While a definitive "yes" or "no" answer is elusive, the Korean preference for lip size presents a nuanced picture. It's not simply a matter of "small" versus "large." Several sources indicate a complex interplay of factors influencing attractiveness.
The Korean Beauty Standard and Lip Size
The Korean beauty standard (KBS) is often cited as favoring smaller facial features, including a smaller mouth. This doesn't automatically translate to exclusively thin lips. Several studies show that while a preference for smaller lips exists among Asians generally, Koreans exhibit a broader tolerance for slightly larger lip sizes compared to other Asian populations.
One study even suggests that Korean men and women were judged to have the most attractive lips among various Asian groups (Lip Measurements and Preferences in Asians and Hispanics: A Brief ...). This seemingly contradicts the common notion of exclusively thin lips being ideal.
Context Matters: The Whole Package
Importantly, lip size isn't considered in isolation. The overall facial harmony and balance are paramount. A smaller mouth might be perceived as attractive if it fits proportionally with other facial features. Conversely, even fuller lips can be considered beautiful if the overall facial aesthetic is considered pleasing. This is well illustrated by this Quora response: "Does the Korean beauty standard favor small or big lips?" – it indicates that both big and small lips can be attractive depending on the overall appearance. Another Quora response further demonstrates this: "Are big lips not a big deal in South Korea?" pointing out that even if thin lips are more common in ideal beauty standards, thick lips are not uncommon in celebrities. This highlights the subjectivity within the KBS.
Reddit discussions (https://www.reddit.com/r/unpopularopinion/comments/11yhkmu/thin_lips_are_far_more_pretty_and_natural_looking/, https://www.reddit.com/r/kpopthoughts/comments/za4f2n/no_kbs_visuals_cant_be_calculated_sorry_tiktok/, https://www.reddit.com/r/kpoprants/comments/za4hjr/no_kbs_visuals_cant_be_calculated_sorry/) further emphasize the variability in perception and the impossibility of assigning a fixed standard.
In conclusion, the attractiveness of lip size in Korea isn't solely determined by size, but rather by the overall balance and harmony of the face.
