Cosmetic Surgery for Young Jobseekers on the Rise in South Korea
[www.ntdtv.com 2011-06-30 07:35]
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all – or more to the point, who will get the next job?
According to the Jungang Daily newspaper, the labor market remains bleak for many young people in South Korea. Youth unemployment climbed to 8.7 percent last month. Many see their personal appearance as a key factor in a successful job application.
[Dr. Yoon Joo Lee, Senior Cosmetic Surgeon]:
“Over 30% of people who failed to get a job after an interview thought it was because of their appearance. The most popular surgery procedures are rhinoplasty, double eyelid surgery, facial contouring and scar removal.”
Dr. Lee has been in the cosmetic surgery industry for 25 years. He’s seen changing trends over the past years.
[Dr. Yoon Joo Lee, Senior Cosmetic Surgeon]:
“Very few men received plastic surgery before. Now there is an increase of plastic surgery in men.”
In a survey by JobKorea, the biggest concern amongst applicants was not their formal qualifications, but their personal appearance. University student Jay Seo says many of his friends may consider cosmetic surgery when they graduate.
[Jay Seo, University Student]:
“They get plastic surgery so they get a job. This kind of competition right, the more handsome the more beautiful person, survive the competition.”
And with no changes in sight for the youth job market, this trend may become an upward spiral.
Emma Hall, NTD news, Daejeon, South Korea.