Belgian photographer Maroesjka Lavigne’s series ‘You are More than Beautiful’ examines the social pressure to be beautiful in Seoul.
The obsession with beauty stems from the South Korean capital’s highly competitive society, where it is regarded as a symbol of wealth and status, and used as a tool to get ahead in all aspects of life.
This relentless pursuit of physical perfection has led to a booming plastic surgery industry, which is further fueled by celebrities who go under the knife to attain double eyelids, straight noses and slim, pointed chins.
“From getting into the best schools, to landing a good job, to finding a man and to having a wealthy life, there is never a moment’s peace. People are competing with each other all the time. And of course, beauty plays a key part in this competition. In Seoul, a picture on your school or job application is a must. Girls get nose jobs as a graduation gift in order to get a better job.”
Lavigne’s poignant photographs capture the extent of this trend, from young women undergoing surgery, and television screens and billboards advertising plastic surgery procedures, to girls checking their appearance in a nightclub.
View some images from her series below.
[via Lens Culture, images via Maroesjka Lavigne]