A Makeover in K-Pop Land

July 3, 2018

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People have been trying to improve their physical appearances and features for ages. Despite the risks associated with cosmetic surgery, many opt to go under the knife in a bid to alter their looks. The discipline is so advanced today that clients are willing to shell out for a day or two in an operating theatre to have a bump on the bridge of the nose, a breast implant, or the chin chiseled. Well, it feels great to look good with improved self-esteem and confidence as an added bonus.

BANA K-Beauty Agency | Photograph: Courtesy of Bana K-Beauty

But as in all surgeries, there are various risks associated with it, so take precautions and spend time researching before you make a decision.

For many Thais, South Korea has become the most popular destination for cosmetic surgery in the past few years. Thanks to the relentless onslaught of K-Pop music in Southeast Asia and South Korea’s addiction to cosmetic surgery, the boom has attracted new clients from other parts of Asia who want to look like those K-pop cuties.

Several agencies in Thailand that represent hospitals in Korea are busy doing out advice on the kind of cosmetic procedures provided by the range of hospitals distinguishable by their specialized services. Some are famous for adjusting facial contouring while others are experts in eyelid and face lifts, rhinoplasty (nose job), or breast enhancement.

There is a language barrier when it comes to making enquiries directly with the hospitals. Therefore, agencies will provide translation and arrange accommodation for surgical clients before they fly off. The following are the normal pre-flight steps suggested by most agencies:

1. A VDO conference call will be arranged usually at the agency’s office to discuss with a cosmetic specialist of a hospital in Korea to understand what the client wants to improve before an appointment is made with a doctor. The agency will provide a translator to help explain the processes and procedures.

2. In many cases, the doctor would make an appointment to fly over at least once a month from Korea to meet with potential clients lined up by the agency so that they can meet face-to-face to provide counseling and conduct a more thorough examination of what is to be done. Pricing will be clarified and advised before the final decision is made.

3. Once the agreement is finalized, the client agrees on the date and traveling details before flying to Korea for surgery. The agency will provide a ground translator to assist clients for the duration of their stay in Korea.

Most of the hospitals are located in Gangnam, one of the most famous central business districts in Seoul. After the surgery, patients will be moved into hotels nearby as most cosmetic hospitals do not have wards for inpatients. The hotel will be close enough to walk over to the hospital as they still need to meet the doctor daily for another seven to 10 days until the client’s condition improves enough to return home. After returning to Thailand, the agency will arrange follow-up appointments with partnered clinics here to check on the recovery and care for the stitches; thus, making sure clients are satisfied with the outcome.

The writer would like to thank BANA K-Beauty Agency
(www.bana-kbeauty.com , Tel. 062 509 8595) for the photos/data.