![Choi Do-yeol, Director of the National Development Policy Institute (Ph.D. in Public Administration) [Magazine Kave=Choi Do-yeol Columnist]](https://cdn.magazinekave.com/w768/q75/article-images/2026-01-14/be9e39d4-a071-473d-b132-ce7932271219.png)
The beauty of women! While I have not seen discussions on the beauty of men regarding the beauty of the human body, the etymology of 'beautiful' has various theories. It is interpreted that 'beautiful' derives from 'me (我)' or 'knowledge (知)', meaning 'the state of being as I originally am.' Among the parts of a woman's body, which is considered the most beautiful? According to survey results, plastic surgeons say the face, while orthopedic surgeons say the 'leg beauty' of women. Surprisingly, the most beautiful part of a woman identified by doctors is the 'curvaceous beauty' or 'leg beauty' that crosses from the shoulders to the neck.
The etymology of 'beautiful' has various theories, but it strongly suggests that it originates from a word expressing one's essence and individuality. The first hypothesis is that the word 'beautiful' means 'me, individual,' and 'to be beautiful' derives from 'to be like me' or 'to be like that person.' According to the 15th-century Buddhist scripture, Seokbo Sangjeol, 'beautiful' was a term meaning 'me.' The creator refers to the being that creates and governs all things in the world, meaning the creator of the universe and all things, and in monotheism, it also refers to the one true God. Beautiful women are born with the blessings of God, and it is a human hope that their hearts are as beautiful as their appearance.
What is beauty? The beauty of the exterior and the beauty within (mind/heart), the exterior beauty inherited from parents, tall stature, and handsome face; keeping up with the pace of change these days can be overwhelming, but observing the changes resulting from it is also an interesting endeavor. To maintain a woman's beauty, it is essential to cultivate health through lifestyle habits (adequate sleep, hydration, balanced diet, exercise) and systematic skincare (moisturizing, sun protection, cleansing), along with a positive and confident attitude and neat styling. It is important to nurture both the inner and outer self while expressing one's individuality, and actively utilizing the help of professionals is advisable.
In our daily lives, we can unknowingly possess the beauty we each think of through artistic thoughts and actions, sensory experiences, and direct encounters. The traditional beauty of the West, harmony and proportion, order and balance, is good, and there is also the serene beauty of the East, which emphasizes naturalness and restraint, simplicity, and emptiness. Any beauty will yield different results depending on individual sensibilities. Healthy lifestyle habits include, first, sleep and hydration, drinking more than eight glasses of water a day, and getting enough sleep. Second, moderate exercise, stretching, and regular workouts to aid blood circulation and eliminate waste. Third, meal times and diet. Consuming beneficial foods like vegetables and fruits, and supplementing nutrients like vitamins and minerals is even better.
The K-pop ecosystem culture is perhaps the result of efforts to express Korea's everyday culture and traditional themes delicately and truthfully without excessive packaging or distortion, creating authentic enjoyment. Watching a musical animation made me rethink the meaning of authenticity. Are we embedding authenticity in the beauty we create? In a broad sense, cultural and artistic activities are ultimately experiments of various methodologies aimed at realizing beauty. Perhaps we are forgetting that there must be an essential emotional impact of authenticity. I asked myself, do the activities that embody beauty always guarantee the authenticity of my thoughts, life philosophy, and actions?
In conclusion, the beauty inherited from parents and the beauty cultivated through life is true beauty. 'Beauty is humanity's eternal hope.' Have we been too focused on momentary enjoyment and short-term results? I also questioned artists. Philosopher Kant said, 'Artists are those who can create with genius talent and ability,' but today, are we truthfully embedding ourselves in our works? A life of honesty, integrity, and humility, philosopher Kant stated, 'Beauty is not an attribute of the object but an action that occurs in the heart of the observer.' The confidence to be grateful for oneself is the greatest beauty.
