Rolling Deep: South Korean Youth Roam the City in Hair Curlers - The New York Times

Summary

The article discusses a trend among young South Korean women of wearing hair curlers in public, defying traditional social norms. This trend signifies a shift in societal expectations related to beauty and gender roles, particularly within a younger generation that prioritizes personal comfort over adhering to strict societal conventions. The example of Jung Yoon-won, a 23-year-old college student, highlights this shift in attitude.

Key Points

• Young South Korean women are using hair curlers openly.
• This is viewed as a symbol of defiance against traditional beauty standards.
• The trend reflects a generational shift towards more carefree attitudes.
• The older generation, represented by Ms. Jung's mother, expresses disapproval.

The article suggests that this trend exemplifies a broader societal change in South Korea, where younger people are exhibiting greater independence and less concern for what others might think.