Social Media Interactions (2020-2024) as a Decision-making Factor for Undergoing a Plastic Surgery in the Republic of Korea

This study explores how social media influences the rising trend of cosmetic surgery in South Korea. Analyzing people's interaction on social platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, as well as online Korean forums theqoo and Instiz from 2020 to 2024, one can understand that the approval of the cult of plastic surgery in Korea occurred almost daily. This is expressed in the way Koreans write and discuss this topic on social media. As a result, this can push people to get plastic surgery because they do not “fit” the beauty standards. By combining qualitative and quantitative methods, the research aims to understand the impact of societal norms, cultural values, and online content on perceptions of beauty and attitudes toward plastic surgery. The study revealed that social media interaction influences the decision to undergo plastic surgery as social media approval escalates. With the advancement of communication technologies, the daily consumption of content from various sources encourages people to initially contemplate plastic surgery, and in the future, most likely, undergo it. This analysis can assist in the regulation of the issue of beauty standards, ensuring that plastic surgery is a decision made by the individual, rather than influenced by external factors. The findings have implications for promoting body positivity and informed decision-making regarding cosmetic surgery.