Korean Beauty Standard in 200 Pounds Beauty: Gerbner's Cultivation Theory

Abstract

The  study  deals  with  cosmetic  surgery  through  a  K-movie,  200  Pounds  Beauty.  Applying Gerbner's cultivation theory the examination finds out how media influences the passion of the  consumers  about  cosmetic  surgery  in  achieving  success. This  research  helps  to  analyze the  representation  as  well  as  the  cultivation  of  Korean  beauty  standards.  The  sample  film promotes a culture where cosmetic surgery is normalized by showing the transformation of the  main  character  “Hanna”.  Through  the  application  of  some  elements,   i.e.,   core assumption,  cultivation  differential,  resonance,  and  second-order  effect  from  Gerbner's Cultivation   theory,   the   audience   establishes   an   impact   on   their   beauty   ideals.   Core assumption  uncovers  how  the  selected  K-movie  portrays  cosmetic  surgeryas  a  means  to conform to societal expectations of beauty. This suggests the film can shape viewers’ beliefs about  the  desirability  of  cosmetic  surgery  in  the  pursuit  of  beauty  and  social  acceptance. According to cultivation differential, high viewers (more screening time) might be adversely influenced  by  the  idea  that  physical  appearance  is  important  for  success  and  happiness. “Hanna"  gets  self-worth  after  transformation  which  might  have  a  resisting  impact  on viewers.   Resonance   helps   to   understand   that   theviewers   specifically   going   through appearance-related  experiences  and  appearance-related-insecurities,  might  inhale  resistive influence to aspire for cosmetic surgery. The second-order effect helps to analyze how like-movies  increase  willingness  to  consider  cosmetic  surgery  as  a  viable  option.  This  research suggests  that  like-movies  not  only  reinforce  societal  beauty  expectations  but  also  play  a significant role in the culturally different perception of cosmetic surgery. This investigation concludes   that   like-k-movies   exercise   a   negative   impact   on   consumers   and   societal perception.  It  finds  out  a  narrow  and  unrealistic   beauty  ideal,  where  appearance  is prioritized.  Through  the  protagonist's  transformation,  this  academic  work  indicates  how complying  with  standards  via  surgery  is  desirably  possible.  However,  the  reinforcement  of unattainable   standards   can   lead   to   detrimental   consequences   by   promoting   body dissatisfaction,  that  encourages  self-worth  only  by  physical  appearance,  fitting  within Gerbner's cultivation theory of media influence