Plastic surgeons name the most sought-after Korean beauty ideals: not Song Hye Kyo or Kim Tae Hee

Cosmetic surgery has long been a familiar topic in South Korea, where refining facial features to achieve a more “ideal” appearance is widely accepted. When people think of classic Korean beauty, legendary images such as Song Hye Kyo, Kim Tae Hee, Han Ga In or Jun Ji Hyun often come to mind. However, according to leading plastic surgery experts, these longtime icons are no longer the most referenced faces in clinics today.

Instead, a younger generation of celebrities has emerged as the new standard, with their facial features becoming the most sought-after models by patients seeking subtle yet eye-catching enhancements.

1. Double Eyelid Line In-Out

The double eyelid with an internal-external line features a subtle crease near the internal corner that becomes more defined towards the outside of the eye, creating a natural and delicate look. Celebrities often cited for this eye shape include Lim Bora, Kang Taeri, Suzy, Irene, and IU.

Among them, Im Bora has become one of the most popular references among young Koreans. Plastic surgeons praise her eyelids for appearance exceptionally natural, balanced and soft: an ideal choice for those who want an improvement without an obvious “surgical” appearance.

2. Double eyelids from semi-outline

The double semi-out line of the eyelid runs parallel to the lash line without being too deep or too shallow. This style offers a clean, well-defined look while maintaining a natural feel. Stars commonly cited as models for this type of eyelid include Jang Wonyoung (IVE), Sullyoon (NMIXX), and Jennie (BLACKPINK).

Jang Wonyoung, in particular, stands out as one of the most requested examples. Surgeons often highlight her large, bright eyes and perfectly proportioned crease, which create an eye-catching balance youthful charm, clarity and elegance.

3. “Natural but surprising” nose shapes.

Modern cosmetic trends show a strong preference for noses that appear natural at first glance but still have a clear structure and character. Popular references for this style include Shin Se Kyung, Minji (NewJeans), Go Youn Jung, Karina, and Winter (aespa).

Among these, Shin Se Kyung is often described as having one of the most coveted nose shapes today. Oh Jae Hyun, director of the famous One Peak Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, notes that its straight nose bridge combined with a slightly wider nasal base creates a unique and sophisticated look. This structure makes the face appear smaller, more three-dimensional, and especially photogenic on camera.

4. Flashy nose

The “flashy nose” trend refers to a tall, sharp, and visually striking nose that immediately stands out. This style is preferred by those who want a strong, glamorous impression rather than subtle sophistication. Celebrities often used as references include Yoo Hye Won and Min Hyo Rin.

Yoo Hye Won, in particular, is considered a textbook example of a bold, elevated nose that many women aspire to replicate, thanks to its dramatic contours and strong visual presence.

Sources: K14

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