South Korea has undergone an impressive economic transformation in recent decades. In the 1960s, it was one of the poorest countries in the world, with a gross national product (GNP) per capita of less than $100. Today, South Korea is one of the most successful economies globally.

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This growth has its downsides. There is intense competitiveness, long working hours, and high pressure to excel. This extends to the epicenter of the cosmetic industry in Gangnam, Seoul, where you can have everything about yourself adjusted to meet societal norms. The expectations are high: "There are no ugly people, only lazy people."

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This series examines the balance between personal space and societal expectations, inviting reflection on the stories that lie behind the superficial gloss of the day and the life in the dark. What if you cannot or do not want to conform to the ideal image? It offers insight into the complex reality of a society in constant motion, where personal stories often remain hidden under the pressure of collective progress.

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