From Idols to Ideals: The Influence of Korean Culture on Adolescents Body Image

Anorexia nervosa is a severe mental health disorder prevalent among adolescents in South Korea, where rising beauty standards, heavily influenced by K-culture and social media, are linked to body dissatisfaction (National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2021). The present review addresses gaps in how South Korean cultural ideals, particularly related to K-culture, impact body image and contribute to disordered eating among teenagers. A systematic review assessed the relationship between Korean cultural standards and adolescent body image. Three key themes emerged: media's influence on body image, the link between body image distortion and eating disorder risk, and the impact of sociocultural factors on body dissatisfaction. Media, especially K-culture, was found to contribute to unhealthy beauty standards, promoting body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors. Psychological-related factors such as anxiety and weight misperception were related to heightened eating disorder risks. Lastly, sociocultural pressures to conform to idealized body standards were found to exacerbate body dissatisfaction further. Ultimately, this study highlights the significant role of South Korean media and cultural pressures in shaping adolescents' body image and increasing disordered eating risks. Addressing these societal influences is critical for promoting healthier body perceptions and reducing eating disorders among teens. Future research should explore intervention strategies to minimize these cultural pressures.