apparent through time, but beauty is instantly visible. Hence, beauty prevails, making it common to overlook substance.

I'm not attacking beauty. Instead, I'm trying rather to emphasize that this obsession with beauty is unhealthy for the mind, body and soul. I'd love to challenge Koreans to really look into their reflections to see how they make Korean society look as a whole today.

Does the superficiality seen in Seoul reflection the true colors of the souls in Seoul? I hope not, because I'm sure that Koreans are better than their silhouettes and believe they have more in them to show.

The writer has worked in public relations and special events in the fashion industry in Los Angeles, Calif. Currently an English instructor and freelance writer, she can be reached at hannaholg30@gmail.com