CNN caught Yonhap’s attention by claiming in a report on cosmetic eyelid surgery in Korea that Korean women began getting the procedure in the 1950s in order to draw the attention of U.S. GIs by looking more white.
Where they got that information, I don’t know. Korea’s first eyejobs are believed to have been performed by Oh Yeop-ju, Korea’s first beautician, during the 1930s.
As always with a piece of this nature, Naver.com’s comment section provides the most entertainment.
6 Comments
They probably got that information from an old James Michener novel. As I recall, Michener specifically attributed one of the major supporting character’s wife’s eye surgery to a desire to look more American to please her husband. if I recall, both commit suicide when some troubles arise in getting the wife a visa. Michener, and the rest of America, were probably blissfully unaware of any other possible motivations that Asian women might have for seeking cosmetic surgery. But then, that was back before American women discovered the wonders of silicone. After all, neither Michener or anyone who would have served as a commentator on Japanese or Asian cultures, spoke any Asian languages. (Really great novelist though. His “Tales of the South Pacific” is an absolute classic! And, the love interest was actually a Vietnamese. Since Americans had no idea of what a “Tonkinese” was, they portrayed her as some exotic South Sea island maid.)
They probably got that information from an old James Michener novel. As I recall, Michener specifically attributed one of the major supporting character’s wife’s eye surgery to a desire to look more American to please her husband. if I recall, both commit suicide when some troubles arise in getting the wife a visa.
Never read the book, but I thought the film was quite good for its time.
Speaking as an American male myself, I think President Roh looks much cuter after his botox treatnents and eyelid surgery.
It might be true but RIDICULOUS! I don’t even think that my husband (and my EXs) found me attractive if I had had eye surgery. My Korean girlfriends and my bro always made fun of me that the average looking girl like me (even 30 something!) didn’t seem to have any problem finding a good American man.
I always think that North American men appreciate natural or Asian looks than Korean men do; although I have a second thought now by reading the Marmot’s recent entry “Miss World Cup Mina” and the comments.
Korean Women does not need SSangkapool look great for GI. Most GI likes any Korean women who are pretty and skinny and who has long straight hair.
So this explains the types of chicks who hang out at Gecko’s trying to pick up American officers and expats…got it. It may also explain the chicks who hang out at XO and King Club with big booty and Missy Elliott apparel who want to draw the attention of Nigerians and African-Americans…got it. But how should the hoes on Hooker Hill draw the attention of the Muslims who ply the streets after midnight? Perhaps wearing a veil would be more beneficial than surgery?