While this video does bring up some good points about Korea's tattoo culture, they don't address one of the big reasons why Koreans, especially the older generation, look down upon tattoos. Back when Japan was occupying Korea, they forcibly tattooed Koreans. Tattoos became a dark reminder of the time when Japan tried to commit cultural genocide against Korea. Many of the women who were forcibly tattooed weren't able to get married and have children, even if they wanted to. For a lot of the older generation, tattoos weren't something you chose to get. It was something forcibly given to you, and therefore was a symbol of one of the darkest times in Korean history. While I am glad that the younger generation is becoming more open to alternative forms of beauty, keep this in mind before you start vilifying the older generation for hating tattoos. For their parents and grandparents, tattoos are a symbol of the occupation of Korea, instead of being an art form.
And in addition to that, there's also saying in Korean where they say a person should not take their body for granted and use it so carelessly as well.
Favilla Morty "Has no value" in your opinion. I doubt they would expect someone like yourself to understand. It doesn't matter if they can see the difference between a tattoo that was forced and one that was gotten willingly...the point here is that tattoos remind them of a dark time in their history and are also associated with gang members in South Korea. Instead of being a selfish millennial, try having some empathy.
That's a story I haven't heard before. I heard of tattoos being used to punish criminals way back in the Goryeo era, which was also a practice in other areas of the Sinosphere. It's also interesting to note that Japanese society also has a strong stigma against tattoos, and currently probably stronger than it is in Korea (tattoos were illegal during the imperial period for example). In any case, opinions are shifting so quickly that I would guess it won't be an issue by the mid-2020s in Korea, given how quickly the tattoo trend exploded in a few years
Right?? They should be free to do what they love. People should be able to embrace something beautiful and have people look at them like strange creatures :c
+Sara Ellen It broke my heart when I heard that. I'm not a tattoo artist nor I have any tattoos on my body. (that shouldn't really matter btw) I'm a designer myself and I can only imagine what that must feel like. You are not a criminal Apro, you are Apro.
+Dragon10101011 Well it's typical of people with tattoos to make themselves look like criminals or other people viewed negatively then complain that they are viewed as such.
+Sungazer Often, someone with tattoos hence the association. I have tattoos and I'm not a criminal but around the world, tattoos represent criminality, drug use, etc. It's changing of course, but in Asia that is still often the impression.
Sungazer Many criminal organisations and gangs get tattoos and the members tend to end up with a certain look to them. If you get that type of tattoo you will look like a criminal. If you got traditional maori tattoos, you wouldn't complain if you were associated with maori, no ?
high hopes It’s only illegal in Korea. He is not considered a criminal in all the other countries. And I believe Korean law enforcement is focused on more important things than a tattoo artist. In the video the location of the shop can’t be seen
Why are so many people here salty as shit? In my opinion she looks better without all the tattoos, but who gives a shit? It's her body, not yours. It's like if you painted your room and then your neighbor came in and started telling you how much of a piece of shit you are because you made your room look ugly. It's your room, as long as you think it looks good that's all that matters.
What this video fails to get at is that in East Asian countries often it was criminals who would have tattoos. In ancient times in China a convicted criminal would get a face tattoo. This happened for a LONG time. So it is part of the culture for people to avoid/dislike people with tattoos, because they were usually criminals. Without getting at the history, your video just makes it seems like old people are ignorant and angry. But there is actually a deeper cultural story behind it.
Exactly my point. It's just a cultural difference that has not yet adapted to that of the western world. Tattoos are far more rare in Korea as it is a trend that has recently began to reach the general population and therefore is not as socially accepted as it is in the western culture. Thinks about face tattoos in America, 10 years ago you would have been labeled as a criminal or someone with "bad intentions", today you see rappers and other celebrities rocking it without a problem. Korea just hasn't had the time to reach that point where tattoos are of the norm.
+eugene188 I agree. Japan is like that too since tattoos are still strongly associated with Yakuza. of course there's going to be some negative connotations, so older generations' critical opinion is not totally unfounded or just them being really conservative
that's how it used to be in the US as well. it used to be only ex-cons, gangsters & ex-military had tattoos but obviously it's changed a lot since now it's sooo common
the sub is a bit off. the old man said that he thinks that other people may think that she is beautiful in nature but ruined her looks by tattooing. he didnt say that she actually ruined it.
thankyou very much for properly translating the Hongul.... Also i have a tattoo in Hongul but I've never been able to know for sure if it says what i think it says... maybe you can help? It's supposed to spell out "forget" in Hongul....
æx moon - it looks almost exactly like the first phrase that you typed down... What does that translate to exactly? And what do the other 2 phrases that you typed mean?
Deo Durant Tattooing itself is not illegal, it’s illegal for it to be done by someone without a doctor’s license, which is ridiculous, so most tattoo artist earn their livings illegally, which makes it that tattoos have a bad reputation if you will. Plus it has a history of being used to mark criminals, which only adds on to that stigma.
Jun but it also has history around the world as tattoos represent from what family or tribe you belong to with the Polynesians and the Native Americans it’s cultural if many things in Korea are adapted and inspired by the US they should also realized that Tattooing in many parts of the world is cultural traditions.
She seems like a nice person who is traveling around the world making videos on things she is passionate about. Yet for some reason people feel the need to focus only on her appearance . I am a whitebread, polo shirt wearing, tattooless yuppie and I approve/appreciate of her individuality and personal expression. Of course, my approval really is irrelevant. People should be judged on the strength of their character. They definitely should not be judged by people who criticize another s appearance, yet hide behind avatars that are not pics of their own faces.
+Brad M A big portion of this video is discussion people being uncomfortable with others "modifying" their appearance, and it would be dishonest to say that some of the tattoos/scars that the woman in the video has aren't strange. It's totally reasonable for people to voice their opinions on her appearance given the context of the video.
Stereotypical Mexican Ludicolo Who said they aren't strange? They are strange, very different and something I personally wouldn't do to myself but that is my personal preference for myself. Strange isn't a bad thing. The difference here is that I recognize that as a person she should be able to express her appearance as she chooses and shouldn't be ridiculed or judged by immature people falling victim to their own prejudice. That is the point of the video. The point of the video is to display a subculture that is being discriminated against, not to justify the negative behavior of the bigots.
Brad M Tattooing is becoming a pretty big thing in western culture, but more extreme things like the scarification on her forehead are still very new. When things are strange and new people aren't comfortable with them, and especially on a place like the Internet where there's likely to be no real repercussions for their actions, people are likely to voice their opinions. I think that's totally reasonable, especially when the subject of the video is tattoos/body modifications and the comments are about the person's tattoos/body modifications. There aren't many people who are being bigoted, though. From what I see in the comments, the people who don't like something about her body modifications are still being fairly kind about it saying things like "All of her tattoos are great, but I don't really like the scar on her forehead."
This is an awesome video but I gotta say it is rather exaggerated. Just this morning on the subway in Seoul I saw two men with full sleeves and a girl with a nice thigh piece. No one stared or batted an eye. Tattoos are getting SUPER common here and not just for the “rebellious” bunch. Girls get flowers and cute little dainty pieces here all the time and tons of guys have them. I have two visible ones and I’ve never heard any negative comments. Especially in the Hongdae area tattoos are EVERYWHERE and not a big deal. Other than that, great video!
Hyo-Min Yun Everything American culture does Koreans eventually change to. Soon y'all will be opening marijuana shops and LSD,cocaine, meth will be common too. You like trash American culture?
As a Korean, I agree that there are too many prejudices and hatred against tattoos in Korea. Ironically, however, Koreans who dare to get tattoos on their bodies despite such social disadvantages are usually idiot. This is what I learned during my 30 years in Korea.
I kind of teared up when the guy sai dthat his parents don't talk to him or like him because of the way he looks. I think a lot of us can relate to that... This documentary impressed me. LIKE
+Lin Se-Ah 린세아 Yeah, that's pretty weird. people want tattoos, because it looks good on their bodies, or they just want to show one symbol to others, wich was important in their lives. But whats the point of making these if nobody find these cool in your country. For example I could make a pierced hole in my lower lip and insert wooden disks there, because its very common in some african tribe, but I would be the stupid, not the people who dont like it, because I live in Europe, not in the fucking jungle.
+FMMAGE well, tattoos and body mods are not for others. They're in your body because that's what you like, your country or other people have nothing to do with it. Also, Africa is not the jungle, but ok. You get a tattoo because it means something to you or just because you really like it, you don't get a tattoo to be cool and shit, that's just being a poser.
there are jungles in africa (you know, the continent) :) actually there are jungles everywhere near the equator. And people do want tattoos because it looks good. Its like so obvious. This guy's image, that he wears tattoos everywhere in a country where noone likes it, is just an escape from his probably already fucked up life. You know, Sory, in this world everyone is just posing to everyone. Even you, and EVEN me. Everyone can say: ye i wear this chain, because it means i was problematic blahblahblahbullshit. I like tattos too, it looks dope and shit, but atleast i dont judge people who doesnt think the same way.
+Ridhwani Ebanks not at all. Especially manny people in the alternatie sceen look the way they do becuase they want to be themselfes and want to express that the opinion of others doesnt matter to them. U should never generalize ur own opinions on others. I dont care what others think about me and i hate to pose.
I don't get why everyone is so butthurt about having body mods. It's her canvas to paint on, not anyone else's, so I don't see the problem. I personally think her tattoos and eyes are cool but I don't like her teeth, but she didn't do this for me and it doesn't affect me. She did it for herself and that was her choice to make, not mine or anyone else's. I am fucking tired of seeing people act like their lives are at stake just because someone is doing something to THEIR own body that doesn't affect anyone else at all. What's the point in living if you're just going to worry about what other people are doing. Worry about yourself and the people that affect you. Don't worry about people that you will probably never meet and don't try to tell someone to live like you want them to live. You're supposed to live your own life, not live others' lives. If you don't want to live your life and you're just going to tell other people how to live, then just die because you're not necessary.
+Meowstar Cat Tottaly, we all have our own opinions, but everyone is free to do what they want.Who am I to say what someone else can do with their body right?
+Meowstar Cat Sure its her choice to make, just like its anyone in society's choice to not like it. If her opinion and expressions are to be respected then so to should other people's.
+Meowstar Cat I'm not sure the problem is the tattoo or body mod specifically, it is probably more to do with the cultish feel you get off people who are in deep. Watching the video I took note of how she reacted to the picture of herself after it was altered. Notice any kind of judgement or repulsion? She reacted the same way the people you are scolding did,
+Matt hey you're missing the point . it isn't other people's place to pass judgement upon her for her choices when they aren't affecting these people directly. she has every right to do what she will with her body since it doesn't impact anyone else unless they let it
Permanently changing body with plastic surgery is something that people support and proud of in Korea, but permanently painting skin is illegal. That's so fucked up!
+CyberMatryoshka I agree. There are so much trolls, and people lived by unrealistic ideals. So much close minded, they are just spraying their blind judgments. It makes me sick. And I don't say I didn't judge people with that, before some one would like to distort my words. Because I see a lot people distorting wirds here. Yes I judge. I judge stupid ignorant people. Especially if they don't have bette things to do but complaining with their surreal arguments.
The permanence of these things is the only thing that fucks with me. If I could color my eyeballs and have my ears gauged and have it go back to normal back and forth at will without any consequences, I'd be doing the same shit
***** You mean why people have preferences? Why people choose to be different? Why people don't want to wear ink on their skin for life? why people don't conform to tattoo culture like TRADITIONAL tattooists..of today? Well why is a pointless and ''dumb'' question in a way... as the great explainer said HOW is so much more interesting. and from my perspective.. i know what it feels like to have your skin crawl..all the time.. and to feel constantly like they are watching you, plotting against you...and that.. something is seriously wrong...with the way we function..when making the most important decisions...this lead me to be careful with my skin/body and my beliefs. So that's how i came to the conclusion that i rather not get tattoos.
exactly, its also has historical connotations too, plus she keeps mentioning that Koreans are trying to fit a 'kpop mold'-kpopstars have tattoos too lol they just need to look up Gdragon's tattoos, he has plenty.
+karliflower23 exactly. its rather popular for kpop men to sport tattoos . so what "kpop mold" yknow? they make these sweeping statements because, I suspect, grace is no expert. which, no duh. but its unfortunate that in the comments people see this short shallow doc as something more
I think it's incredible how to us Americans have the mind set that tattoos are acceptable and to other people in the world is "amazing" and "forbidden " . Over here everyone and their mother have tattoos, it's already getting to the point where face tattoos aren't shocking to us anymore.
TWITCHTV. GNARLYYGAMING it wasn't an easy road, America was just like Korea at some point (body mod wise) even to this day tattoos are being look upon, but then again, so does your skin color.
TWITCHTV. GNARLYYGAMING maybe where you live in the US it is. Most tattoos I've seen are tattoos that are not very noticeable, like the ones you can hide easily.
I'm Korean. Let me tell you just how difficult it is to look alternative. I'm covered in tattoos. My hair is obviously colored differently. Here in America, I look normal, or rather normal enough(I still get odd looks). In Korea, I'm alien. My uma(mother), was and still is very distraught by my tattoos, even if they embrace my Korean side. She has been a legal citizen for nearly 20 years and it is still very strange for her. My harmony(grandmother) is completely horrified. She loves me, but I am still viewed rather shamefully. I'm excited to go back to Korea soon, regardless of the judgement.
"The human body is beautiful. Therefore I'm going to cover it up in tattoos and try to modify it to the extent that it is mostly no longer what I started with."
+StopMinecraftVIOLENCE I can understand body tatoos, like back, hand, leg, chest but why the fuck would you put that stuff directly on your face and wtf is with her teeth
+IntrospectivePerspective Yeah, I think she's great. In the comments for her video on plastic surgery in South Korea, a lot of people were criticizing her for being a hypocrite because look at all of the body modifications she's done. But I don't think they understand. Grace doesn't say she was pressured into getting body modifications and tattoos. It's quite the opposite. Nobody is. It was a personal choice of hers. She feels that in South Korea people are pressured to get plastic surgery because the society is so superficialized, where if that wasn't the case, it wouldn't be so common for girls to get it.
shes so pretty and i think her body mods make her even more beautiful because that's what she wants to express herself as. she's genuine.. good lord i love being gay
I just think that those eyes are a bit freaky (in a negative way) since it looks soo weird to me. Even though I understand that she's different, I think it's too much
The reason that tattoos are illegal in Korea is because of gangs. Gangs would tattoo the mobs they were a part of and tattooing is liked down upon because if this. I was waiting for something like the gang scene in Korea during the 80s and 90s, and the reasons why the older Korean generation hate the tattoos for this and other personal reasons. I feel like this could've been better researched.
+Evan93 Well, Plastic Surgery IS actually illegal if it's not done by a certified doctor and so is Tattooing.But no certified doctor will actually do it because it's looked down upon.
In this video, they didn't mentioned why tattooing became illegal in korea, In korea the tattoo is the symbol of the gangster like yakuza in japan. So that's why most of ppl have a bad idea for the tattoo. even though most of the young generation think it's one of the passion or something. So if you know this history, we would understand why the tattoing is illegal
+MattyBlue99 I do not think Grace Nuetral really cares what other people's beauty preferences related towards her own body. If she did care, she might not be tattooed at all. The point of those is probably to make her own ideas about what is beautiful, and hold that precious. To have control over your own looks, your mind, the changes in your mind, and in a very real way, the world you create around yourself.
While I think this is interesting, there are a couple things I think are missing. One, tattooing is not illegal. I know it was mentioned but I felt like it was slightly overlooked. It is just highly regulated. Also, men have to go into military for two years there and if the tattoos are too large they will not be accepted and this can be seen as dodging your service which is illegal. Lastly, the cultures are different. In America we get raised to hold onto our independence and the whole idea of an individualistic society is strong in the West. It's a little different there. It's much more about community and being a part of a team which is why people tend to not look too different. It's changing but Korea is much newer to interacting with the outside than the U.S. So they have some catching up to do. I don't think she was too judgmental but I could see how if I didn't understand Korean culture I would judge them pretty harshly.
yes! very valid input +shana hernandez. Wish they explored that topic more. There's definitely a clash of cultures here. She said that it's insulting once that artistic freedom is taken away. And that is true of course, im impressed by the way she handled herself, not rude but still professional and still holds a firm ground. Ppl tend to freak out of the unknown, resulting in biased opinions. They need to be open minded that there are certain dynamics they wont understand unless they have lived the culture.
+Shana Hernandez You say tattooing isn't illegal in Korea, and you are correct, but every tattoo parlour in Korea is illegal under the law as tattooing is supposed to only be performed by a licensed medical doctor, which of course is not what happens...
+Shana Hernandez well, hearing that they were talking about the GOVERNMENT and not the people, I don't see the point of this comment. Governments do plenty of mistakes.
+Hallah22 My eyes were hurting too. From seeing what is otherwise a beautiful, natural form get destroyed by all these markings. It is sad when I see someone do that to themselves.
In Asia, it's hard to get a job if you have a tattoo, it should be hidden in your clothing or when you wear a uniform or you should have none at all. I wanted one but it is hard to get a job and you get discriminated unconsciously.
"Its very important that this guy keep his illegal tattoo business a secret, so I'm only going to record myself saying his full name, testifying that he does this illegal thing, and showing you around his illegal underground shop, then i'm only going to upload it for public viewing on youtube."
The main reason for older generations not liking tattoos and other similar body modifications is because when Japan took over South Korea, they forcibly tattooed people, so it gives them bad memories.
This woman's voice is so soothing, like it could work in literally any type of movie. its so simple and elegant and sweet, innocent and awakening. I don't like tattoos or piercings for wise reasons but she is something else.
i love how things are reversed on there, here(argentina) most people have chinese, arabic, or korean writings on their body, on 6:52 you can see a tattoo that says "pasado pisado" (forgotten past)
so many people are saying her tattoos and modifications look shit and have ruined her appearance, but i think they look awesome, i wouldn't get them done myself but if people want to then that's their choice. true beauty comes from feeling comfortable in your body, and that's exactly what grace has achieved
I agree with being able to express yourself through your body as i have about 90% of my body tattooed. But she's saying these kids and young adults are being oppressed when i know from my time visiting korea that the vast majority of kids to adults have no interest in tattoos or body modification. It's part of their culture and theres nothing wrong with that.
i love tattoos so much but i probably will never get one because i'm afraid of the commitment, that's why i feel fascinated when i see a person covered in tattoos
if you have a hard time committing to get a tattoo, then most likely the tattoo you have in mind to get isn't what you really want or doesn't has any meaning to to. I recommend if you would like to get a tattoo make sure your gonna love it and it has meaning behind it cause Hun it's gonna be on your body for the rest of your life (unless you get it removed/covered)
Just choose something pretty. Things that are important to you may change, that's why I don't get the "tattoos must be meaningful" thing. Also if it makes it easier, when it's healed, you kind of get used to it and stop thinking of it as an addition to your body, it's just your skin :)
The only advice I'll give you is don't get one unless you know *exactly* what you're getting and where it's going on your body. If you're in doubt about either, don't get one.
Blame the times, not the people. I don't blame the old man for his outlook on her tattoos, it's simply a product of the time he was living in. Had he been living in modern day elsewhere he would probably be more accepting. This is why the people featured in this video are important, they are the ones shifting the tide and bringing in a new perspective to Korea that's more accepting.
Nader Salameh I don't care about her tattoos on her body, I think it's look nice on her. But the whole facial scarring/modification and eye tattoo is a little too much for me and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that. Of course, there's going to be people who think that's unique and creative... But in general, I think the majority of the population would see that a little distasteful.
+aaron urias Tribal art and body modifications have been done since the dawn of time. Our current societies beliefs on beauty are the things that are artificial.
Late reply but These people try so hard to be different it's kinda sad if you notice anyone who comments on their distaste for tattoos the rebuttals always are along the line of "It's her body not yours she can do whatever she wants(which is a lie)" or "Why do you care it's not your body" Like honestly it reminds me of teenagers arguing with their parents about not getting [insert anything a teen could possibly want] it's so fucking childish Some of these people are literally messing themselves up, like this chick, she'll probably go blind in the next few years with those eye tats what pisses me off the most is when they try to act like they aren't doing it for the crowd, trend, attention or trying to be "rebellious" and "different/speacial" but their narratives prove time and time again that that's all it is. Then it's a "I'm not doing it to impress people I don't care what people think" oh really? If you claim this to be a form of self Expression then who exactly are you expressing yourself to and why do you care enough to screw your body up? These people are fucked up mentally and are lying to themselves And honestly i wouldn't but they are being paraded as some kinda rolemodels and being praised for being "liberal" "free"
I'm sure they're tattooed or injected somehow...I don't follow her on any social media, truth be told I have never seen her before watching this...so not sure on the method.
+kmj they inject the ink not very deep into your eyes, and it'll spread out in an area, then repeat until it's done. whoever did hers didn't use the right ink and it's faded. you can't use regular tattoo ink.
Love Amber. I had no idea this was even a problem in South Korea. I knew beauty was a huge thing, but it's considered "beautiful" to change the color of your skin, get your eyes changed (usually surgically), etc. I didn't think they'd be so against tattoos. But Amber completely crushes everyone's stereotypes (if you get who/what I'm talking about, I want to hug you).
Grace is so fascinating and cute! All interviewed and tattooed people seem nothing like outcasts but like people who should be the core of our modern society. Open minded, kind and most important ... individuals.
Well on the flip side, the closed minded older generations are quite literally dying off. Of course some some things are passed down from generation to generation, but eventually, I believe, Korea will be a more tolerant country overall.
+Confettifun Yes that is true to some extent, but on the whole, new generations tend to change. But Korea is somewhat of a special case because of the age gap like ^nyanya nya said. The younger and older generations are vastly different.
+Very Doge true but their mentality isn't wrong, it's just what they were conditioned to. even in America tattoos are seen as bad among some, because it is associated to gang violence or only "trashy" people get them. even if it is something with a genuine meaning it still gives bad impression to some. but times are always changing
The two big points here is that it doesn't matter what people think about your body. You should do what YOU want because it is your body and only your opinion matters most. The other point is that people should stop judging people by their looks. Jesus fucking Christ, who cares if the lady has eye tattoos or not. Shes likes it, shes does it. And if one wants to conform to the K-beauty standards, that's fantastic too. What she is concerned about are those who are conforming to these standards reluctantly and unhappily. She is concerned that these standards are forcing people to be something they don't want to be. If you are happy with it, that's wonderful. If you aren't happy with it, don't force yourself. YOU DO YOU.
Well Koreans are against tattoos because back when japan occupied them, the Japanese forced the Koreans to get tattoos. So it was a traumatizing thing that Korea rather not have offend anyone who had grandparents or great grandparents who had this done
she radiates so much grace and beauty, i felt like with every word she said she truly meant and her eyes lit up so much while learning about the rebellion and culture with such genuine interest. she is SO beautiful, looks and aurora, and same with all the other people featured in this.
This video and his quality is way to good for UA-cam. What a great job was done here. This is one of the best videos ive seen so far here, in sense of quality, regie, "actors" and feels. Love it. Greets from Germany.
+isseume This entire channel is biased. "get tattoos, be different!" "Follow alternative beauty trends, not traditional ones" Its the same thing but different words are used.
chaaarlieee1 The issue is that the alternative people say that traditional beauty is restrictive. Then you have traditional people saying that alternative beauty is trashy. Its both the same shit. Wear what you like.
Tattoos, fucking awesome. Piercing etc, fine doesn't bother me. Scarification? Can look good, i have no opinion on it. But please, don't inject ink in your eyes.. One step too far.
Poor guy who's parents straight up ditched him because of some tattoos. Sad to think... I'm not really sure if someone loved you in the first place if they can "not love you anymore" over something trivial. also I love the lady Godiva tattoo a lady has on the back of her arm at the end!
+Zaqqum Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Just because you think something or someone looks gross, it doesn't mean they are. This is the reason why bloods and crips exist. They think what they favor is better and try to prove it to such a point that violence is involved. Though there is no violence involved with your comment, the statement still stands true. You can think what you want and like what you want. It doesn't make it true. It's just your opinion. Honestly, I think right now that you're an idiot for being so closed-minded. But it doesn't mean you are one. It's just my opinion.
+Erzu17 heeeere comes a philosopher of life... please. Just think about the fact that if one needs blood transplant and you "was" the only one who could transplant, then you got to face the fact the you're tatooed. Its you're decision
+Shadowed Kiss her eyes looks like she's been smoking urinal pucks for the last 10 years...you're just an idiot.....she is entirely more beautiful without those ridiculous smurf pot eyes
Lol she does! I think it still looks cool. Although when she's 85 and all saggy she's gonna be walking around with blue eyes looking all kinds of creepy
Eyeball tats are done by a syringe needle if you didn't know. They just poke the one half of your eye and squueze the ink in and then same for the inner side.
It's honestly crazy and I always forget, that some people are actually against tattooing. In the Us its so accepted to have tattoos, I mean even my doctor has a sleeve
+xxfallen angelxx I think they are gross personally but it's bewildering to me that there are developed first world places where people use the violence of government to physically force this preference onto others. Is this the dark ages?
The fact that the majority of Korean people old and young aren't interested in tattoos and body modification should at least have been mentioned. This video is trying to make it come across as if these people are being stopped from getting tattoos and that when they get them everyone looks down at them. This is their culture and it's different to ours, nothing wrong with that and who the hell cares.
+Katie Budd "This video is trying to make it come across as if these people are being stopped from getting tattoos and that when they get them everyone looks down at them." well thats exactly what goes on in s.korea, you can ask any one of your korean friends and they tell you the same thing. Its fine for people to not get tattooed but to have a culture that actively shuns(and basically label them as criminals) for doing something creative with their own bodies is kinda shitty then again thats my opinion.
I use to live in South Korea for 4 years and there was tons of tattoo shops in Itaewon. They weren't hidden, they are literally on the main street next to stores like 7"11s. Great video but "illegal". Idk about all that. If it is illegal noone cares police wise. I think a more accurate title would be that tatoos in korea are very frowned upon (that's true).
djwaters22 - Just because it's not enforced doesn't mean it's not illegal...weed is illegal in Jamaica but people still buy, sell, and smoke it publicly
+가윤박 I think you can get a close contrast video using RED ONE camera. But the most difficult part is post production especially color grading. Also another problem is a ultra expensive computer to render it.....
My family looked down on me to when I started getting tattoos. But thankfully they can look past it. It's art, it's culture, it's freedom and it's you... keep being you. You're awesome.
+Simon WoodburyForget Not to really refute you or anything, but the nature of the concept of beauty being ideological in itself, how would you say her outlook being ideological affects her credibility?
+Simon WoodburyForget I agree with you when you point out the strong currents of "them against me", or "them against us" when she interviews the people who are shunned by their family. When people take other people's personal choices too personally, shit happens. Period. But then again, I've got a lot to learn about the world: we are all more interconnected than we can consciously realize. All I know for sure is that everyone in that video who is playing a victim chose that role for themselves on some level.
Simon WoodburyForget When I said 'credibility', I meant 'relevance' (I'm sorry for using unclear terminology). Given that all beauty is subjective, or 'idealistic', how should her own personal view of what is beautiful be more or less relevant? As I understand it, given that she took the opportunity to give the old man's opinion without seguing her own on top of his, she's only trying to support understanding. She said: 'Alternative beauty is a form of expression.' She did NOT say: 'People who hold traditional values in beauty are not expressing themselves.' She said: 'I find this beautiful.' She did NOT say: 'Therefore you MUST find it beautiful as well.' Her purpose is to promote the idea that just because people think something that you don't find beautiful is beautiful, that doesn't make them or their opinion an abomination. Just different. And that is okay. Given that people deciding to look different isn't affecting their ability to function as a member of society and isn't hurting anybody, but discriminating against people because they do so IS, I don't think that this is an unreasonable philosophy to stand behind. But because your reaction seemed to be different, I wanted to understand your point of view ^^
+Simon WoodburyForget Ahhh, I see what you mean now. That certainly is...a whole big vague concept. I think you might find the second video of this interesting then ^^ She talks about how Korean beauty standards/culture is so alien to her and Western culture, while her own style of beauty is received differently there than in the West.
"I went to go visit this illegal tattoo parlor and filmed the whole thing to show on the internet!" The man was later arrested by the Korean government.
She is such an emotional clown, I could point out 20 people exactly like her on the street, she thinks she is so individual with all these edgy views...... you are a trend bitch, everything about you screams TREND
+sverebebe I like your insight. Still, there was an exploration, more like some stories of what happened to the guys, who actually decided to go that path.
I enjoyed this video more then the other one. We kind of already know about Korea and the beauty trends, but we barely get to see people who step out of the norm and do things for themselves so its nice to see those that kind of have rebel against the norm.
+luna evangeline Even here IKR she's acting like korea is full of problem but she should care more about her own country before spreading the things about south korea like it's north korea, it's so bad there boohoo people are so pressured, i know there's problem in korea with beauty but she clearly didn't met a lot of korean and know much about korea (I myself don't know much but my korean friends are helping me to know more)
+Brittany O'Reilly out they could just ask someone with a tattoo "hey who did you go to" and go get it done illegally. once it's done, nothing is illegal. it's only the tattooist that would get in trouble, you aren't required to ask credentials, therefore at worst you'd end up with an unfinished tattoo. you aren't "not allowed to" get one, youre just "not allowed to" do then without proper credentials. even in the US it's technically illegal to tattoo without a license, which requires an apprenticeship of around a year or more, before youre even legally allowed to tattoo. legality is a funny thing. it's actually similar in a lot of countries to be honest.
This was interesting! People should be free to live their life as they want. I wouldn't get a tattoo - but that should be their decision, not the government's!
tattoos themselves are not illegal here in Korea. its people without a license coming and opening shops. You need a medical license to show you can give tattoos without any harm.
![Grace Neutral Explores Korea's Illegal Beauty Scene [FULL FILM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JYfJfCeQ8As/mqdefault.jpg)
![Grace Neutral Explores Korea's Illegal Beauty Scene [FULL FILM]](/img/tr.png)
While this video does bring up some good points about Korea's tattoo culture, they don't address one of the big reasons why Koreans, especially the older generation, look down upon tattoos.
Back when Japan was occupying Korea, they forcibly tattooed Koreans. Tattoos became a dark reminder of the time when Japan tried to commit cultural genocide against Korea. Many of the women who were forcibly tattooed weren't able to get married and have children, even if they wanted to. For a lot of the older generation, tattoos weren't something you chose to get. It was something forcibly given to you, and therefore was a symbol of one of the darkest times in Korean history.
While I am glad that the younger generation is becoming more open to alternative forms of beauty, keep this in mind before you start vilifying the older generation for hating tattoos. For their parents and grandparents, tattoos are a symbol of the occupation of Korea, instead of being an art form.
And in addition to that, there's also saying in Korean where they say a person should not take their body for granted and use it so carelessly as well.
I agree. The young people tend to forget that the older people were also young as well and experienced different things than themselves.
Favilla Morty That's not the point, carrot top.
Favilla Morty "Has no value" in your opinion. I doubt they would expect someone like yourself to understand. It doesn't matter if they can see the difference between a tattoo that was forced and one that was gotten willingly...the point here is that tattoos remind them of a dark time in their history and are also associated with gang members in South Korea. Instead of being a selfish millennial, try having some empathy.
That's a story I haven't heard before. I heard of tattoos being used to punish criminals way back in the Goryeo era, which was also a practice in other areas of the Sinosphere. It's also interesting to note that Japanese society also has a strong stigma against tattoos, and currently probably stronger than it is in Korea (tattoos were illegal during the imperial period for example). In any case, opinions are shifting so quickly that I would guess it won't be an issue by the mid-2020s in Korea, given how quickly the tattoo trend exploded in a few years
It hurts my heart to hear some tattoo artist saying that they're criminals for doing what they do. :(
Right?? They should be free to do what they love. People should be able to embrace something beautiful and have people look at them like strange creatures :c
not*
+Sara Ellen It broke my heart when I heard that. I'm not a tattoo artist nor I have any tattoos on my body. (that shouldn't really matter btw) I'm a designer myself and I can only imagine what that must feel like. You are not a criminal Apro, you are Apro.
+Ma. Alejandra exactly. I'm a tattoo artist here in Brazil and I just cant imagine being called a criminal... such a heavy thing.
But for me, my concept of criminal is heavy. At least for me. But I got your point.*****
I think they failed to mention that in asia tattoos are generally associated with organized crime. And that's why people look down on you.
+Dragon10101011 Well it's typical of people with tattoos to make themselves look like criminals or other people viewed negatively then complain that they are viewed as such.
+ivanlagrossemoule What does a criminal look like? Just because you wear cool clothes don't mean you're a criminal dude.
+Sungazer Often, someone with tattoos hence the association. I have tattoos and I'm not a criminal but around the world, tattoos represent criminality, drug use, etc. It's changing of course, but in Asia that is still often the impression.
Sungazer Many criminal organisations and gangs get tattoos and the members tend to end up with a certain look to them. If you get that type of tattoo you will look like a criminal.
If you got traditional maori tattoos, you wouldn't complain if you were associated with maori, no ?
+Anthony Delara but you have to admit that was a hilarious attempt lmao
"how secretive he has to be" shows his name and face
high hopes It’s only illegal in Korea. He is not considered a criminal in all the other countries. And I believe Korean law enforcement is focused on more important things than a tattoo artist. In the video the location of the shop can’t be seen
idk why I laughed out loud
I was thinking my boi got caught in 4K📸
Why are so many people here salty as shit? In my opinion she looks better without all the tattoos, but who gives a shit? It's her body, not yours. It's like if you painted your room and then your neighbor came in and started telling you how much of a piece of shit you are because you made your room look ugly. It's your room, as long as you think it looks good that's all that matters.
I wish this world had more people like you :C
I feel the same way
+Uraneum Yeah, I mean do what you want as long as it doesn't hurt others.
+Uraneum Amen.
+Uraneum I mean, it at least has to look good.
What this video fails to get at is that in East Asian countries often it was criminals who would have tattoos. In ancient times in China a convicted criminal would get a face tattoo. This happened for a LONG time. So it is part of the culture for people to avoid/dislike people with tattoos, because they were usually criminals. Without getting at the history, your video just makes it seems like old people are ignorant and angry. But there is actually a deeper cultural story behind it.
Exactly my point. It's just a cultural difference that has not yet adapted to that of the western world. Tattoos are far more rare in Korea as it is a trend that has recently began to reach the general population and therefore is not as socially accepted as it is in the western culture. Thinks about face tattoos in America, 10 years ago you would have been labeled as a criminal or someone with "bad intentions", today you see rappers and other celebrities rocking it without a problem. Korea just hasn't had the time to reach that point where tattoos are of the norm.
+eugene188 I agree. Japan is like that too since tattoos are still strongly associated with Yakuza. of course there's going to be some negative connotations, so older generations' critical opinion is not totally unfounded or just them being really conservative
that's how it used to be in the US as well. it used to be only ex-cons, gangsters & ex-military had tattoos but obviously it's changed a lot since now it's sooo common
🔥
+Chris Lee I dunno. Face tattoos are a little bit extreme. Those are for the people living on the fringes, I think.
the sub is a bit off. the old man said that he thinks that other people may think that she is beautiful in nature but ruined her looks by tattooing. he didnt say that she actually ruined it.
Hannah Jang i dont speak korean but that makes more sense anyways
he seemed like a nice man.
thankyou very much for properly translating the Hongul.... Also i have a tattoo in Hongul but I've never been able to know for sure if it says what i think it says... maybe you can help? It's supposed to spell out "forget" in Hongul....
does your tattoo say something like 잊다/잊어요/잊어버려?
æx moon - it looks almost exactly like the first phrase that you typed down... What does that translate to exactly? And what do the other 2 phrases that you typed mean?
tattoo is illegal and plastic surgery is legal smh i dont get it
Deo Durant
Tattooing itself is not illegal, it’s illegal for it to be done by someone without a doctor’s license, which is ridiculous, so most tattoo artist earn their livings illegally, which makes it that tattoos have a bad reputation if you will.
Plus it has a history of being used to mark criminals, which only adds on to that stigma.
Andrew Lee tattoos were used by us Native Americans to distinguish ourselves so it’s only natural that tattooing caught on in the US.
Jun but it also has history around the world as tattoos represent from what family or tribe you belong to with the Polynesians and the Native Americans it’s cultural if many things in Korea are adapted and inspired by the US they should also realized that Tattooing in many parts of the world is cultural traditions.
hepatitis
both are forms of altering someone’s body but one is seen as being a way to make your body unique and the other is to make it normal and uniform
*gets a doctors degree and opens a tattoo shop*
ikr
id much rather be a tattoo artist. the pay is great for the job youre doing
cole cen'estpalamusique lol
cole cen'estpalamusique thanks for the idea
Logic!
The softest voice I've ever heard in my life
Right?! I didn't expect it at all
+Jerome khan She sounds kinda like Florence Welch(i think he voice may be softer) from florence and the machine they must be from the same area
She seems like a nice person who is traveling around the world making videos on things she is passionate about. Yet for some reason people feel the need to focus only on her appearance . I am a whitebread, polo shirt wearing, tattooless yuppie and I approve/appreciate of her individuality and personal expression. Of course, my approval really is irrelevant. People should be judged on the strength of their character. They definitely should not be judged by people who criticize another s appearance, yet hide behind avatars that are not pics of their own faces.
agree
+Brad M say it louder for the people at the back
+Brad M A big portion of this video is discussion people being uncomfortable with others "modifying" their appearance, and it would be dishonest to say that some of the tattoos/scars that the woman in the video has aren't strange. It's totally reasonable for people to voice their opinions on her appearance given the context of the video.
Stereotypical Mexican Ludicolo
Who said they aren't strange? They are strange, very different and something I personally wouldn't do to myself but that is my personal preference for myself. Strange isn't a bad thing. The difference here is that I recognize that as a person she should be able to express her appearance as she chooses and shouldn't be ridiculed or judged by immature people falling victim to their own prejudice. That is the point of the video. The point of the video is to display a subculture that is being discriminated against, not to justify the negative behavior of the bigots.
Brad M Tattooing is becoming a pretty big thing in western culture, but more extreme things like the scarification on her forehead are still very new. When things are strange and new people aren't comfortable with them, and especially on a place like the Internet where there's likely to be no real repercussions for their actions, people are likely to voice their opinions. I think that's totally reasonable, especially when the subject of the video is tattoos/body modifications and the comments are about the person's tattoos/body modifications.
There aren't many people who are being bigoted, though. From what I see in the comments, the people who don't like something about her body modifications are still being fairly kind about it saying things like "All of her tattoos are great, but I don't really like the scar on her forehead."
This is an awesome video but I gotta say it is rather exaggerated. Just this morning on the subway in Seoul I saw two men with full sleeves and a girl with a nice thigh piece. No one stared or batted an eye. Tattoos are getting SUPER common here and not just for the “rebellious” bunch. Girls get flowers and cute little dainty pieces here all the time and tons of guys have them. I have two visible ones and I’ve never heard any negative comments. Especially in the Hongdae area tattoos are EVERYWHERE and not a big deal. Other than that, great video!
U could be right, but also ignorant to the hate around. Its easy to miss
Hyo-Min Yun Everything American culture does Koreans eventually change to. Soon y'all will be opening marijuana shops and LSD,cocaine, meth will be common too. You like trash American culture?
Mockavel Velli I don’t mind marijuana and LSD but meth and cocaine are dangerous
As a Korean, I agree that there are too many prejudices and hatred against tattoos in Korea. Ironically, however, Koreans who dare to get tattoos on their bodies despite such social disadvantages are usually idiot. This is what I learned during my 30 years in Korea.
I kind of teared up when the guy sai dthat his parents don't talk to him or like him because of the way he looks. I think a lot of us can relate to that... This documentary impressed me. LIKE
+Lin Se-Ah 린세아 Yeah, that's pretty weird. people want tattoos, because it looks good on their bodies, or they just want to show one symbol to others, wich was important in their lives. But whats the point of making these if nobody find these cool in your country.
For example I could make a pierced hole in my lower lip and insert wooden disks there, because its very common in some african tribe, but I would be the stupid, not the people who dont like it, because I live in Europe, not in the fucking jungle.
+FMMAGE well, tattoos and body mods are not for others. They're in your body because that's what you like, your country or other people have nothing to do with it. Also, Africa is not the jungle, but ok. You get a tattoo because it means something to you or just because you really like it, you don't get a tattoo to be cool and shit, that's just being a poser.
there are jungles in africa (you know, the continent) :) actually there are jungles everywhere near the equator. And people do want tattoos because it looks good. Its like so obvious. This guy's image, that he wears tattoos everywhere in a country where noone likes it, is just an escape from his probably already fucked up life.
You know, Sory, in this world everyone is just posing to everyone. Even you, and EVEN me. Everyone can say: ye i wear this chain, because it means i was problematic blahblahblahbullshit. I like tattos too, it looks dope and shit, but atleast i dont judge people who doesnt think the same way.
+SoryWearsPrada | Real talk
+Ridhwani Ebanks not at all. Especially manny people in the alternatie sceen look the way they do becuase they want to be themselfes and want to express that the opinion of others doesnt matter to them. U should never generalize ur own opinions on others. I dont care what others think about me and i hate to pose.
This is a 50min worth documentary in 8min. I love the way it's done.
Drakonyan Azkar absolutely right. At first i wanted to skip the vid but your comment made me watch it.
its great for a youtube video but i also wouldn't mind watching a full documentary about it
I don't get why everyone is so butthurt about having body mods. It's her canvas to paint on, not anyone else's, so I don't see the problem. I personally think her tattoos and eyes are cool but I don't like her teeth, but she didn't do this for me and it doesn't affect me. She did it for herself and that was her choice to make, not mine or anyone else's. I am fucking tired of seeing people act like their lives are at stake just because someone is doing something to THEIR own body that doesn't affect anyone else at all. What's the point in living if you're just going to worry about what other people are doing. Worry about yourself and the people that affect you. Don't worry about people that you will probably never meet and don't try to tell someone to live like you want them to live. You're supposed to live your own life, not live others' lives. If you don't want to live your life and you're just going to tell other people how to live, then just die because you're not necessary.
Amen.
+Meowstar Cat Tottaly, we all have our own opinions, but everyone is free to do what they want.Who am I to say what someone else can do with their body right?
+Meowstar Cat Sure its her choice to make, just like its anyone in society's choice to not like it. If her opinion and expressions are to be respected then so to should other people's.
+Meowstar Cat I'm not sure the problem is the tattoo or body mod specifically, it is probably more to do with the cultish feel you get off people who are in deep. Watching the video I took note of how she reacted to the picture of herself after it was altered. Notice any kind of judgement or repulsion? She reacted the same way the people you are scolding did,
+Matt hey you're missing the point . it isn't other people's place to pass judgement upon her for her choices when they aren't affecting these people directly. she has every right to do what she will with her body since it doesn't impact anyone else unless they let it
Permanently changing body with plastic surgery is something that people support and proud of in Korea, but permanently painting skin is illegal. That's so fucked up!
i always make the mistake to go read the youtube comments. always.
ikr
+CyberMatryoshka Not me.......
+CyberMatryoshka I agree. There are so much trolls, and people lived by unrealistic ideals. So much close minded, they are just spraying their blind judgments. It makes me sick. And I don't say I didn't judge people with that, before some one would like to distort my words. Because I see a lot people distorting wirds here. Yes I judge. I judge stupid ignorant people. Especially if they don't have bette things to do but complaining with their surreal arguments.
ChrissAtrocious "they don't have bette things to do but complaining with their surreal arguments." The irony is strong with this one...
same here, I always do
The permanence of these things is the only thing that fucks with me. If I could color my eyeballs and have my ears gauged and have it go back to normal back and forth at will without any consequences, I'd be doing the same shit
+Dom's Sketch Cast agreed
+Dom's Sketch Cast You can get colored contacts that cover the whole eye. The ears I can't help you with though.
+Dom's Sketch Cast There's always "poser-plugs/gauges" and I swear I see your comments everywhere.
*****
You mean why people have preferences? Why people choose to be different? Why people don't want to wear ink on their skin for life? why people don't conform to tattoo culture like TRADITIONAL tattooists..of today?
Well why is a pointless and ''dumb'' question in a way... as the great explainer said HOW is so much more interesting. and from my perspective.. i know what it feels like to have your skin crawl..all the time.. and to feel constantly like they are watching you, plotting against you...and that.. something is seriously wrong...with the way we function..when making the most important decisions...this lead me to be careful with my skin/body and my beliefs. So that's how i came to the conclusion that i rather not get tattoos.
Mod.Sound Poser shit sounds awful. And you see me everywhere because we watch the same videos, buddy. Have you seen my channel yet?
THERE UA-cam!!! Are you happy?! I watched the fucking video, now quit recommending it!
+Robert FrownyJr hahah same here.
+Robert FrownyJr ik fucking right like i see it fucking everywhere !!!!!!
lol
+Robert FrownyJr Thumbs down for that sort of shiet.
+Robert FrownyJr I just disliked and jumped into the comments. :P
i seriously don't know why, this video made me 26% more depressed.
How did you calculate that?
Holy.. This is such an interesting video. It opened my eyes. Thank you.
+Hansol WTF Hansol go make your next movie already xD lmao jk jk Love your vids btw
+Hansol fire mage tattoo incoming
+Hansol So this is why this popped up on my feed.....
+Justforfun Gaming Haha woah. Small world boys.
+Hansol wtf is hansol doin here? xD
I only hope her Inking doesn't give her health problems later on in life. Inking your eye seems REALLY dangerous for the long term.
shes sick.
Yeah
The bullshit that I have to read here is hugeeeee.
So does eating McDonald's but you still do it.
good point, but there is a study that suggests that having tattoos improves your immune system.
my body is my temple, I get to decorate my walls like I want to.
underrated comment
you and other temples can share barrack in Samcheong camp
amen
PREACH
Omg so beautiful!!
3:35 when she looked back t the guy who was staring her down.... my inspiration
Although interesting, the show does miss out a lot when they think that skorea's disdain for tattoos is merely an aesthetic disdain.
exactly, its also has historical connotations too, plus she keeps mentioning that Koreans are trying to fit a 'kpop mold'-kpopstars have tattoos too lol they just need to look up Gdragon's tattoos, he has plenty.
+karliflower23 exactly. its rather popular for kpop men to sport tattoos . so what "kpop mold" yknow? they make these sweeping statements because, I suspect, grace is no expert. which, no duh. but its unfortunate that in the comments people see this short shallow doc as something more
Alexis is that u
Alexis is that u
+CuddleMex are you asking me? no, im not alexis
make her a regular host i-D !! pleaseeeeee !!
No
+chicblossom y?
YESSSSS
+Walter White Yes!
yeah!
I think it's incredible how to us Americans have the mind set that tattoos are acceptable and to other people in the world is "amazing" and "forbidden " . Over here everyone and their mother have tattoos, it's already getting to the point where face tattoos aren't shocking to us anymore.
TWITCHTV. GNARLYYGAMING UK attitudes towards tattoos are even more open
TWITCHTV. GNARLYYGAMING it wasn't an easy road, America was just like Korea at some point (body mod wise) even to this day tattoos are being look upon, but then again, so does your skin color.
TWITCHTV. GNARLYYGAMING maybe where you live in the US it is. Most tattoos I've seen are tattoos that are not very noticeable, like the ones you can hide easily.
TWITCHTV. GNARLYYGAMING Yeah in Germany it's the same. So many people have tattoos, no one really cares
I'm Korean. Let me tell you just how difficult it is to look alternative. I'm covered in tattoos. My hair is obviously colored differently. Here in America, I look normal, or rather normal enough(I still get odd looks). In Korea, I'm alien. My uma(mother), was and still is very distraught by my tattoos, even if they embrace my Korean side. She has been a legal citizen for nearly 20 years and it is still very strange for her. My harmony(grandmother) is completely horrified. She loves me, but I am still viewed rather shamefully. I'm excited to go back to Korea soon, regardless of the judgement.
I loved how the elderly gentleman gave her a snide look over as she sat next to him, while she smiles respectfully 😆 cute
"The human body is beautiful. Therefore I'm going to cover it up in tattoos and try to modify it to the extent that it is mostly no longer what I started with."
Stopminecraftviolence
+StopMinecraftVIOLENCE I can understand body tatoos, like back, hand, leg, chest
but why the fuck would you put that stuff directly on your face
and wtf is with her teeth
+StopMinecraftVIOLENCE The human body is a canvas, we all have our own interpretation. Tattoos are an art form to me, a way of self expression.
+Calliexo96 well said
Calliexo96 But the purple hair is just stupid, amiright?
Thumbs up if you want to see more videos with Grace Neutral as a host. Her voice is soothing and she herself is a masterpiece!
She is incredible !
Ey ey captain
yassssssss
yasssssss
+IntrospectivePerspective Yeah, I think she's great. In the comments for her video on plastic surgery in South Korea, a lot of people were criticizing her for being a hypocrite because look at all of the body modifications she's done. But I don't think they understand.
Grace doesn't say she was pressured into getting body modifications and tattoos. It's quite the opposite. Nobody is. It was a personal choice of hers. She feels that in South Korea people are pressured to get plastic surgery because the society is so superficialized, where if that wasn't the case, it wouldn't be so common for girls to get it.
I think this woman is actually really pretty
Yeah? How tight do your pants get when you see Mystique from X-Men? Serious question
Hell yeah she is♥
lol, I'm not into Mystique at all but she's drop dead gorgeous at 3:38
Damn, wtf are you looking at?
Cause she is?
shes so pretty and i think her body mods make her even more beautiful because that's what she wants to express herself as. she's genuine.. good lord i love being gay
시들지 않은 포스 핀 same ahh
I think she looks like a monster with those eye contacts
El señor te reprenda diablo
honey splash she would be cute without the tattoos tho. cute girls are cute with or without body mods
I just think that those eyes are a bit freaky (in a negative way) since it looks soo weird to me. Even though I understand that she's different, I think it's too much
i-D always has the most insanely beautiful production
I find it so ironic how tattooing is "illegal" meanwhile it is seen as normal for a 14 year old to have plastic surgery.
+Evan93 ^ THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS!!!!!!!!!
Haha OMG exactly!!
The reason that tattoos are illegal in Korea is because of gangs. Gangs would tattoo the mobs they were a part of and tattooing is liked down upon because if this. I was waiting for something like the gang scene in Korea during the 80s and 90s, and the reasons why the older Korean generation hate the tattoos for this and other personal reasons. I feel like this could've been better researched.
lol, nice
+Evan93 Well, Plastic Surgery IS actually illegal if it's not done by a certified doctor and so is Tattooing.But no certified doctor will actually do it because it's looked down upon.
DEAR VICE, i-D NEEDS MORE FUNDS TO MAKE MORE OF THESE VIDEOS WE WANT MORE OF THESE VIDEOS PLEASE PLEASE
In this video, they didn't mentioned why tattooing became illegal in korea, In korea the tattoo is the symbol of the gangster like yakuza in japan. So that's why most of ppl have a bad idea for the tattoo. even though most of the young generation think it's one of the passion or something. So if you know this history, we would understand why the tattoing is illegal
@ChocolateSyrupOverdose she cannot get the point lol
Understand but that's long time ago. South korea is developed county. But many people do not know that most of tattoos people are not from gangster.
Japan is Japan korea is korea
tbh i think the tattoos look great on her though the tattooed eyes and the scars on her face im not a big fan of.
***** i know that she can do whatever she wants, was just stating my preference thats all.
+Laurel Safreed How is he not being kind? All he said was his opinion..?
+revoo22 shut up bitch
+ambitchin Very intelligent response! How effective!
+MattyBlue99 I do not think Grace Nuetral really cares what other people's beauty preferences related towards her own body. If she did care, she might not be tattooed at all. The point of those is probably to make her own ideas about what is beautiful, and hold that precious. To have control over your own looks, your mind, the changes in your mind, and in a very real way, the world you create around yourself.
While I think this is interesting, there are a couple things I think are missing. One, tattooing is not illegal. I know it was mentioned but I felt like it was slightly overlooked. It is just highly regulated. Also, men have to go into military for two years there and if the tattoos are too large they will not be accepted and this can be seen as dodging your service which is illegal. Lastly, the cultures are different. In America we get raised to hold onto our independence and the whole idea of an individualistic society is strong in the West. It's a little different there. It's much more about community and being a part of a team which is why people tend to not look too different. It's changing but Korea is much newer to interacting with the outside than the U.S. So they have some catching up to do. I don't think she was too judgmental but I could see how if I didn't understand Korean culture I would judge them pretty harshly.
yes! very valid input +shana hernandez. Wish they explored that topic more. There's definitely a clash of cultures here. She said that it's insulting once that artistic freedom is taken away. And that is true of course, im impressed by the way she handled herself, not rude but still professional and still holds a firm ground. Ppl tend to freak out of the unknown, resulting in biased opinions. They need to be open minded that there are certain dynamics they wont understand unless they have lived the culture.
+Shana Hernandez You say tattooing isn't illegal in Korea, and you are correct, but every tattoo parlour in Korea is illegal under the law as tattooing is supposed to only be performed by a licensed medical doctor, which of course is not what happens...
+Shana Hernandez measured and important point about the communitarian culture there
+Shana Hernandez You literally stole this exact quote from a buzzfeed video. you just changed the last part a tiny bit.
+Shana Hernandez well, hearing that they were talking about the GOVERNMENT and not the people, I don't see the point of this comment. Governments do plenty of mistakes.
my eyes were hurting the entire time
Why?
Milk you're just a jug of milk, you don't have eyes so you won't feel what i feel
+Hallah22 😂😂😂
right lol
+Hallah22 My eyes were hurting too. From seeing what is otherwise a beautiful, natural form get destroyed by all these markings. It is sad when I see someone do that to themselves.
In Asia, it's hard to get a job if you have a tattoo, it should be hidden in your clothing or when you wear a uniform or you should have none at all. I wanted one but it is hard to get a job and you get discriminated unconsciously.
jerica flor wow
This is so true actually
jerica flor its trashy and overrated tbh
"Its very important that this guy keep his illegal tattoo business a secret, so I'm only going to record myself saying his full name, testifying that he does this illegal thing, and showing you around his illegal underground shop, then i'm only going to upload it for public viewing on youtube."
Korea should chill down a little bit
puffy fluffy I know what you mean but there is a deeper reason why older Koreans dislike tattoos.
+lily downes can you tell me why please if you know the reason >
puffy fluffy Every culture and country is different.
The main reason for older generations not liking tattoos and other similar body modifications is because when Japan took over South Korea, they forcibly tattooed people, so it gives them bad memories.
Every country carries different cultures and opinions.
This woman's voice is so soothing, like it could work in literally any type of movie. its so simple and elegant and sweet, innocent and awakening. I don't like tattoos or piercings for wise reasons but she is something else.
i love how things are reversed on there, here(argentina) most people have chinese, arabic, or korean writings on their body, on 6:52 you can see a tattoo that says "pasado pisado" (forgotten past)
so many people are saying her tattoos and modifications look shit and have ruined her appearance, but i think they look awesome, i wouldn't get them done myself but if people want to then that's their choice. true beauty comes from feeling comfortable in your body, and that's exactly what grace has achieved
I agree with being able to express yourself through your body as i have about 90% of my body tattooed. But she's saying these kids and young adults are being oppressed when i know from my time visiting korea that the vast majority of kids to adults have no interest in tattoos or body modification. It's part of their culture and theres nothing wrong with that.
+t0rad More so the fact that the artist she visited had to break the law and operate in secrecy is more of the oppressive factor.
i love tattoos so much but i probably will never get one because i'm afraid of the commitment, that's why i feel fascinated when i see a person covered in tattoos
+Jonny Gomes I agree. If u have a specific reason/meaning behind a tattoo your less likely to regret it in the future
if you have a hard time committing to get a tattoo, then most likely the tattoo you have in mind to get isn't what you really want or doesn't has any meaning to to. I recommend if you would like to get a tattoo make sure your gonna love it and it has meaning behind it cause Hun it's gonna be on your body for the rest of your life (unless you get it removed/covered)
Just choose something pretty. Things that are important to you may change, that's why I don't get the "tattoos must be meaningful" thing. Also if it makes it easier, when it's healed, you kind of get used to it and stop thinking of it as an addition to your body, it's just your skin :)
The only advice I'll give you is don't get one unless you know *exactly* what you're getting and where it's going on your body.
If you're in doubt about either, don't get one.
+Nafolchan oh my thats so cute and pure
6:53 "pasado pisado" i love this guy😂
What's that mean? Pasado is "past" in Spanish but idk about pisado
@@IntensePeppers the past, trodden
I was looking for this comment lol
amo
Blame the times, not the people. I don't blame the old man for his outlook on her tattoos, it's simply a product of the time he was living in. Had he been living in modern day elsewhere he would probably be more accepting. This is why the people featured in this video are important, they are the ones shifting the tide and bringing in a new perspective to Korea that's more accepting.
+Oliver Hart nailed it
I'm not gonna lie, I think she actually looks much better in the photoshop pic.
yep xd
good thing she's not getting body mods for you, then.
I disagree. I think she looks so incredibly unique, it blows my mind... i love how creative she is! its other-worldly.. bold... exciting and very sexy
Nader Salameh I don't care about her tattoos on her body, I think it's look nice on her. But the whole facial scarring/modification and eye tattoo is a little too much for me and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that. Of course, there's going to be people who think that's unique and creative... But in general, I think the majority of the population would see that a little distasteful.
well said
I'm sold by the production value alone. This video is INSANE. The shots, the chronology, everything!!
I personally don't like tattoos, but I don't care if others have them.
After watching this I feel like I need to get another tattoo
Same lmao
Same here, I'm saving up for another one and I'm so ready to get it now
Same. I feel like getting another Haring piece or a peace sign with all 4 elements inside the spacing. What are you guys getting?
+Kara Camille Delonas ah, tattoo consumers, I love them, they think they are different from "normal people" but... they're not. No offense though.
What are you even talking about?
*Says the human body is beautiful* *artificially modifies her own body.*
RIGHT
+aaron urias "Alternative beauty"....so weird shit?
+aaron urias Tribal art and body modifications have been done since the dawn of time. Our current societies beliefs on beauty are the things that are artificial.
+Erik With a K spotted the 13 year old
I caught that too. She could have been attractive.....sad
That dude had pro photoshop skillz.
Tattoos aren't really rebellious anymore. People like to think they are, but they're not.
Late reply but
These people try so hard to be different it's kinda sad if you notice anyone who comments on their distaste for tattoos the rebuttals always are along the line of
"It's her body not yours she can do whatever she wants(which is a lie)" or
"Why do you care it's not your body"
Like honestly it reminds me of teenagers arguing with their parents about not getting [insert anything a teen could possibly want] it's so fucking childish
Some of these people are literally messing themselves up, like this chick, she'll probably go blind in the next few years with those eye tats what pisses me off the most is when they try to act like they aren't doing it for the crowd, trend, attention or trying to be "rebellious" and "different/speacial" but their narratives prove time and time again that that's all it is.
Then it's a "I'm not doing it to impress people I don't care what people think" oh really?
If you claim this to be a form of self Expression then who exactly are you expressing yourself to and why do you care enough to screw your body up?
These people are fucked up mentally and are lying to themselves And honestly i wouldn't but they are being paraded as some kinda rolemodels and being praised for being "liberal" "free"
Katie Southwell How many tattoos do you have?
I just can't like the eyeballs. The rest of her is just fine though..
+Robyn W why r her eyeballs blue? O_O
I'm sure they're tattooed or injected somehow...I don't follow her on any social media, truth be told I have never seen her before watching this...so not sure on the method.
+kmj Tattooing of the eyeballs www.quora.com/What-is-an-eyeball-tattoo-Is-it-permanent
+kmj she got them tattooed.
+kmj they inject the ink not very deep into your eyes, and it'll spread out in an area, then repeat until it's done. whoever did hers didn't use the right ink and it's faded. you can't use regular tattoo ink.
Love Amber. I had no idea this was even a problem in South Korea. I knew beauty was a huge thing, but it's considered "beautiful" to change the color of your skin, get your eyes changed (usually surgically), etc. I didn't think they'd be so against tattoos. But Amber completely crushes everyone's stereotypes (if you get who/what I'm talking about, I want to hug you).
8bit72HAC Amber is like my rolemodel so its nice to see people who also appreciate her
Grace is so fascinating and cute!
All interviewed and tattooed people seem nothing like outcasts but like people who should be the core of our modern society. Open minded, kind and most important ... individuals.
She's so cute! I love her voice, it's so soothing.
People need to realize that there is no such thing as "normal". One thing might be "normal" to someone and taboo to another.
Well on the flip side, the closed minded older generations are quite literally dying off. Of course some some things are passed down from generation to generation, but eventually, I believe, Korea will be a more tolerant country overall.
I wouldn't say it like that after all you can learn a lot of valuable things from the older generation
They dont just "die off" they pass their ideals to the new generations. Its up to us to open our eyes and fight internalized issues
+Confettifun Yes that is true to some extent, but on the whole, new generations tend to change. But Korea is somewhat of a special case because of the age gap like ^nyanya nya said. The younger and older generations are vastly different.
korea dont need a tattoo,sometimes they need to avoid this kind of thing.
+Very Doge true but their mentality isn't wrong, it's just what they were conditioned to. even in America tattoos are seen as bad among some, because it is associated to gang violence or only "trashy" people get them. even if it is something with a genuine meaning it still gives bad impression to some. but times are always changing
The two big points here is that it doesn't matter what people think about your body. You should do what YOU want because it is your body and only your opinion matters most. The other point is that people should stop judging people by their looks. Jesus fucking Christ, who cares if the lady has eye tattoos or not. Shes likes it, shes does it. And if one wants to conform to the K-beauty standards, that's fantastic too. What she is concerned about are those who are conforming to these standards reluctantly and unhappily. She is concerned that these standards are forcing people to be something they don't want to be.
If you are happy with it, that's wonderful. If you aren't happy with it, don't force yourself. YOU DO YOU.
💯💯💯
Well Koreans are against tattoos because back when japan occupied them, the Japanese forced the Koreans to get tattoos. So it was a traumatizing thing that Korea rather not have offend anyone who had grandparents or great grandparents who had this done
she radiates so much grace and beauty, i felt like with every word she said she truly meant and her eyes lit up so much while learning about the rebellion and culture with such genuine interest. she is SO beautiful, looks and aurora, and same with all the other people featured in this.
This video and his quality is way to good for UA-cam. What a great job was done here. This is one of the best videos ive seen so far here, in sense of quality, regie, "actors" and feels. Love it. Greets from Germany.
The club scene gave me chills. Just people who are being shunned getting together and having fun.
It's so cool seeing other cultures approach to body mods.
Megan D'Alessandro its even cooler if i can buy u a drink or two
this is so beautifully shot and directed! well done
grace i feel like you're such a kind hearted person ♥
belleguimaraess thx XD
This was a little bit too biased to be quite honest.
+isseume This entire channel is biased. "get tattoos, be different!" "Follow alternative beauty trends, not traditional ones"
Its the same thing but different words are used.
+Livia a Well yeah, there's a whole industry dedicated to traditional beauty, and few people speak out about alternative looks. Dont see the issue
+isseume what do you expect from a channel that is trying to be vice 2.0
chaaarlieee1 The issue is that the alternative people say that traditional beauty is restrictive. Then you have traditional people saying that alternative beauty is trashy.
Its both the same shit. Wear what you like.
+isseume not everything has to be "unbiased"... but it's good you recognize it
Tattoos, fucking awesome. Piercing etc, fine doesn't bother me. Scarification? Can look good, i have no opinion on it. But please, don't inject ink in your eyes.. One step too far.
Disagree, it's so gorgeous
Isn't it pretty risky? My understanding is that eye tattoos can cause blindness...
dont think ive heard of anything 'dangerous' happening unless the people doing it was complete idiots who injected to much ink etc.
her voice is so gentle! I love it
Poor guy who's parents straight up ditched him because of some tattoos. Sad to think... I'm not really sure if someone loved you in the first place if they can "not love you anymore" over something trivial. also I love the lady Godiva tattoo a lady has on the back of her arm at the end!
The old man was right, tats ruin the person and bring their value down, besides the fact it looks gross.
Alfredo Larios Please don't insult cattle.
+Zaqqum hahaahahahahaahaah
+Zaqqum Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Just because you think something or someone looks gross, it doesn't mean they are. This is the reason why bloods and crips exist. They think what they favor is better and try to prove it to such a point that violence is involved. Though there is no violence involved with your comment, the statement still stands true. You can think what you want and like what you want. It doesn't make it true. It's just your opinion. Honestly, I think right now that you're an idiot for being so closed-minded. But it doesn't mean you are one. It's just my opinion.
+Erzu17 heeeere comes a philosopher of life... please. Just think about the fact that if one needs blood transplant and you "was" the only one who could transplant, then you got to face the fact the you're tatooed. Its you're decision
+Thomas Rivera Uh wtf are you talking about blood transplants aren't affected by tattoos whatsoever
So many judgmental people commenting on this video. While I wouldn't be able to let someone tattoo my eyes, I think she looks beautiful.
+Shadowed Kiss her eyes looks like she's been smoking urinal pucks for the last 10 years...you're just an idiot.....she is entirely more beautiful without those ridiculous smurf pot eyes
+Ryan DeMelo weirdly creative shutdown
+Shadowed Kiss Beauty is subjective though.
+Shadowed Kiss she looks beautiful but the scarring doesn't look attractive, i think she would have been prettier without,,
+Ryan DeMelo Sooo judgmental and rude don't force whatever normal beauty is. Let people express themselves however they want.
I don't understand, because many kpop idols have tattoo's? So how are they not arrested if it's illegal?
Tattoos here aren't illegal. It's just that the tattoo artists has to have a medical license to tattoo others. But the law is not really enforced.
Jesus Christ, those eyeball tattoos look really cool, but my palms sweat everytime I look at her. How could anyone sit still through that?
Cool? Looks like she has smurf piss in her eyes.
Lol she does! I think it still looks cool. Although when she's 85 and all saggy she's gonna be walking around with blue eyes looking all kinds of creepy
Rspsand07 well said.preach.👏
I thought she had blue contacts lol
Eyeball tats are done by a syringe needle if you didn't know. They just poke the one half of your eye and squueze the ink in and then same for the inner side.
It's honestly crazy and I always forget, that some people are actually against tattooing. In the Us its so accepted to have tattoos, I mean even my doctor has a sleeve
+xxfallen angelxx I think they are gross personally but it's bewildering to me that there are developed first world places where people use the violence of government to physically force this preference onto others. Is this the dark ages?
In my opinion I think the eyes and scars are too much
The fact that the majority of Korean people old and young aren't interested in tattoos and body modification should at least have been mentioned. This video is trying to make it come across as if these people are being stopped from getting tattoos and that when they get them everyone looks down at them. This is their culture and it's different to ours, nothing wrong with that and who the hell cares.
+Katie Budd "This video is trying to make it come across as if these people are being stopped from getting tattoos and that when they get them everyone looks down at them." well thats exactly what goes on in s.korea, you can ask any one of your korean friends and they tell you the same thing. Its fine for people to not get tattooed but to have a culture that actively shuns(and basically label them as criminals) for doing something creative with their own bodies is kinda shitty then again thats my opinion.
okay i watched it! now stop recommending this to me, youtube
Use the "not interested" button ^__^
+Ahmed XD cool, didnt know there is something like that.
+Mariam Diallo now you'll see more of this kind of videos just because you watched it
the white coat !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! tell me where i can find it PLEASE
I was scrolling through the comments to find the exact same answer!!! Have you found out yet?!
Calvin Klein
Manon Goyon believe she said it was Burberry?
I dont have the answer .. viratos im gonna tchek that thx !!
Manon Gyn its great!
That guy's tattoos are everything i want, they're so cool! Just the style is so pretty
I use to live in South Korea for 4 years and there was tons of tattoo shops in Itaewon. They weren't hidden, they are literally on the main street next to stores like 7"11s. Great video but "illegal". Idk about all that. If it is illegal noone cares police wise. I think a more accurate title would be that tatoos in korea are very frowned upon (that's true).
djwaters22 - Just because it's not enforced doesn't mean it's not illegal...weed is illegal in Jamaica but people still buy, sell, and smoke it publicly
Weeds illegal in ny but people smoke that shit on the streets lol
Weed is illegal in the Netherlands but there still are weed stores.
Does anyone knows which cameras they are using for filming her vids in Korea?
I'm in love with the filming
Same!
+가윤박 I think you can get a close contrast video using RED ONE camera. But the most difficult part is post production especially color grading. Also another problem is a ultra expensive computer to render it.....
sony a7s
+가윤박 a7sii
watching this video because UA-cam recommended this shit
My family looked down on me to when I started getting tattoos. But thankfully they can look past it. It's art, it's culture, it's freedom and it's you... keep being you. You're awesome.
Take a drink everytime she says, "alternative beauty".
+Simon WoodburyForget but there is a societal norm and she's talking about the opposite of that. I don't know how you missed that whole concept.
+Simon WoodburyForget Not to really refute you or anything, but the nature of the concept of beauty being ideological in itself, how would you say her outlook being ideological affects her credibility?
+Simon WoodburyForget I agree with you when you point out the strong currents of "them against me", or "them against us" when she interviews the people who are shunned by their family. When people take other people's personal choices too personally, shit happens. Period. But then again, I've got a lot to learn about the world: we are all more interconnected than we can consciously realize. All I know for sure is that everyone in that video who is playing a victim chose that role for themselves on some level.
Simon WoodburyForget When I said 'credibility', I meant 'relevance' (I'm sorry for using unclear terminology). Given that all beauty is subjective, or 'idealistic', how should her own personal view of what is beautiful be more or less relevant?
As I understand it, given that she took the opportunity to give the old man's opinion without seguing her own on top of his, she's only trying to support understanding. She said: 'Alternative beauty is a form of expression.' She did NOT say: 'People who hold traditional values in beauty are not expressing themselves.' She said: 'I find this beautiful.' She did NOT say: 'Therefore you MUST find it beautiful as well.'
Her purpose is to promote the idea that just because people think something that you don't find beautiful is beautiful, that doesn't make them or their opinion an abomination. Just different. And that is okay. Given that people deciding to look different isn't affecting their ability to function as a member of society and isn't hurting anybody, but discriminating against people because they do so IS, I don't think that this is an unreasonable philosophy to stand behind.
But because your reaction seemed to be different, I wanted to understand your point of view ^^
+Simon WoodburyForget Ahhh, I see what you mean now. That certainly is...a whole big vague concept. I think you might find the second video of this interesting then ^^ She talks about how Korean beauty standards/culture is so alien to her and Western culture, while her own style of beauty is received differently there than in the West.
"I went to go visit this illegal tattoo parlor and filmed the whole thing to show on the internet!"
The man was later arrested by the Korean government.
She is such an emotional clown, I could point out 20 people exactly like her on the street, she thinks she is so individual with all these edgy views...... you are a trend bitch, everything about you screams TREND
love tatts, but the black eyes are too much, scary AF.
yeah
and
+Bazzington James They're purple...
Purple, black, orange - still scary AF.
Bazzington James I would never do it for myself because it is quite an extreme procedure, but I think she looks amazing with her eyes tattooed/dyed!
Grace is so beautiful, modified or not! People may think that modifications "ruin" beauty but she just glows.
This documentary is supposed to be about korean illegal tattoing scene but she makes it all about herself and her made up beauty standards
+sverebebe LOL, you are right.
+sverebebe are you surprised ?
+sverebebe I like your insight. Still, there was an exploration, more like some stories of what happened to the guys, who actually decided to go that path.
I enjoyed this video more then the other one. We kind of already know about Korea and the beauty trends, but we barely get to see people who step out of the norm and do things for themselves so its nice to see those that kind of have rebel against the norm.
She said that teenagers in South Korea grew up with harsh beauty standards but practically any place in the world does just different versions
+luna evangeline Even here IKR she's acting like korea is full of problem but she should care more about her own country before spreading the things about south korea like it's north korea, it's so bad there boohoo people are so pressured, i know there's problem in korea with beauty but she clearly didn't met a lot of korean and know much about korea (I myself don't know much but my korean friends are helping me to know more)
Well It os not a secret now if the whole UA-cam knows him... 😂😂😂
I feel better about my disgusting body after watching people make themselves look disgusting on purpose.
+FMFvideos Tats are for twats.
+FMFvideos LOL
+FMFvideos Lmao xD
I sincerely hope your disgusting body burns in hell :)
I'm so glad your body looks disgusting hahaha
In 20 years kids will rebel by not getting tattoos.
+Jack On Could definitely happen. Beauty trends have a funny way of going full circle.
+Brittany O'Reilly out they could just ask someone with a tattoo "hey who did you go to" and go get it done illegally. once it's done, nothing is illegal. it's only the tattooist that would get in trouble, you aren't required to ask credentials, therefore at worst you'd end up with an unfinished tattoo. you aren't "not allowed to" get one, youre just "not allowed to" do then without proper credentials. even in the US it's technically illegal to tattoo without a license, which requires an apprenticeship of around a year or more, before youre even legally allowed to tattoo. legality is a funny thing. it's actually similar in a lot of countries to be honest.
+Jack On yup and they'll be the cool ones because they'll be the one of the few with no ink on their body
+Jack On #straightedge
This was interesting! People should be free to live their life as they want. I wouldn't get a tattoo - but that should be their decision, not the government's!
tattoos themselves are not illegal here in Korea. its people without a license coming and opening shops. You need a medical license to show you can give tattoos without any harm.
I always found it strange that people could decide on something they want to wear on their skin everyday. Guess that's why I have no tattoos