A recent survey of divorced individuals in South Korea has shed light on the complexities of remarriage. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 25 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent survey of divorced individuals in South Korea has shed light on the complexities of remarriage, particularly the role physical appearance plays in initial meetings between potential partners.
The survey, conducted jointly by ONLYou, a remarriage-focused matchmaking company, and Bien Aller, a marriage information service, polled 516 divorced men and women across the country from September 16 to 21. The results offer a glimpse into the priorities and concerns of those re-entering the marriage market.
When asked about the most disappointing physical attributes in a potential remarriage partner, 30.2% of men cited wrinkles as their top concern. For women, obesity was the primary issue, with 33.3% ranking it as their biggest disappointment.
Men’s secondary concerns included signs of plastic surgery complications (25.7%), obesity (21.3%), and hair loss or graying (14.3%). Women, on the other hand, listed hair loss or graying (25.2%) as their second most significant concern, followed by a partner being too short (21.7%) and wrinkles (16.7%).
The survey also explored perceptions of how an attractive partner might influence married life.
Both genders agreed that having an attractive spouse would likely lead to more frequent outings together, with 32.6% of men and 31.4% of women selecting this option.
Men believed an attractive partner would boost their self-esteem (26.7%) and help maintain long-term affection (22.5%).
Women had similar views but in a different order, with 27.1% believing it would sustain long-term affection and 24.8% expecting a boost in self-esteem.
Interestingly, both genders ranked “being more likely to overlook minor issues” as the fourth most common effect of having an attractive spouse.
The survey also delved into the potential fallout if a marriage based on physical attraction led to disappointment in a partner’s character.
Men were more likely to view such an outcome as a deserved consequence of their choices, with 29.5% selecting this option.
Women, however, were more prone to self-blame, with 31.4% saying they would feel foolish for their decision.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
