Apart from being skilled in singing, dancing and rapping, one of the requirements of being a K-pop idol is to have a squeaky clean image, and we don’t just mean their onstage persona. Previously, fans debated whether or not male idols should shave their body hair so they don’t appear “dirty” when performing.
It’s common knowledge at this point that most idols nowadays, including male idols, would get laser hair removal treatment so that they could be hairless for as long as possible but why is that so? Based on our findings, here’s why we think these idols would resort to this specific hair removal treatment:
Company Requirement
S.M. KDrama & Kpop
Let’s start with the obvious: The K-pop industry is mostly catered to younger audiences so these talent agencies would want their idols to appear youthful and smooth. Any slight hint of facial or even body hair could possibly shatter fans’ fantasies as they would have to face the terrifying truth that their favourite male artists are ageing.
With that being said, not all companies are strict with this rule. SM Entertainment would normally allow their male idols to have body hair during their hiatus and this is evident whenever members of certain groups post selfies or do livestreams. Male artists under HYBE and JYP, on the other hand, would very rarely even go online if they did not appear smooth.
Personal Preferences
Recently, Stray Kids leader Bang Chan (방찬) revealed during an interview that he’d get laser hair removal treatment once a month and no longer need to worry about shaving every so often. This is more of a personal preference as he admitted that he feels more comfortable without body hair. This is probably due to his background as a swimmer prior to his idol career as having little to no body hair allows him to move through water more easily.
Korean Beauty Standards
One shouldn’t assume that beauty standards only apply to women. Men also face criticism if they do not look a certain way and idols are no exceptions. Whenever an idol performs onstage, fans tend to scrutinize their physical appearance. God forbid if some notice their idols with armpit hair. As mentioned in the previous article, many of the idols’ admirers would find it less appealing and demand they shave.
Surprisingly, this was not an issue for the older generation of K-pop male idols back in the day as they were not afraid to show off their 5 o’clock shadow and even sported a full-bearded look like Super Junior’s Siwon (최시원) or BIG BANG’s G-Dragon (지드래곤). Back then, it was also not a strict requirement to shave their body hair.
Cheaper and Last Longer
Regardless of whether or not it is a personal choice, laser hair removal treatment is actually the cheapest and most efficient option to stay hairless for as long as possible. As Bang Chan said, idols would not have to worry about shaving or waxing every so often as laser hair removal treatment could last them months or even a couple of years.
Not only that, apparently this treatment is affordable, depending on the body area and clinic of course. According to MomoTheRose, the cheapest would cost around KRW ₩10,000 (RM34) and you wouldn’t have to worry so much about making another appointment anytime soon.
What do you think could be another reason for male K-pop idols getting laser hair removal treatments?
Sources: YouTube (1)(2), Koreaboo (1)(2)(3)
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