Felt similarly growing up in Mexico. Overall, we each have a choice in how we respond to others. And how someone dresses or looks is pretty non intrusive. You can pretty much always either avoid looking at the person or stop being around them. So to be upset about someone looking different is more of a reflection you than anything else.

Not Korean and am American, but I do think that ***everyone*** at some point comes across some aspect of themselves or a choice that makes them happy but others find disagreeable or unpresentable. I think it is too easy and unrealistic to either say, “Well, as an adult and free person you can do whatever you want. You can’t care what others think,” or, “You HAVE to fit the status quo and cultural expectations wherever you are-even if it makes you uncomfortable. It is the mature thing to do.” Instead of that, I think that it’s best to find a happy medium to have the best life. If others are judging you for your hair, it sucks but it may affect your likelihood to get jobs, dates, and make you vulnerable to constant criticism (vocal or implied.) What I *have* experienced is that I also prefer to cut and style my own hair because my hair is too curly for most hair dressers and it’s just cheaper, but I’ve also had to learn to cut and style my hair into specific styles otherwise it looks absolutely messy, frizzy, and unclean (even if it’s brushed and washed.) That involved watching videos and tutorials of different ways of styling and hair care, a very long trial-and-error process. A lot of employers (and people who can’t mind their own business😒) in the US also just don’t like naturally textured hair. I think that, if you put the time into it, you might be able to find a way of cutting and styling your hair that makes both you and the people currently around you happy. Whether we like it or not, the people around us *do* have power over our personal well-being, no matter what country or culture you live in. Maybe try to find an equally low-maintenance alternative or a way to style your hair that you do like but also fits with the expectations around you?

I know this is my American bias, but someone's appearance doesn't cause anyone physical harm, therefore is not a big concern here. If you're just "out and about," not heading to work where you need to appear presentable, there shouldn't be a need to appear professional to a stranger you care nothing about and who cares nothing about you. People don't know why someone else looks a certain way (personal examples: immediately after surgery I had to pick up my medications in my pajamas since I had come to the pharmacy immediately from the hospital, I had long hair for a long time and decided it was too much of a hassle and cut it off which was a surprise to everyone, a coworker had skin problems and had to wear loose clothing to work against dress code but with accommodation permitting, and so on). People can mind their own business.

I have a message for Korean hairstylists : no more bangs, please.

We were in Korea for ten days several years ago. I know that in no way makes me an expert, just...your video came up in my feed and I watched it because, I guess, I thought Korea was really interesting. I definitely noticed that people were well put together, and older women (as I was, late 50s when we were there,) definitely didn't have flashlight bright white hair (nor did they wear sleeveless tops, which was pretty much all I brought.) I definitely got some looks. For me, it was like, I wished I'd realized about the skin baring bits, just to have been more respectful, but my hair is my hair. (My white hair is the best color I've ever had.)

only in Asia I've got told by strangers like street vendors and even police men my hair and beard is too long xD like OK who cares

Same dilemma aplies to body hair too, if you have hair on your legs it's unrespectful or something, but should you make an effort just to please others? I guess answer is mostly yes. Sadly. You get too much backlash when you don't fit the norm of place you live in so you just do it to make other people feel okay with you. You are more likely to get a job, promotions, friends, approving looks with a good haircut in Korea (could be different in another country). Benefits are good even though it shouldn't be like that so you do it.

I think as long as it's not indecent, as in too much nudity, or violating a dress code for a certain event/work, then go for it. Doesn't mean I may or may not silently judge you for looking a certain way but I ultimately have my own problems to deal with so your look is none of my concerns.

Idk man, I think that talking morally, having a certain hairstyle, or dressing in a certain manner is something that should only concern oneself, maybe you start crossing the line when you give a bad example to people; dressing casually or wearing streetwear is something very different from being naked on the streets for example, I really don't know Korea a lot, but in order to live a happy life, the priority is to do what is good, not what is socially acceptable.

I feel this too. Although i disagree with the rigid conformity, at what point does it become a cultural consideration? I wouldn't show up to someone's dinner party in my lounge wear, is it in some way disrespectful to others not to present myself to the standard in Korea?

Don't fear judgement of others when you are confident in your intuition. It's similar to other worldy alternative body modifiers. A prime example: "I don't like he is gay" Did he make a pass at you? "Well, no" Then don't be concerned XOXO

This is why america is great