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.