What is the 50kg rule in Korea?
Asked by: Brant Pacocha | Last update: July 14, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (62 votes)
The "50kg rule" (or "50kg myth") is a pervasive cultural beauty standard in South Korea. It reflects an expectation that a woman should weigh 50 kg (approximately 110 lbs) or less, regardless of her actual height.
What is 50kg in Korea?
This obsession with being thin has even given rise to what's called the “50kg myth” among young people – a belief that a woman weighing over 50 kilograms (110 pounds) is chubby in Korea, regardless of their height, as girl group members often talk about breaching the 50kg bar as if it is something unimaginable.
Is 50 kg good for 5'7"?
Ideal body weight (men) = 50 kg + 1.9 kg for every inch above 5 feet. Ideal body weight (women) = 49 kg + 1.7 kg for every inch above 5 feet.
Is 5'7" short for a Korean guy?
No, 5'7" is not short for a Korean guy. It is right at or just slightly below the national average for South Korean men, which typically ranges from 173 to 174 cm (about 5'8" to 5'9").
Who is taller, Japanese or Korean?
Yes, South Koreans are on average taller than Japanese people. Recent data indicates that South Korean males are roughly 3–4 cm (about 1–1.5 inches) taller than their Japanese counterparts. This difference is largely attributed to improved nutrition, diet, and rapid economic development in South Korea over the past few decades.
Why are Koreans so slim? (from a Korean's perspective)
Are Korean men circumcised?
Yes, South Korean men have a very high rate of circumcision, with approximately 75–77% of men having the procedure, placing Korea among the highest rates globally. Unlike the US, this practice only became common after the Korean War, heavily influenced by US military presence, and is typically performed during adolescence (middle/high school) rather than at birth.
What's considered chubby in Korea?
In South Korea, beauty standards are exceptionally strict, meaning the threshold for being considered "chubby" is much lower than in Western countries.
What is Korea's obesity rate?
Approximately 34% to 38% of South Korean adults are classified as obese (defined locally as a BMI of ≥25is greater than or equal to 25≥25 kg/m2squared2). This rate has steadily increased over the last decade, with men experiencing significantly higher prevalence rates than women.
Why don't doctors use BMI anymore?
Doctors are moving away from relying solely on Body Mass Index (BMI) because it is an outdated, simplistic measure that does not accurately reflect individual health. The American Medical Association (AMA) now advises using it only alongside other metrics, as BMI fails to distinguish muscle mass from fat, disregards fat distribution, and was based on limited, non-diverse population data.
How many kg is considered skinny?
There is no single "skinny" weight because weight is entirely relative to your height. Health professionals define a skinny or underweight body type as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18.518.518.5. For example, if you are 165 cm (5'5"), this threshold is about 50 kg; if you are 180 cm (5'11"), it is about 60 kg.
Is 55 kg fat in Korea?
In South Korea, a woman weighing over 50 kilograms is considered by many to be chubby, regardless of how tall she is.
What is 7 Years Curse in Kpop?
The "7-year curse" in K-pop refers to the common phenomenon where idol groups disband, lose members, or fail to renew contracts around their seventh anniversary. It stems from the standard maximum seven-year contract term enforced by South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission, making the 7-year mark a critical turning point for renegotiation or separation.
Which kpop idol is 40 kg?
Recently, Seunghee of OH MY GIRL surprised viewers on the YouTube channel “Mim PD” when she revealed her weight was just “40 kilograms” (about 88 pounds).
What is the no. 1 disease in Korea?
Cancer has been the number one cause of death in South Korea since 1983, with malignant neoplasms remaining the leading killer as of 2024 data. Among cancer types, lung cancer is responsible for the highest mortality. Following cancer, heart disease and pneumonia are the next leading causes of death.
What is the #1 country for obesity?
Based on recent 2026 data, Tonga is frequently ranked as the #1 most obese country in the world, with over 70% of its adult population considered obese. Pacific Island nations, including Nauru and American Samoa, top global rankings due to high consumption of imported, processed foods.
Why is obesity low in Korea?
The continued low level of total fat in the overall diet and the high intake of fruit and vegetables (a large proportion of which comes from Kimchi) bode well for South Korea. Clearly, these dietary patterns are related to the low obesity levels.
Is being skinny a beauty standard in Korea?
Yes, being extremely thin is a dominant and deeply ingrained beauty standard in South Korea, often referred to as a "slender" or "skinny" ideal. This standard is characterized by a preference for a very low BMI, with many young women often overestimating their body size and striving for weight loss, even when at a healthy weight.
What is the ideal waist size in Korea?
In South Korea, the ideal waist size often emphasized in beauty standards is exceptionally slim, frequently cited around 22–24 inches (approx. 56–61 cm) for women, often referred to as an "ant waist". For general clothing, the average "55" (S) size corresponds to a ~26-inch (66 cm) waist, while 24-inch waists are highly prized in K-pop aesthetics.
What is the most circumcised country in the world?
Several countries have near-100% male circumcision rates due to religious and cultural traditions, with Morocco, Palestine, Afghanistan, Tunisia, Iran, and Mauritania often cited as having rates of 99% or higher. These high rates are primarily driven by Muslim-majority demographics, where the practice is widespread.
Why are 80% of men circumcised?
Most undergo the procedure for religious reasons: 68.8% of the world's circumcised men are Muslim, with an additional 0.8% belonging to the Jewish faith.
Is circumcision declining in Korea?
Focusing on the flagship age group of 14–16, this drop suggests that, considering the population structure of Korean males, approximately one million fewer circumcision operations have been performed in the last decade relative to the case of non-decline.