Idealization of South Korean Sports Stars’ Bodies : A Critical Examination of Aesthetic Evaluation

This study explores how the idealization of athletes’ bodies is constructed, circulated, and internalized through media and public perception, and how this process shapes societal standards of physical ideals and aesthetic evaluation. The findings reveal that athletes’ bodies are often idealized beyond their functional athletic purpose, significantly influencing how the public evaluates their own bodies and sets physical aspirations. However, this process can lead to an excessive focus on physical appearance, often overshadowing the importance of athletic performance and health. To address these concerns, the study proposes alternative aesthetic criteria that prioritize functionality, health, and body diversity. Such criteria would enable athletes to maintain both performance and well-being while receiving positive recognition, and would promote more inclusive societal standards that emphasize diversity and functionality—ultimately reorienting public appreciation toward the fundamental values of sport.