[MONK Institute Magazine 14] Korean vs. Japanese Job Application Photo Hair: Why the Difference?

Korean vs. Japanese Job Application Photo Hair: Why the Difference? 🇰🇷🇯🇵

"I was looking at Japanese job application photo references, and why do they all have similar hairstyles?"
If you put Korean and Japanese job application photos side by side, you can definitely feel the difference. Korean photos have an obvious flight attendant vibe, while Japanese photos have a neat and restrained feel.
Where does this difference come from, and what hairstyles are preferred in each country and why? Today, a MONK Institute researcher with 10 years of experience in beauty shops and photo studios will explain it to you 😊
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### Korean Job Application Hair — Why the Flight Attendant Hairstyle is Standardized ✈️

The most common hairstyle in Korean job application photos is, of course, the flight attendant hairstyle.

A high updo, densely fixed pins, and a neatness where not a single strand is out of place. Why has this style become the standard?

Reason 1 — Service Industry & Large Corporation Open Recruitment Culture

In Korea, service-oriented jobs at large corporations, airlines, and financial institutions have demanded 'sophisticated professionalism' beyond just 'neatness'. As a perfectly groomed image like a flight attendant became competitive, it naturally became the standard.

### **Reason 2 — Photo Studio Culture**

In Korea, the culture of taking ID photos at professional studios is well-established. Since studios provide hair and makeup services, highly polished styles have become easily widespread.

### **Characteristics of the Flight Attendant Hairstyle**

• Position: High position between the crown and back of the head
• Pins: Densely crisscrossed U-pins + bobby pins
• Flyaways: Zero (perfectly managed with hair products)
• Impression: Sophisticated and confident professional

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### ### Japanese Job Application Hair — Why the 5:5 Part is Standardized 🎌

The most common hairstyle in Japanese job application photos is the 5:5 center part + low updo.

A style that neatly reveals the forehead and ties the hair neatly at the bottom. It's not as fancy as the flight attendant hairstyle, but that restraint itself is a virtue in Japan.
### **Reason 1 — Culture Focused on Cleanliness and Sincerity**

In Japanese job hunting culture, 'not making others uncomfortable' takes precedence over 'adorning oneself.' A simple and neat impression receives the best evaluation.

### **Reason 2 — Recruit Suit Culture**

In Japan, there is a culture where everyone wears the same black suit (recruit suit) during the job hunting season. The same goes for hair, where following the 'established answer' is considered safe.

**Characteristics of the 5:5 Part Updo** - Position: Low position at the back of the neck (nape bun) - Part: 5:5 center part - Flyaways: Minimized, naturally styled - Impression: Clean, sincere, and trustworthy

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### Which Style is Better? — Choose According to Your Purpose 💡

There is no right answer. It depends on the country, industry, and the culture of the company you are applying to.

| | Korean Flight Attendant Hairstyle | Japanese 5:5 Updo | |---|---|---| | Impression | Sophisticated, Confident, Professional | Clean, Sincere, Trustworthy | | Recommended Industries | Service Industry, Aviation, Finance, Large Corporations | General Office Work, Civil Service, Japanese Companies | | Difficulty | High (difficult to do alone) | Medium (possible with practice) |
Simulate both styles with MONKOS AI and find the style that suits you!
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### ### Conclusion 💬
There are formulas for job application photo hair by country. In Korea, a highly polished style like the flight attendant hairstyle is standard, while in Japan, a 5:5 part low updo is basic.
Either way, what's important is **knowing the information and making a choice**. Compare both styles in advance with a selfie on MONKOS AI 😊
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