South Korea has a reputation for being one of the most look-conscious countries on the planet. If you've ever walked through the streets of Gangnam or scrolled through K-fashion hashtags, you know the aesthetic: thin, pale, and incredibly curated. For a long time, the idea of a korean plus size model wasn't just rare; it was practically non-existent in the mainstream media. But things are shifting. Fast.
It’s honestly kind of wild how much has changed in just the last few years. We aren't just seeing "slightly less thin" models anymore. We are seeing a genuine movement of women who are reclaiming the word "plus" in a culture that traditionally viewed anything over a US size 4 as a problem to be solved.
The Reality of Being a Korean Plus Size Model
Let’s be real for a second. In Seoul, the "standard" size for women is often a "Free Size," which roughly translates to a US size 0 or 2. If you're a size 6 or 8, you're already being pushed toward the "plus" racks in many boutique shops. This makes the rise of professional plus-size modeling in Korea even more impressive.
Vivian Geeyang Kim is basically the blueprint for this. She’s often cited as one of the first individuals to really break the mold. She didn't just model; she started 66100, a plus-size fashion magazine. The name itself is a statement—66 is the Korean size for "large," and 100 is the men's large. By putting these numbers front and center, she started a conversation about body sovereignty that the industry had been avoiding for decades.
It wasn't easy. She’s spoken openly about the "fat-shaming" she faced, not just from anonymous trolls, but from an industry that literally didn't have clothes for her to wear during shoots.
Why the "Plus" Label is Different in Korea
You've probably noticed that "plus size" in Korea doesn't always look like "plus size" in the US or Europe. It’s a bit of a nuance. In the West, plus-size modeling often starts at a US size 12 or 14. In Korea, a korean plus size model might be a US size 8 or 10.
Critics sometimes argue this isn't "real" plus-size representation. But you have to look at the context. In a society where the pressure to be under 50kg (about 110 lbs) is immense, a woman standing tall at 70kg or 80kg is a radical act of rebellion. It’s about the deviation from the rigid "K-pop idol" body type.
✨ Don't miss: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
The Power of Social Media and Independent Brands
Traditional media was slow to catch on, so the movement moved to Instagram and YouTube. Models like Taylor Tak have bypassed the gatekeepers entirely. Taylor has worked with international brands like Curvy Kate and has become a face for body positivity globally, not just in Asia.
Then there’s Jemma (Yeom Yoon Hye) and Taylor (Bae Kyo Hyun). They gained massive popularity as models for Jstyle, one of the leading Korean brands that actually caters to larger sizes. They don't just stand there and look pretty; they do "lookbooks" that show how clothes actually drape on a body that has curves, rolls, and life.
Breaking the "Health" Myth
One of the biggest hurdles these models face is the "health" argument. In Korea, being overweight is often framed as a moral failing or a lack of self-discipline.
- Models are frequently told they are "promoting obesity."
- Public comments often mask cruelty as "concern for their health."
- Many agencies still refuse to sign anyone over a certain weight.
But models like Jeon Ga-young are flipping the script. They show themselves working out, eating well, and living vibrant lives. They are proving that you can be fit, healthy, and a korean plus size model all at the same time. It's about body neutrality—the idea that your value isn't tied to your size, and your health isn't visible just by looking at your silhouette.
The Business Side: Why Brands are Waking Up
Money talks.
The global plus-size market is booming, and Korean retailers are starting to realize they are leaving money on the table by ignoring a huge demographic. It’s not just about activism; it’s about business. Brands like Romwe, Shein, and even local giants are expanding their size ranges because the demand is undeniable.
🔗 Read more: Easy recipes dinner for two: Why you are probably overcomplicating date night
When a brand uses a korean plus size model, they see higher engagement. Why? Because it's relatable. Most people don't look like an idol. When a customer sees someone who looks like them wearing a cute trench coat or a floral dress, they are much more likely to hit "add to cart."
The Influence of "Escape the Corset"
We can't talk about body image in Korea without mentioning the "Escape the Corset" (tal-korset) movement. This feminist movement encouraged women to reject extreme beauty standards, including long hair, heavy makeup, and restrictive dieting.
While not every plus-size model identifies with this movement, the cultural ripple effect provided a safety net. It created a space where it was okay—even cool—to not fit the mold. It paved the way for models to be valued for their personality and their style rather than just their proximity to a specific weight.
Challenges That Still Remain
Don't get it twisted; it’s still an uphill battle.
Many plus-size models in Korea still struggle to find work in high fashion. They are often relegated to "specialty" brands or online shopping malls. You won't see many of them on the runways of Seoul Fashion Week—at least not yet.
There is also the issue of "whitewashing" or heavy editing. Sometimes, even when a brand hires a plus-size model, they edit her waist to be unnaturally small or smooth out every single "imperfection" until she looks like a CGI character. This kind of defeats the purpose of representation, doesn't it?
💡 You might also like: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
Actionable Steps for Supporting the Movement
If you want to see more diversity in the industry, your choices as a consumer matter more than you think.
Follow and Engage
Algorithms run the world. Following models like Taylor Tak, Vivian Geeyang Kim, and Sumin on Instagram tells the platform—and potential sponsors—that there is a massive audience for this content. Comment, share, and save their posts.
Shop Consciously
Support brands that actually invest in diverse casting. Look for companies that don't just have one "token" curvy model but integrate different body types across their entire marketing strategy.
Challenge Your Own Bias
K-drama and K-pop have conditioned many of us to see one specific body type as the "Korean standard." Start noticing when you make assumptions about someone's health or happiness based on their size.
Demand Better From Major Labels
The big luxury houses and major K-beauty brands are the slowest to change. Use your voice on social media to ask why their "inclusive" lines only go up to a medium or large.
The rise of the korean plus size model is a sign of a maturing fashion industry. It’s a move away from the performative and toward the authentic. While the journey is far from over, the visible presence of these women is already changing the lives of young people in Korea who finally see a version of themselves reflected back as beautiful, stylish, and worthy.
The next time you see a model breaking the mold, remember that she’s likely navigated a mountain of societal pressure to be there. Supporting her isn't just about fashion; it's about shifting a culture.