Why is fair skin so wanted in kpop?
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It's a beauty standard throughout Asia. Countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and even South Asia tend to prefer lighter skin.
I can only speak for East Asia and Southeast Asia:
Historically, it indicates wealth and higher societal position.It doesn't necessarily have much to do with wanting to be like Caucasians, contrary to popular belief.
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beauty standards
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Asian countries used to be agricultural (farming or just working out doors). The poor would work outside and the rich would be inside. The tan skin vs. light skin thing is seen as poor vs. rich. This is a very explanation poor why of explaining it but if anyone has a better explanation pls let me know
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This is definitely it. This beauty standard came from differentiating between classes. Upper-class individuals often stayed inside and stayed fair-skinned while lower-class individuals had to work outside, where they got darker over time. As such, fair skin was associated with higher status in society.
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not only in kpop, it's also a case in cpop and I also don't like it...
Historically... it's mostly because in the past noble ladies weren't doing any hard work and they had umbrellas for sunny weather
and all others whom worked on field, or in the kitchen, or garden etc. always had much darker skin because they spend much more time outside.
What's interesting is that most notable and standing out idols are always those with darker skin tone kind of like "it girls"
Hyolyn, HwaSa, Jessi, Lee Hyori, etc.
Jennie for example also has darker skin, or like should I properly say she easily catches sun
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Strict beauty standards
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not only in kpop, it's also a case in cpop and I also don't like it...
Historically... it's mostly because in the past noble ladies weren't doing any hard work and they had umbrellas for sunny weather
and all others whom worked on field, or in the kitchen, or garden etc. always had much darker skin because they spend much more time outside.
What's interesting is that most notable and standing out idols are always those with darker skin tone kind of like "it girls"
Hyolyn, HwaSa, Jessi, Lee Hyori, etc.
Jennie for example also has darker skin, or like should I properly say she easily catches sun
I don't like it either. Colorism is wrong and can easily cause many to have self-esteem issues.
The good thing, though, is that not all Koreans (or Asians in general) are like that. I've seen videos where Koreans say they like tanner skin because it looks healthier. Some idols also embrace their tanner/darker skin.
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I really hate it's seen as a joking matter. Sometimes even between members.
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It's not just kpop idols. They are just reflection of what society wants and Kpop sells an ideal image which fair skin is also part of the beauty ideal package. My friends and I participated in similar jokes toward my tanned friends when I was younger as well.
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