Korean Beauty Standard in 200 Pounds Beauty: Gerbner's Cultivation Theory

Abstract

The study deals with cosmetic surgery through a K-movie, 200 Pounds Beauty. Applying Gerbner's cultivation theory the examination finds out how media influences the passion of the consumers about cosmetic surgery in achieving success. This research helps to analyze the representation as well as the cultivation of Korean beauty standards. The sample film promotes a culture where cosmetic surgery is normalized by showing the transformation of the main character “Hanna”. Through the application of some elements, i.e., core assumption, cultivation differential, resonance, and second-order effect from Gerbner's Cultivation theory, the audience establishes an impact on their beauty ideals. Core assumption uncovers how the selected K-movie portrays cosmetic surgery as a means to conform to societal expectations of beauty. This suggests the film can shape viewers’ beliefs about the desirability of cosmetic surgery in the pursuit of beauty and social acceptance. According to cultivation differential, high viewers (more screening time) might be adversely influenced by the idea that physical appearance is important for success and happiness. “Hanna" gets self-worth after transformation which might have a resisting impact on viewers. Resonance helps to understand that the viewers specifically going through appearance-related experiences and appearance-related-insecurities, might inhale resistive influence to aspire for cosmetic surgery. The second-order effect helps to analyze how likemovies increase willingness to consider cosmetic surgery as a viable option. This research suggests that like-movies not only reinforce societal beauty expectations but also play a significant role in the culturally different perception of cosmetic surgery. This investigation concludes that like-k-movies exercise a negative impact on consumers and societal perception. It finds out a narrow and unrealistic beauty ideal, where appearance is prioritized. Through the protagonist's transformation, this academic work indicates how complying with standards via surgery is desirably possible. However, the reinforcement of unattainable standards can lead to detrimental consequences by promoting body dissatisfaction, that encourages self-worth only by physical appearance, fitting within Gerbner's cultivation theory of media influence.