Some male K-pop idols opt for having armpit hair. But that’s quite uncommon. Most male K-pop idols choose to laser off their armpit hair for several reasons, from aesthetic to practical concerns. Here’s a breakdown of some common reasons.
Why Male K-pop Idols Do Not Have Armpit Hair
1. Clean and Aesthetic Appeal
In K-pop, idols are often held to high beauty standards, emphasizing a flawless, polished appearance. Smooth underarms without hair can be seen as cleaner and more appealing, aligning with the desired “perfect” look in an industry that heavily focuses on visual presentation.
Many K-pop outfits, especially during summer performances, feature sleeveless tops or even cropped shirts, where armpit hair might stand out in contrast to the idol’s otherwise clean aesthetic.
2. Cultural Beauty Standards
As part of Korean beauty standard, people emphasize on grooming and maintaining a “clean” image. The image includes smooth skin and well-kept body hair. This applies not only on women, but also on men. Korean male stars opt for hairless underarms as a mark of grooming and refinement.
Additionally, Korean culture often associates cleanliness with attractiveness. And removing underarm hair fits into the cultural preference for minimal body hair.
3. Hygiene and Comfort
As we all know, K-pop idols have rigorous, high-energy schedules that involve intense dance routines under hot stage lights. Their packed schedule and activities make sweat management a practical concern. Having no underarm hair reduces sweat retention, making it easier to stay fresh and avoid odor during long performances.
Lasering also eliminates the need for frequent shaving, which can lead to irritation and ingrown hairs, especially with the added strain of frequent sweating and costume changes.
4. Cosmetic and Skincare Industry Influence
South Korea’s skincare and beauty industry is highly advanced, and many cosmetic treatments that promote smooth skin are popular among idols. Laser hair removal is readily available and is marketed to both men and women as grooming essential, making it a convenient choice for idols who want smooth underarms.
K-pop agencies often encourage idols to maintain their appearances meticulously. They even schedule regular skincare and grooming sessions for them, including hair removal treatments.
5. Media and Camera Appearances
Idols are constantly filmed and photographed on stage in close-ups, interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and even live streams where they might raise their arms or have their bodies in view from all angles. Lasered underarms look smoother on camera, giving a refined look without the shadow or texture that hair can create.
High-definition cameras can accentuate even minor details, and a clean, hairless underarm can contribute to an idol’s overall polished image on the screen.
6. Professional Expectations and Peer Influence
As K-pop is a highly competitive industry, idols feel pressure to meet specific standards and follow trends other idols adopt. If one group or individual receives positive feedback for a particular look, others are often quick to follow.
Some idols also report that their management companies prefer or even require them to maintain smooth underarms to maintain a consistent, high-level appearance across the group.
7. Personal Reason
Stray Kids leader Bang Chan (방찬) once shared in an interview that he undergoes monthly laser hair removal treatment. He chooses to laser it off to avoid the need for frequent shaving. He explained that this choice is purely personal, as he feels more comfortable without body hair. His preference may stem from his background as a swimmer before becoming an idol, where minimal body hair helped enhance movement in the water.
Overall, the decision for K-pop idols to laser off their armpit hair aligns with a combination of cultural norms, practical benefits, and the high standards set by the entertainment industry. So, as K-pop fans, do you prefer your idols having armpit hair or having it removed?
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