Do Chinese women believe contemporary girl-power K-pop groups influence their physical and psychological attitudes about their bodies and beauty aesthetics?

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of contemporary K-pop girl groups on Chinese women’s perceptions of body image, beauty aesthetics, and empowerment. Through a combination of qualitative research methods and surveys, the research reveals that while K-pop girl groups have inspired discussions on female empowerment, their influence is often superficial and commercialized. The commercialization of female empowerment in K-pop reinforces unattainable beauty standards, leading to increased appearance anxiety and mental health challenges among young Chinese women. The study also highlights the role of social media in amplifying these effects, further complicating the relationship between K-pop’s portrayal of empowerment and the lived experiences of its audience. The findings underscore the need for more critical engagement with media messages and suggest that the empowerment promoted by K-pop girl groups may not fully challenge traditional gender norms or address broader structural inequalities.