The Unexpected Plastic Surgery Trend NewJeans & IVE Are Inspiring

It’s summertime, and while many folks think of sunblock and tropical vacations, a whole new cohort is looking at it as a chance to transform, inspired by their favorite idols. Recently, there has been a significant surge in interest for a new and unexpected plastic surgery trend, all because of the “pure and innocent” hairstyle aesthetic rocked by the likes of rising K-Pop idols NewJeans and IVE.

NewJeans | @NewJeans_ADOR/Twitter

Imagine walking into a clinic in the bustling district of Gangnam Station in Seoul, expecting to find conversations revolving around rhinoplasties or lip fillers. Instead, you’re met with the buzz of a different kind of transformation, one thatNewj. They’re clutching pictures of NewJeans, IVE, and other groups, and they’re all looking to emulate a singularly “pure and innocent” aesthetic.

| @IVE_twt/Twitter

But what’s this look that’s got the nation so entranced? It might come as a surprise, but it’s not the contours of a nose or the plumpness of lips that’s making hearts flutter. Instead, it’s all about the hair — specifically, the hairline.

NewJeans’ Haerin at WEVERSE CON FESTIVAL | @feelikesummr_hr/Twitter

A recent visitor to one such clinic was a young office worker, Ms. Lee, who confessed her desire to alter her look for the summer. Inspired by her favorite idols, she explained, “I used to wear my bangs down, but after seeing popular idol styles, I wanted to have a refreshing forehead-exposing hairstyle…” And Ms. Lee isn’t alone in this quest. Many young women are yearning for this change, driven by a combination of personal insecurities and the desire to imitate the clean, fresh-faced beauty of their beloved idols.

I wanted to have a fresh hairstyle like NewJeans because it’s summer.

— Ms. Lee

NewJeans’ Minji at WEVERSE CON FESTIVAL | @daybreak_Three/Twitter

The growing appeal of the ‘well-groomed hairline with long hair’ aesthetic has led to a surge in hairline correction surgeries as more and more young women seek to replicate the harmonious, innocent beauty that K-Pop stars like NewJeans and IVE embody. It’s a look that enhances the symmetry of the face, contributes to a youthful appearance, and offers the versatility to play around with various hairstyles — factors that are very appealing to this demographic.

My baby hairs and messy hairline bothered me, so I ended up getting surgery. I’m pleased with the results because it seems to make my facial shape look much neater,

— Ms. Lee

IVE’s Wonyoung | @for_everyoung10/Instagram

In a society that increasingly values individuality, it’s interesting to see how trends can still dictate a collective longing for a particular aesthetic. Whether it’s the influence of K-Pop idols or the need to fit a certain ideal, this surprising hairline trend is a testament to the continually evolving landscape of beauty and fashion.