Female members of South Korean matchmaking services prefer men with fair, soft "tofu-like" features over those with strong, sculpted looks, a new survey showed. The tendency to value personality and job stability alongside appearance has also become more pronounced in spouse selection criteria.
Tofu Face, Tall Height: Shifting Ideal Types
According to matchmaking company Gayeon on Wednesday, a growing number of female members are now seeking men with clean, soft "tofu-faced" features rather than sharply sculpted handsome looks.
The term "tofu face" refers to a facial type as white and clean as tofu, with male celebrities such as Choi Woo-shik, Jang Dong-yoon and P.O cited as examples. The number of female members listing tall height as a key criterion has also been rising.
Male members' ideal types have shifted as well. While they previously preferred petite styles, the trend has recently moved toward tall, slender women with a natural, innocent beauty.
Male members who once placed appearance above all else are increasingly considering ability and occupation together. Women, likewise, have moved away from focusing solely on ability, now factoring in appearance and height as additional considerations.
"Someone Stable": Personality and Job Also Key Variables
The emphasis on stability in both personality and occupation stood out as a common trait among male and female members alike.
Men sought women who were bright, positive and quick to smile, and in terms of occupation, preferred public-sector roles such as civil servants and state-run enterprises, which offer well-established childcare, maternity leave and welfare benefits. The finding suggests many male members want a spouse who can maintain stable employment even after marriage.
Women sought men who were calm, considerate and emotionally even-keeled, preferring occupations with financial backing such as professional jobs, large and mid-sized conglomerates, and public enterprises.
Age preferences have also grown more flexible. Men, who once strongly insisted on younger partners, are increasingly willing to accept women one to two years older as long as they are capable. As women's social and economic activity has expanded, their reliance on the financial power of older men has also declined.
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