K-beauty is not a niche market. Built around dewy skin with no visible pores, big eyes, a thin body, it’s the “ideal” for pop stars, celebrities, and regular people across the world.

The industry, built on Korean skincare and makeup products, is the result of “hallyu” — exporting of South Korean pop culture that the government has helped sponsor since the 1990s.

In her new book, “Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital,” Elise Hu describes how digital filters and a booming beauty economy have transformed the industry, societal expectations, and what’s actually achievable when it comes to that “flawless” finish.

This interview originally aired on June 6th, 2023.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. 

Guest: 
Elise Hu: journalist, podcaster, and author of “Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital”

K-beauty is not a niche market. Built around dewy skin with no visible pores, big eyes, a thin body, it’s the “ideal” for pop stars, celebrities, and regular people across the world.
The industry, built on Korean skincare and makeup products, is the result of “hallyu” — exporting of South Korean pop culture that the government has helped sponsor since the 1990s.
In her new book, “Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital,” Elise Hu describes how digital filters and a booming beauty economy have transformed the industry, societal expectations, and what’s actually achievable when it comes to that “flawless” finish.
This interview <a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/elise-hu-on-her-new-book-flawless-lessons-in-looks-and-culture-from-the-k-beauty-capital">originally aired</a> on June 6th, 2023.
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. 
Guest: 
<ul>
<li>Elise Hu: journalist, podcaster, and author of “Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital”</li>
</ul>

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