Sex Noise
A couple in Zwickau in the German state of Saxony has reportedly been evicted from their apartment for being too loud while having sex, Daily Bild reported Monday.
“The frequency and tremendous volume of their screaming and moaning can be heard in the entire house and it's become a no longer acceptable nuisance,” the landlord explained in the couple’s eviction notice. The 25-year-old man Michael Krug, his similarly aged partner Nicole Kühn and their two small children must now leave the apartment by mid-April, the paper reported. Fortunately, the randy couple has apparently already found a new place to live with much thicker walls than their current flat.
2010-03-31
Big Boobs Man
Big Boobs Man
Chinese doctors claim to have discovered the biggest case of man boobs in the world after a 53-year-old dairy farmer turned up at a specialist chest clinic in Beijing, Austrian Times reported.
Doctor Zhang Lilan at the Jinan Chest Hospital said: "The man is in every way male except for his enormous breasts. He is a farmer and says they are extremely uncomfortable as he has to do a lot of manual work and they get in the way of everything.
The man, Guo Feng, said: "About 10 years ago my chest started to get larger but I didn't think much of it as I was putting on weight all over ― but in the last few years it's become unbearable and I have been from one hospital to the other with nobody able to help me.”
Doctor Zhang added: "In 30 years of working as specialist here at the chest clinic I have never seen anything like that."
Chinese doctors claim to have discovered the biggest case of man boobs in the world after a 53-year-old dairy farmer turned up at a specialist chest clinic in Beijing, Austrian Times reported.
Doctor Zhang Lilan at the Jinan Chest Hospital said: "The man is in every way male except for his enormous breasts. He is a farmer and says they are extremely uncomfortable as he has to do a lot of manual work and they get in the way of everything.
The man, Guo Feng, said: "About 10 years ago my chest started to get larger but I didn't think much of it as I was putting on weight all over ― but in the last few years it's become unbearable and I have been from one hospital to the other with nobody able to help me.”
Doctor Zhang added: "In 30 years of working as specialist here at the chest clinic I have never seen anything like that."
Proud to Be Gay
Proud to Be Gay
After years of speculation, Puerto Rican pop sensation Ricky Martin has announced that he is gay and he is proud of it, IBN reported.
On his Web site he said he kept quiet for many years because his advisers warned that coming out of the closet could hurt his career.
Martin, who has sold more than 60 million albums in a career spanning three decades, also fathered two children with a surrogate mother two years ago.
Martin said he was blessed to be who he was and was relieved to finally declare his true sexuality.
After years of speculation, Puerto Rican pop sensation Ricky Martin has announced that he is gay and he is proud of it, IBN reported.
On his Web site he said he kept quiet for many years because his advisers warned that coming out of the closet could hurt his career.
Martin, who has sold more than 60 million albums in a career spanning three decades, also fathered two children with a surrogate mother two years ago.
Martin said he was blessed to be who he was and was relieved to finally declare his true sexuality.
Ricky Martin Comes Out: The Economic Fallout
Ricky Martin Comes Out: The Economic Fallout
By Christopher John Farley
Getty Images
Pop star Ricky Martin came out of the closet today on his Web site.
Puerto Rican pop singer Ricky Martin came out of the closet today on his Web site. But the story of real import may be this: What are the economic consequences of a male pop star coming out? (For more on Martin’s announcement, go here.)
On his site, Martin writes that associates warned him about opening up his personal life because of the risk to his career and image. He wrote on his Web site: “Many people told me: ‘Ricky it’s not important’, ‘it’s not worth it’, ‘all the years you’ve worked and everything you’ve built will collapse’, ‘many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature.’”
Speakeasy decided to take a look at a few male pop and rock stars who have announced that they are gay to see how their careers fared before and after their public revelations:
Elton John
Before: A Grammy-winning pop star who sold millions of records world-wide.
After: A Grammy-winning pop star who still sells millions of records world-wide and also writes music for hit musicals like “The Lion King,” “Aida,” and “Billy Elliot,” and the movie version of “The Lion King.” And he’s Sir Elton now.
George Michael
Before: One of the biggest pop stars in the world, first as half of the pop duo Wham!, and then as a solo artist.
After: Post-coming out albums such as “Patience” (2004) haven’t sold as well as the releases of Michael’s heyday, such as “Faith” (1987), but he’s had success in Europe and elsewhere around the world.
Clay Aiken
Before: The vocalist finished second to Ruben Studdard on “American Idol,” but he far outsold the champ and his 2003 debut album “Measure of a Man” started out at number one on the charts, powered in part by legions of female fans who called themselves “Claymates.”
After: Some Claymates went public with their disappointment with the singer coming out. Aiken’s last album “On My Way Here” debuted at number four on the charts and didn’t generate anything approaching the interest of his debut.
Adam Lambert
Before: The theatrical rocker finished second to winner Kris Allen on “American Idol” in 2009 though many critics had predicted he would win.
After: Lambert sparked controversy after simulating oral sex and kissing a male band member during a performance on the American Music Awards. Despite the media furor, his first album debuted at number three on the charts, and his release has outsold Allen’s album by a wide margin. Lambert’s music has been featured in movies such as “2012″ and he’s a staple on the morning, afternoon and late-night talk shows.
Ricky Martin
By Christopher John Farley
Getty Images
Pop star Ricky Martin came out of the closet today on his Web site.
Puerto Rican pop singer Ricky Martin came out of the closet today on his Web site. But the story of real import may be this: What are the economic consequences of a male pop star coming out? (For more on Martin’s announcement, go here.)
On his site, Martin writes that associates warned him about opening up his personal life because of the risk to his career and image. He wrote on his Web site: “Many people told me: ‘Ricky it’s not important’, ‘it’s not worth it’, ‘all the years you’ve worked and everything you’ve built will collapse’, ‘many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature.’”
Speakeasy decided to take a look at a few male pop and rock stars who have announced that they are gay to see how their careers fared before and after their public revelations:
Elton John
Before: A Grammy-winning pop star who sold millions of records world-wide.
After: A Grammy-winning pop star who still sells millions of records world-wide and also writes music for hit musicals like “The Lion King,” “Aida,” and “Billy Elliot,” and the movie version of “The Lion King.” And he’s Sir Elton now.
George Michael
Before: One of the biggest pop stars in the world, first as half of the pop duo Wham!, and then as a solo artist.
After: Post-coming out albums such as “Patience” (2004) haven’t sold as well as the releases of Michael’s heyday, such as “Faith” (1987), but he’s had success in Europe and elsewhere around the world.
Clay Aiken
Before: The vocalist finished second to Ruben Studdard on “American Idol,” but he far outsold the champ and his 2003 debut album “Measure of a Man” started out at number one on the charts, powered in part by legions of female fans who called themselves “Claymates.”
After: Some Claymates went public with their disappointment with the singer coming out. Aiken’s last album “On My Way Here” debuted at number four on the charts and didn’t generate anything approaching the interest of his debut.
Adam Lambert
Before: The theatrical rocker finished second to winner Kris Allen on “American Idol” in 2009 though many critics had predicted he would win.
After: Lambert sparked controversy after simulating oral sex and kissing a male band member during a performance on the American Music Awards. Despite the media furor, his first album debuted at number three on the charts, and his release has outsold Allen’s album by a wide margin. Lambert’s music has been featured in movies such as “2012″ and he’s a staple on the morning, afternoon and late-night talk shows.
Ricky Martin
2010-03-27
Ireland’s Ibrahim Named Mr World 2010
Ireland’s Ibrahim Named Mr World 2010
New Mr World
Ireland's Kamal Ibrahim
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
INCHEON ― Ireland's Kamal Ibrahim was named Mr World 2010 at the contest's finale at Sondo ConvensiA, Saturday.
The Czech Republic's Josef Karas was runner-up and Nigeria's Kenneth Okolie was second runner-up.
The competition was designed to find ``the world's most desirable man'' ― someone not only tall and good-looking, but also intelligent and amiable. During the 16-day journey in Korea, the three winners had stood out more than others for their sense of leadership and camaraderie toward fellow contestants.
The grand finale opened with a graceful Korean traditional fan dance and energetic taekwondo performances. The 74 national representations were introduced, and the three presenters of the evening ― actors Lee Da-hae and Julien Kang and British pop star Alesha Dixon ― took the stage.
Dixon hyped up the crowd of some 1,500 singing her smash number ``The Boy Does Nothing,'' and the first part of the event culminated with the announcement of the 15 semifinalists.
The show followed with Girls' Generation. The top K-pop group, dressed in white and orange as cheerful cheerleaders, sang their hit dance songs ``Oh'' and ``Gee'' to a sensational audience, which included many vocal young fans. The numerous VIP guests from near and far, including Angola's charge d'affaires to Korea, Alfredo Dombe, looked on with a smile.
The air in the hall tensioned as the semifinalist group was narrowed down to five. Many in the audience were disappointed with the elimination of Korea's Yoo Ji-kwang, who had won the fast-track to the top 15 by winning the talent show. The contestants of India, Greece, Germany and Guadeloupe, among others, expressed regret when Dixon announced the top five.
The top five included, in addition to the winning representatives of Ireland, Czech Republic and Nigeria, the Netherlands' Honza Jan Filipi and Lebanon's Abdul Rahman El Balaa.
The evening came to a close as Julia Morley, chairperson of the Miss World Organization, co-organizer of the event with The Hankook Ilbo-The Korea Times Media Group, announced the winners starting with third place.
After Nigeria and the Czech Republic were announced as runners-up, Ireland's Ibrahim was seen holding tightly onto his fellow contestants, and then break into a smile to hear ``Ireland.''
``I feel a bit numb right now at the moment, it really hasn't sunk in yet,'' the 24-year-old told the press after receiving his trophy.
``I came hoping to make top 15, that was my goal,'' he continued. ``I think pride is the strongest feeling right now; I keep thinking of my country, my family, my girlfriend.''
Karas congratulated the new Mr World, saying he possess everything required of the title ― physical strength and stamina, intelligence and character.
The winner is also entitled to a cash prize of $50,000 and various engagements with the Miss World Organization.
hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr
New Mr World
Ireland's Kamal Ibrahim
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
INCHEON ― Ireland's Kamal Ibrahim was named Mr World 2010 at the contest's finale at Sondo ConvensiA, Saturday.
The Czech Republic's Josef Karas was runner-up and Nigeria's Kenneth Okolie was second runner-up.
The competition was designed to find ``the world's most desirable man'' ― someone not only tall and good-looking, but also intelligent and amiable. During the 16-day journey in Korea, the three winners had stood out more than others for their sense of leadership and camaraderie toward fellow contestants.
The grand finale opened with a graceful Korean traditional fan dance and energetic taekwondo performances. The 74 national representations were introduced, and the three presenters of the evening ― actors Lee Da-hae and Julien Kang and British pop star Alesha Dixon ― took the stage.
Dixon hyped up the crowd of some 1,500 singing her smash number ``The Boy Does Nothing,'' and the first part of the event culminated with the announcement of the 15 semifinalists.
The show followed with Girls' Generation. The top K-pop group, dressed in white and orange as cheerful cheerleaders, sang their hit dance songs ``Oh'' and ``Gee'' to a sensational audience, which included many vocal young fans. The numerous VIP guests from near and far, including Angola's charge d'affaires to Korea, Alfredo Dombe, looked on with a smile.
The air in the hall tensioned as the semifinalist group was narrowed down to five. Many in the audience were disappointed with the elimination of Korea's Yoo Ji-kwang, who had won the fast-track to the top 15 by winning the talent show. The contestants of India, Greece, Germany and Guadeloupe, among others, expressed regret when Dixon announced the top five.
The top five included, in addition to the winning representatives of Ireland, Czech Republic and Nigeria, the Netherlands' Honza Jan Filipi and Lebanon's Abdul Rahman El Balaa.
The evening came to a close as Julia Morley, chairperson of the Miss World Organization, co-organizer of the event with The Hankook Ilbo-The Korea Times Media Group, announced the winners starting with third place.
After Nigeria and the Czech Republic were announced as runners-up, Ireland's Ibrahim was seen holding tightly onto his fellow contestants, and then break into a smile to hear ``Ireland.''
``I feel a bit numb right now at the moment, it really hasn't sunk in yet,'' the 24-year-old told the press after receiving his trophy.
``I came hoping to make top 15, that was my goal,'' he continued. ``I think pride is the strongest feeling right now; I keep thinking of my country, my family, my girlfriend.''
Karas congratulated the new Mr World, saying he possess everything required of the title ― physical strength and stamina, intelligence and character.
The winner is also entitled to a cash prize of $50,000 and various engagements with the Miss World Organization.
hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr
2010-03-25
More Koreans Pin Job Hopes on Plastic Surgery
More Koreans Pin Job Hopes on Plastic Surgery
Increasing numbers of people get plastic surgery to land a job or get promoted. Industry insiders say the proportion of jobseekers who visit cosmetic surgery clinics rises by 20-30 percent every year in September and October, the prime job hunting season.
One clinic specializing in facial surgery conducted a survey of 609 jobseekers in October. Some 270 people or 44 percent replied that they failed in interviews or getting a job, were rejected by the opposite sex, got bullied or were ostracized or insulted due to their appearance. Some 153 or 25 percent said their appearance was directly responsible for missed opportunities to land a job.
In a recent survey of 243 recruiters by a job information provider, 66.7 percent of respondents admitted that applicants' appearance affects their decision.
"Around half of jobseekers seem to be getting plastic surgery to get a job, including non-operational procedures such as Botox or filler injections," claimed Dr. Park Sang-hun of the clinic. "We're living in an age where people get a plastic surgery to become a teachers or bank clerks, not to mention entertainers or TV presenters."
Preferences for a facial contour differs according to the kind of they look for. Aspiring flight attendants or TV presenters prefer a small, oval face, while those applying jobs in banking or teaching want a face that gives a sense of softness and decency.
"As for men, appearance seems to matter more for those seeking a promotion to a place in the top echelon. A lot of middle-aged men get surgery ahead of promotion to executive level," Park said.
Increasing numbers of people get plastic surgery to land a job or get promoted. Industry insiders say the proportion of jobseekers who visit cosmetic surgery clinics rises by 20-30 percent every year in September and October, the prime job hunting season.
One clinic specializing in facial surgery conducted a survey of 609 jobseekers in October. Some 270 people or 44 percent replied that they failed in interviews or getting a job, were rejected by the opposite sex, got bullied or were ostracized or insulted due to their appearance. Some 153 or 25 percent said their appearance was directly responsible for missed opportunities to land a job.
In a recent survey of 243 recruiters by a job information provider, 66.7 percent of respondents admitted that applicants' appearance affects their decision.
"Around half of jobseekers seem to be getting plastic surgery to get a job, including non-operational procedures such as Botox or filler injections," claimed Dr. Park Sang-hun of the clinic. "We're living in an age where people get a plastic surgery to become a teachers or bank clerks, not to mention entertainers or TV presenters."
Preferences for a facial contour differs according to the kind of they look for. Aspiring flight attendants or TV presenters prefer a small, oval face, while those applying jobs in banking or teaching want a face that gives a sense of softness and decency.
"As for men, appearance seems to matter more for those seeking a promotion to a place in the top echelon. A lot of middle-aged men get surgery ahead of promotion to executive level," Park said.
Judge: School violated lesbian's rights, but prom cancellation valid
Judge: School violated lesbian's rights, but prom cancellation valid
By the CNN Wire Staff
March 23, 2010 10:24 p.m. EDT
Constance McMillen said she was told not to take her girlfriend to the prom or wear a tuxedo.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
* ACLU, school board attorney both say they're pleased with the decision
* Judge won't order school district to hold a prom that it had canceled
* Cancellation came after openly lesbian student asked to attend with girlfriend
* School board attorney says parent-sponsored event will take place April 2 in Tupelo
(CNN) -- A Mississippi lesbian Tuesday won a judge's backing for her contention that her First Amendment rights were violated when her high school refused to allow her to attend her prom with her girlfriend.
But U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson refused to order the Itawamba County School District in Fulton, Mississippi, to hold the dance it had canceled over the matter.
In his 12-page order, Davidson also ruled that Itawamba Agricultural High School's denial of 18-year-old Constance McMillen's request to wear a tuxedo to her prom was a violation of her rights.
"The record shows Constance has been openly gay since eighth grade and she intended to communicate a message by wearing a tuxedo and to express her identity through attending prom with a same-sex date," Davidson wrote.
"The court finds this expression and communication of her viewpoint is the type of speech that falls squarely within the purview of the First Amendment."
When school officials told McMillen she could neither take her girlfriend to the prom nor wear a tuxedo to the event, the senior went to the American Civil Liberties Union, which demanded the school change its policy. In response, the school district canceled the prom altogether.
Davidson denied a motion for an injunction filed by McMillen against the school district's superintendent, the school's principal and its assistant principal asking the court to order that the April 2 prom be reinstated, saying that parents were planning a private event to be held on that date for all students, including McMillen.
Requiring school officials "to step back into a sponsorship role at this late date would only confuse and confound the community on the issue," he said.
Both sides in the dispute were happy with the outcome.
"It vindicates Constance's rights," said Christine Sun, senior counsel with the ACLU's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender project.
"It sets a legal precedent for gay and lesbian students all over the country that they have the right to bring a same-sex date to the prom and also to wear gender-nonconforming clothes to the prom. We were looking for a ruling that what the school did was violate her rights," Sun said.
School board attorney Michele Floyd said the school district was also pleased with the decision.
She said the parent-sponsored event, which may be called a ball instead of a prom, is to be held in Tupelo, 19 miles away.
But ACLU's Sun said McMillen had not received an invitation. "We haven't heard anything about this private prom other than what this school district has told us," she said. "It remains to be seen whether she will be able to attend the private prom."
McMillen's case is going forward on a damages claim and the ACLU's request for attorneys' fees, she said. "She got what she wanted, and now it's just a question of what the damages might be in her case."
"I never thought the school would try to cancel the prom and hurt everyone just to keep me and my girlfriend from going together," McMillen said last week in an ACLU news release. "A lot of people have made really generous offers to pay for a prom somewhere else, which I really appreciate. But all I've ever wanted was to be able to just go to my own school's prom with my girlfriend."
At the center of the lawsuit is a February 5 memorandum from the school to students that said prom dates must be of the opposite sex.
Superintendent Teresa McNeece also told McMillen that she and her girlfriend could be ejected from the prom if other students complained about their presence, according to the documents.
By the CNN Wire Staff
March 23, 2010 10:24 p.m. EDT
Constance McMillen said she was told not to take her girlfriend to the prom or wear a tuxedo.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
* ACLU, school board attorney both say they're pleased with the decision
* Judge won't order school district to hold a prom that it had canceled
* Cancellation came after openly lesbian student asked to attend with girlfriend
* School board attorney says parent-sponsored event will take place April 2 in Tupelo
(CNN) -- A Mississippi lesbian Tuesday won a judge's backing for her contention that her First Amendment rights were violated when her high school refused to allow her to attend her prom with her girlfriend.
But U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson refused to order the Itawamba County School District in Fulton, Mississippi, to hold the dance it had canceled over the matter.
In his 12-page order, Davidson also ruled that Itawamba Agricultural High School's denial of 18-year-old Constance McMillen's request to wear a tuxedo to her prom was a violation of her rights.
"The record shows Constance has been openly gay since eighth grade and she intended to communicate a message by wearing a tuxedo and to express her identity through attending prom with a same-sex date," Davidson wrote.
"The court finds this expression and communication of her viewpoint is the type of speech that falls squarely within the purview of the First Amendment."
When school officials told McMillen she could neither take her girlfriend to the prom nor wear a tuxedo to the event, the senior went to the American Civil Liberties Union, which demanded the school change its policy. In response, the school district canceled the prom altogether.
Davidson denied a motion for an injunction filed by McMillen against the school district's superintendent, the school's principal and its assistant principal asking the court to order that the April 2 prom be reinstated, saying that parents were planning a private event to be held on that date for all students, including McMillen.
Requiring school officials "to step back into a sponsorship role at this late date would only confuse and confound the community on the issue," he said.
Both sides in the dispute were happy with the outcome.
"It vindicates Constance's rights," said Christine Sun, senior counsel with the ACLU's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender project.
"It sets a legal precedent for gay and lesbian students all over the country that they have the right to bring a same-sex date to the prom and also to wear gender-nonconforming clothes to the prom. We were looking for a ruling that what the school did was violate her rights," Sun said.
School board attorney Michele Floyd said the school district was also pleased with the decision.
She said the parent-sponsored event, which may be called a ball instead of a prom, is to be held in Tupelo, 19 miles away.
But ACLU's Sun said McMillen had not received an invitation. "We haven't heard anything about this private prom other than what this school district has told us," she said. "It remains to be seen whether she will be able to attend the private prom."
McMillen's case is going forward on a damages claim and the ACLU's request for attorneys' fees, she said. "She got what she wanted, and now it's just a question of what the damages might be in her case."
"I never thought the school would try to cancel the prom and hurt everyone just to keep me and my girlfriend from going together," McMillen said last week in an ACLU news release. "A lot of people have made really generous offers to pay for a prom somewhere else, which I really appreciate. But all I've ever wanted was to be able to just go to my own school's prom with my girlfriend."
At the center of the lawsuit is a February 5 memorandum from the school to students that said prom dates must be of the opposite sex.
Superintendent Teresa McNeece also told McMillen that she and her girlfriend could be ejected from the prom if other students complained about their presence, according to the documents.
Men Turn to Aesthetics, Grooming to Become Metrosexual
Men Turn to Aesthetics, Grooming to Become Metrosexual
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
When British columnist Mark Simpson coined the term "metrosexual," he had a clear concept in his head: he is a "a young man with money to spend, living in or within easy reach of a metropolis. Particular professions, such as modeling, waiting tables, media, pop music and, nowadays, sport, seem to attract them but, truth be told, like male vanity products and herpes, they're pretty much everywhere. He is much more interested in being looked at."
His vision became realized by British football powerhouse David Beckham.
Here, in the far eastern country from Britain, men are actively transforming themselves to metrosexuals and have stepped a bit further- they are now called the "grooming tribes" here, who even wear slight make up to their workplaces or social gatherings. Cracking the old idea that fashion and beauty are for gays only, straight men are also gearing up to look nicer and fancier every morning.
One thing to reflect the trend is the increasing consumption of "men cosmetic goods."
Lee Nam-hun, 29 year-old self-employed man, said he wears "color lotion" to work every day. The product is a combination of foundation, lotion and sun screen. "I have used it since I served for the military six years ago. Many of the colleagues were using it, even my superiors," he said.
He said more friends near him are interested in applying lotions or sunscreens for the skin's sake and more people are talking about nice looking shirts or glasses. "Don't you think men aren't interested in grooming themselves," he added.
Indeed, the cosmetic market for males is expanding every year. According to Amore Pacific, the nation's largest perfume maker, the market marked around 580 billion won last year and is expected grow by 3 to 5 percent every year.
The company has recently opened a men's cosmetic shop "MEN STUDIO" in northern Seoul and is enjoying great success.
"We focused on men aged between 26 and 32: who have graduated from college and has a job, which enables them to understand that grooming is a necessity. About 60 percent of the visitors are men and the rest are women trying to buy something for their boyfriends," Lim Jung-shik, the store brand manager, said.
"In the past, most men bought items online, in order to avoid embarrassment of entering 'girly' places. However, they are more straightforward and do not mind talking or enquiring about it," Lim said, explaining his main target.
It's not just the basic items such as aftershave lotions or moisturizer but more sophisticated ones like eye cream or night cream that also are marking high sales rate. Some even turn to BB cream, something that women turn up to make face look as if they have applied nothing. It still covers spots and scars. Amore Pacific as well as several other makers have joined the race to attract men who are willing to look flawless at work.
In the night time, the clubbing and other pop culture have influenced many men to try "smoky eye makeup" and leave strong impression on others.
"I sometimes like this kind of strong make up. Why shouldn't I? I look more attractive under the lighting at parties," 29-year-old Chung Sang-gyo said. He said when wearing makeup, he felt more attention from girls, mostly in a positive way.
Prof. Jung Jin-woong of Hanyang University said, "As the social status of women have increased in the past several decades, men started to realize that they need another asset- appearance- to compete with the women. I think more men will be indulged into grooming."
bjs@koreatimes.co.kr
For Korea Times
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
When British columnist Mark Simpson coined the term "metrosexual," he had a clear concept in his head: he is a "a young man with money to spend, living in or within easy reach of a metropolis. Particular professions, such as modeling, waiting tables, media, pop music and, nowadays, sport, seem to attract them but, truth be told, like male vanity products and herpes, they're pretty much everywhere. He is much more interested in being looked at."
His vision became realized by British football powerhouse David Beckham.
Here, in the far eastern country from Britain, men are actively transforming themselves to metrosexuals and have stepped a bit further- they are now called the "grooming tribes" here, who even wear slight make up to their workplaces or social gatherings. Cracking the old idea that fashion and beauty are for gays only, straight men are also gearing up to look nicer and fancier every morning.
One thing to reflect the trend is the increasing consumption of "men cosmetic goods."
Lee Nam-hun, 29 year-old self-employed man, said he wears "color lotion" to work every day. The product is a combination of foundation, lotion and sun screen. "I have used it since I served for the military six years ago. Many of the colleagues were using it, even my superiors," he said.
He said more friends near him are interested in applying lotions or sunscreens for the skin's sake and more people are talking about nice looking shirts or glasses. "Don't you think men aren't interested in grooming themselves," he added.
Indeed, the cosmetic market for males is expanding every year. According to Amore Pacific, the nation's largest perfume maker, the market marked around 580 billion won last year and is expected grow by 3 to 5 percent every year.
The company has recently opened a men's cosmetic shop "MEN STUDIO" in northern Seoul and is enjoying great success.
"We focused on men aged between 26 and 32: who have graduated from college and has a job, which enables them to understand that grooming is a necessity. About 60 percent of the visitors are men and the rest are women trying to buy something for their boyfriends," Lim Jung-shik, the store brand manager, said.
"In the past, most men bought items online, in order to avoid embarrassment of entering 'girly' places. However, they are more straightforward and do not mind talking or enquiring about it," Lim said, explaining his main target.
It's not just the basic items such as aftershave lotions or moisturizer but more sophisticated ones like eye cream or night cream that also are marking high sales rate. Some even turn to BB cream, something that women turn up to make face look as if they have applied nothing. It still covers spots and scars. Amore Pacific as well as several other makers have joined the race to attract men who are willing to look flawless at work.
In the night time, the clubbing and other pop culture have influenced many men to try "smoky eye makeup" and leave strong impression on others.
"I sometimes like this kind of strong make up. Why shouldn't I? I look more attractive under the lighting at parties," 29-year-old Chung Sang-gyo said. He said when wearing makeup, he felt more attention from girls, mostly in a positive way.
Prof. Jung Jin-woong of Hanyang University said, "As the social status of women have increased in the past several decades, men started to realize that they need another asset- appearance- to compete with the women. I think more men will be indulged into grooming."
bjs@koreatimes.co.kr
For Korea Times
2010-03-23
MR. WORLD 2010
The Mr World 2010 Contestants
PLEASE CLICK ON A CONTESTANT TO SEE FULL CONTESTANT PROFILE
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