Reality Vs. Kdrama - Does Everyone Look Drama Ready?

(Kim Go-eun in "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God")

Actors in dramas look beautiful. All. The. Time. Their skin glows, their eyeliner is always straight, and, no matter what time of day or night, their characters are almost always made up and ready to meet Mr. or Ms. Right. But that's in dramas. What about real life? Are people in Seoul and Korea always that put together?

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Long answer short: yes! People here very often look drama ready at all times of the day or night. Korea places a lot of emphasis on looking good, clean, polished, and presentable. Women, especially in the busier areas of cities like Seoul and Busan, are on point with their makeup, even if its just the basics: BB cushion and mascara. In transit, many can be seen with a curler in their bangs and compact in one hand while preparing for the day ahead. Men less often wear makeup, and if then, usually only BB cream, but they do tend to dress quite nicely, especially those from their late teens to their 50s.

Back to doing makeup in public. It's a thing. If your lipstick needs touching up, don't bother to go to the bathroom. Just do it right at the table, or on the train, or while standing in line! Is a bit of fringe rebelling and pointing skyward? Tame the rebellion where you stand!

(Baek Jin-hee in "Jugglers", source)

Is this everyone? Of course not, but there is a distinct uniformity of style and presentability amongst people in Korea, especially in the cities. As you venture to the less populated areas, and indeed, the smaller cities, there tend to be more casual folk, especially amongst the older population. But even the oldest of grannies can be seen with her painted eyebrows, curly perm, and fancy lace gloves while sitting primly on the train. Koreans like to look good.

Although men aren't as heavy with their makeup, it is acceptable here to have skin care and hair care routines. Men's lines of skin and hair care are prominently featured in makeup stores and in transit, on the street, and in restaurants, they often look well groomed with the latest styles.

And yes, they do follow the latest styles. Men and women tend to follow the latest fashion trends strictly. Makeup seen on a group of women at a glance is almost always similar. Men sport a certain haircut. Curled fringe that frames the face is currently in for the ladies. Korea makes it easy to follow trends. It has an abundance of makeup retailers who offer goods at reasonable prices. You don't have to break the bank to look good. Plus, there is always online shopping.

(Lee Jong-suk with fabulous hair)

People may not be quite as glamorous as the stars while walking the streets of Seoul or Busan, but they are certainly well put-together and properly made up. It's a great place for you to put your best foot forward!

Written by: Lisa Espinosa AKA Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'

#LeeJongsuk #이종석 #Jugglers #저글러스 #BaekJinhee #백진희 #Guardian: The Lonely and Great God #쓸쓸하고 찬란하神-도깨비 #KimGoeun #김고은