Ulzzang

Ulzzang (Korean: 얼짱), also spelled as eoljjang or uljjang (Korean pronunciation: [ʌl.tɕ͈äŋ]), is a popular South Korean term literally meaning "best face" or "good-looking".^[1] A person desiring ulzzang status would gain popularity on the internet through entering contests where their photos are judged and chosen by voters. The trend is practised by both males and females.^[2] The introduction of social networking site, Cyworld in the late 1990s strengthened the spread of ulzzang in South Korea.^[3]

The popularity and influence of Korean popular culture throughout Asia has led to ulzzang becoming a trend in these countries such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and parts of South Asia.^[4][5][6][7]

Etymology

The word ulzzang, literally "best face", is derived from the words eolgul (Korean: 얼굴) meaning "face"; and jjang (Korean: 짱) a slang term meaning "best". The term is often used by netizens for contests competing for the title of ulzzang, but has since developed into a subculture or style, rather than a competition event. Momzzang is a similar concept to Ulzzang however "mom" (pronounced mome) means body, this word is referred to people with great bodies.^[8]

See also

• Kkonminam
• Bishoujo
• Bishounen

References