'Do something with an edge.' It is the TV Dram Style's famous quote. Many people like beauty and gorgeous appearance, so the general public is very interested in the style of various fields like makeup or fashion. Likewise, a lot of Sookmyungians show interest in putting on a good appearance. The Sookmyung Times (SMT) asked Chinese and Taiwanese exchange students at SMU about what Korea looks like from the perspective of foreigners and compared with other countries. Zhang Yuan Bo (ZHANG) of China and Lee Wan Chen (LEE) of Taiwan talked freely together about their opinions.
APPEARANCE
SMT Have you ever used Korean cosmetics?
ZHANG My mother uses cosmetic, Sulwhasoo. In China, there are many cosmetics stores like Skinfood and The Face Shop. Chinese students often use these because of their cheap prices.
LEE I use Skinfood. I think Taiwanese also like Skinfood's quality is so good and the cosmetics are comfortable to use.
SMT You may feel, Korean women put on makeup every day.
ZHANG Korean women put on makeup a lot as compared with Chinese women. I think most Koreans take appearance very seriously. Chinese don't think about appearance as much as Koreans. In my opinion, wearing makeup is different on all such occasions. For example, at the party, thick smoky makeup which is in fashion now in Korea is okay, but daily, it is a little tiresome to me but I think it is great that students wake up early and put on makeup although they have a class in the morning.
LEE Many Koreans think putting on makeup is manners, so I have to wake up early for wearing makeup. It is so tiresome. The number of days wearing makeup increases to come in Korea. In case of Taiwan, students don't wear makeup a lot like Koreans, too.
SMT Then, what do you think about 'Lookism' which is discrimination against or prejudice towards others based on their appearance?
LEE Although people grow up, appearance is considered as important, so I think it is okay for people to lay stress on appearance. However, inner beauty is more important. Many Korean women have plastic surgery. Is it reflection of rampant Lookism in Korea?
ZHANG I agree people should take care of the way they look for self-improvement, too. However it isn't good to be more concerned with appearance than ability. Of course, it is different according to what kind of job. For example, in case of flight attendant, appearance can be considered important, but in other plain jobs, ability is more important than looks.
FASHION
SMT Are there differences between Korea and China or Taiwan in fashion?
LEE In Korea, women put on high heels a lot more than in Taiwan and it is strange to me that men wear skin-tight jeans because in Taiwan, if a man wears skin-tight jeans, people will think he is gay. Also, Korean men entertainers put on makeup so much. Makeup which emphasizes eyes is awkward and men's bangs shaped in straight line are also not familiar to me.
ZHANG In China, men don't wear skinny jeans and male entertainers don't put on smoky eye makeup either. Korean women wear stockings so much. In China, if the weather is cold, people don't wear stockings but Koreans wear stockings no matter how cold the weather may be. Even some high school students wear school uniform skirts without stockings! Inaddition, Koreans follow fashion trends so much. It is different from China. I think following trends is good if the trend dress fits nicely but if not, it is a little awkward. And, many Korean undergraduates get a perm.
SMT In China or Taiwan, do people prefer brand-name products?
LEE In Taiwan, there are some people who carry a luxury bag. However, many students don't lay stress on brand name or luxury goods. Of course, office workers have some interest in those but in Taiwan, many people consider pretty design, not brand-name. Nevertheless, students consider sports brands like Nike and Adidas.
ZHANG In China, students don't havev much interest in brand-name, either. People don¡flt care about brand-name if the goods match them well. However, Chinese undergraduates wear famous sports brands like Korea and Taiwan because they don¡flt wear trainin clothes only when they exercise, but also when they live in daily life.
