The Metrosexuals are Invading Korea!
Don’t look now but there is push to introduce the metrosexual lifestyle to Korea
“Everyone has a desire to look better. But men have been just stuck in the stereotype of a strong man’s image associated with their classic suit and tie and have given up their freedom and creativity to express themselves,” Jung said.
Titled “Cut off Your Necktie Right Now (Chigum Tangjang Nektairul Chalrara),” Jung’s book introduces the rise of the metrosexual; a straight male who takes an active interest in maintaining a stylish appearance and enjoying his city lifestyle, and emphasizes that it should be a new paradigm for men in modern societies.
In the book, Jung points out that Confucianism has created a male-dominated society in Korea and played a great influence on forcing men to repress their individuality. But metrosexuality can be a good starting point to break wrong standards or old customs, he said.
Judging by Korean dramas I would think the metrosexuals are already making a foothold in Korea. Jung references this fact:
Jung believes Korean actor Bae Yong-joon is a good example of a metrosexual since he is very popular in Japan not because of his masculine appearance but because of the tender side he has shown fans, and it proves a modern and globalized society needs a new paradigm of men in diversified roles.
I wouldn’t say Bae Yong-joon looked very masculine in Winter Sonata an now his tenderness is in question with the leaked celebrity X file detailing his tendencies to slap people around. I wonder if it is because of his rumored steroid usage? You got to love tabloid crap. Imagine a whole country of Bae Yong-joon’s. Oh, the horror. I like ajushi just the way he is, I have no problems with him, even though ajushi can be a little grumpy at times and try to rip me off of my cab fare. Besides that we get along great.
