Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Thai Actors: Male Beauty Standards Compared

After a long day, we always seek out our favorite comfort hobby—watching dramas! Most of us look forward to the latest trends, giving the top-ranking show on streaming platforms a try until it gets us hooked! Two episodes in, and no one’s stopping us from clicking that next episode, except when sleep’s call needs to finally be heeded.

A big part of their value is the charismatic actors who keep us completely invested. Whether it’s a K-drama, J-drama, Thai drama, or C-drama, we find ourselves crushing on these leading men for one simple reason: they captivate us with stellar performances that immediately spark our interest. 

However, as we gaze upon the protagonists while watching, we probe: “All of them are Asian, but why do they look so different from each other?” Let us give you a hint: geography and culture! They may be Asian, but how their culture sees beauty is different. 

To give you a comprehensive explanation, let’s delve deeper into the beauty factors that make their look distinct and handsome on the cameras. Scroll ahead! 

Influencing the world with K-beauty through the inevitable rise of K-drama, Korean actors have soft features compared to their East Asian counterparts. As seen in actors like Song Kang, Cha Eun-Woo, and Hwang In-youp, they have cute and full cheeks, adding more youthful charm to their appearance. The hair also has a big impact. Korean actors usually style their hair in a textured bowl cut. Either in curls or a bouncy style, it has become their signature look that almost everyone recognizes. 

See all the anime and the artwork on your feeds? That’s the main inspiration for almost all Japanese men. Actors like Kyoya Honda, Kento Yamazaki, and Ryusei Yokohama have sharp contours and jawlines and less visible fullness in their cheeks to create a more masculine and toned appearance. The hair, on the other hand, is usually cut in messy layers and the Japanese signature “wolf cut.” It mainly focuses on natural and low-maintenance texture, with a slightly messy appearance to create an artistic silhouette. 

Chinese actors have the harmony of both sharp and soft appearances. This is clearly evident with actors like Zhang Linghe, Song Weilong, and He Yu. The lower angle of their face embodies a sharp jawline with strong angular muscles, while the upper part possesses benevolent eyes, charming enough to contrast the cuteness of their female leads. Hairstyle-wise, they are often styled in a two-block cut with a mixture of spikes. 

Representing Southeast Asian beauty standards, Thai actors lean into their charisma and appeal, emphasizing their masculinity through their presence. There’s also diversity when it comes to embracing skin color. While pearl-colored skin like Phuwin Tangsakyuen rises, actors with brown skin like Joss Way-ar and Gawin Caskey also thrive in the entertainment industry. Both appear to be more masculine with their uniquely Asian-Western looks and flawless complexions. 

These Asian aesthetics are all appealing in their own way. Besides, beauty and handsomeness are always subjective.

Among these Asian stars, which do you find the most attractive?