[Opinion] The Bioethics of Plastic Surgery

Jae

December 20, 2012

As far as K-pop celebrities (including idols) are concerned, visual appeal goes hand in hand with auditory appeal. As much as good voices, it is no doubt that visual appeal of the artists is a major driving factor for the success of K-pop worldwide.

The question of plastic surgery garners as much interest as quality works released by artists. While there is nothing wrong about it, and nothing is stopping our interests in these celebrity gossips centered on plastic surgery, what do we gain from this interest after all? After all, all of us are born curious creatures.

First of all, I think celebrities shouldn’t be judged on their looks per se. But since K-pop is meant to be enjoyed as a whole package (visual and auditory), leaving little room for any lack of either visual or auditory element, plastic surgery for enhanced physical appearance is a necessity in Korean entertainment (especially for idol celebrities). In other words, plastic surgery may be as important as the training received by entertainment trainees.

Hence there is little room for argument against enhancing one’s looks for career success in the entertainment industry.

This year, I am shocked with the news of a man suing his wife in court for “being ugly”. Putting it specifically, the wife received plastic surgery prior to meeting the man, and has since kept the knowledge from him. It was not until his daughter was born that he found out about it. The man went on to win the case, in which the judge verdict that “the wife has tricked the man into marrying her.”

The court case set a new precedent and opens up a relatively unexplored ethical question on plastic surgery. Should one confess about plastic surgery to one’s partner? How will plastic surgery affects the next generation?

Coming back to the question – why are we obsessed about scrutinizing celebrities about plastic surgery? What can idols learn from the landmark court case?

While we do not deny the idols (sometimes their agencies’) right to perform plastic surgery, the court case does raise the question of accountability. One day, these idols may get married and have children, and the ethical question will be faced by their partners and children just like the man and his daughter in the court case.

Instead of being a “busybody question” with little value, we can use the question of plastic surgery to test the courage of idols to be accountable for their actions. At the same time, the idols can take this opportunity to prove their accountability; in turn their answers will be a test for fans and ordinary folks for their maturity and openness to accept celebrities for who they are.

In all circumstances, I think that honesty is the best policy. What are your takes?

Article by Biopolymath & Jenny

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