South Korean beauty culture and the costs of perfection

What are the dangers for society when a perfect face and body - especially for women - are not just promoted, but also possible? Whether it's a 10 step skincare regime, cosmetic injections or plastic surgery, endless self improvement has been valourised and recoded as empowerment. South Korea is the undisputed leader in the quest for physical perfection, with a $US10 billion beauty industry. NPR's host-at-large and the presenter of TED Talks Daily, Elise Hu lived and worked in Seoul during the boom days of the K-beauty industry. Her new book is Flawless: Lessons In Looks And Culture From The K-Beauty Capital.