@article{ART003335498},
author={Cheol Ki Min and Xu Dong and Ni Liangzhi},
title={Divergent Perceptions of Lookism and the Visual Economy among Korean and Chinese University Students},
journal={Industry Promotion Research},
issn={2466-1139},
year={2026},
volume={11},
number={2},
pages={321-331},
doi={10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.321}
TY - JOUR
AU - Cheol Ki Min
AU - Xu Dong
AU - Ni Liangzhi
TI - Divergent Perceptions of Lookism and the Visual Economy among Korean and Chinese University Students
JO - Industry Promotion Research
PY - 2026
VL - 11
IS - 2
PB - Industrial Promotion Institute
SP - 321
EP - 331
SN - 2466-1139
AB - This study comparatively examines university students’ perceptions of lookism, attitudes toward the visual economy, and experiences with SNS selfie culture in South Korea and China. A survey was conducted with 668 students (350 Korean and 318 Chinese), and the data were analyzed using statistical methods. The results reveal that Korean students exhibit significantly higher levels of lookism perception, whereas Chinese students show greater acceptance of the visual economy. SNS usage positively influences appearance-oriented attitudes and behavioral intentions in both groups; however, the pathways differ. In Korea, SNS use indirectly promotes participation in the visual economy by reinforcing lookism, whereas in China, it directly increases participation intentions. Additionally, negative experiences related to appearance, such as discrimination and social pressure, significantly increase demands for policy and educational interventions in both countries, with stronger effects observed among Korean students. These findings suggest that lookism is not merely a cultural preference but a complex phenomenon that functions both as a form of individual capital within the visual economy and as a potential source of structural inequality under certain conditions. This study reconceptualizes lookism as a dual phenomenon encompassing both resource and risk, thereby contributing to future research and policy discussions.
KW - Lookism;Visual Economy;Korea–China Comparative Study;Social Comparison Theory;Structural Equation Modeling
DO - 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.321
ER -
Cheol Ki Min, Xu Dong and Ni Liangzhi. (2026). Divergent Perceptions of Lookism and the Visual Economy among Korean and Chinese University Students. Industry Promotion Research, 11(2), 321-331.
Cheol Ki Min, Xu Dong and Ni Liangzhi. 2026, "Divergent Perceptions of Lookism and the Visual Economy among Korean and Chinese University Students", Industry Promotion Research, vol.11, no.2 pp.321-331. Available from: doi:10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.321
Cheol Ki Min, Xu Dong, Ni Liangzhi "Divergent Perceptions of Lookism and the Visual Economy among Korean and Chinese University Students" Industry Promotion Research 11.2 pp.321-331 (2026) : 321.
Cheol Ki Min, Xu Dong, Ni Liangzhi. Divergent Perceptions of Lookism and the Visual Economy among Korean and Chinese University Students. 2026; 11(2), 321-331. Available from: doi:10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.321
Cheol Ki Min, Xu Dong and Ni Liangzhi. "Divergent Perceptions of Lookism and the Visual Economy among Korean and Chinese University Students" Industry Promotion Research 11, no.2 (2026) : 321-331.doi: 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.321
Cheol Ki Min; Xu Dong; Ni Liangzhi. Divergent Perceptions of Lookism and the Visual Economy among Korean and Chinese University Students. Industry Promotion Research, 11(2), 321-331. doi: 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.321
Cheol Ki Min; Xu Dong; Ni Liangzhi. Divergent Perceptions of Lookism and the Visual Economy among Korean and Chinese University Students. Industry Promotion Research. 2026; 11(2) 321-331. doi: 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.321
Cheol Ki Min, Xu Dong, Ni Liangzhi. Divergent Perceptions of Lookism and the Visual Economy among Korean and Chinese University Students. 2026; 11(2), 321-331. Available from: doi:10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.321
Cheol Ki Min, Xu Dong and Ni Liangzhi. "Divergent Perceptions of Lookism and the Visual Economy among Korean and Chinese University Students" Industry Promotion Research 11, no.2 (2026) : 321-331.doi: 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.321
