Selection Criteria for Beauty Pageants (Miss Korea)

There is criticism that beauty pageants overly commodify women, and from a feminist point of view, even mentioning the selection criteria for such pageants may invite a lot of criticism. However, with the hope that this will be of at least a little help to those interested in this field (beauty pageants), I would like to organize the judging criteria and selection process of beauty pageants based on my experience as a judge in several pageants in the past.

 

1.     Document Screening

Because document screening involves reviewing the applications of such a large number of applicants, I did not personally take part in it. The event organizers select candidates for the preliminary round through the document screening process under appropriate criteria.

 

2.     Preliminary Judging (Preliminary Round): The preliminary round is usually conducted in one session, but sometimes it is divided into two rounds.

Typical schedule

1)     Self-introduction

2)     Swimsuit judging, Round 1 and Round 2

3)     One-on-one interview with the judges

è  The self-introduction and swimsuit judging are mostly essential parts of the judging process, while the one-on-one interview with the judges may or may not be conducted.

 

The typical judging criteria for the preliminary round are as follows.

1)     Self-introduction

Evaluation of self-management and expressive ability without makeup

Intellectual background, clear communication and delivery skills, and quick response ability

2)     Swimsuit Judging

Facial contour

A small, soft facial contour that harmonizes with the overall body shape is preferred.

A rounded forehead that is not excessively narrow is desirable, so that when the hair is pulled up and tied back, it gives an elegant impression.

The side line of the face (forehead - between the eyebrows - nose - lips - chin tip) should be balanced, and should not give an overly strong impression (protruding jaw or protruding mouth) or a weak impression (receding chin).

 

Eyes: The length of the eyes and the width between the eyebrows should be appropriately balanced, and the axis of the eyes should be relaxed.

 

Nose: The nose should be straight and slightly higher toward the tip than in the middle, with a narrow width and no curvature.

 

Lips: The lips should be moderately full, and the lip line should be clearly defined.

 

Body shape: The height should be at a level suitable for international beauty pageants, and the waist-to-hip ratio should be around 0.7.

      The bust should be proportionate and appear firm in a conical shape.

      The upper body should not be too long compared with the legs.

 

Walking: It is important to walk with a stable posture, keeping the chest and waist straight. When walking with a toe-out gait, it is advisable to go through enough practice so that the hip area does not sway too much.

 

3)     One-on-one interview with the judges

The one-on-one interview with the judges usually consists of about three minutes per person for free-form questions and answers. It is best to maintain a relaxed and confident attitude, and to answer clearly and logically with a bright expression.

 

3.     Final Judging (Final Round): Usually, the judges for the final round are the preliminary-round judges +

Typical schedule

1)     Congratulatory performance and hanbok parade

2)     Swimsuit judging and congratulatory performance

3)     Dress judging

      

         The typical judging criteria for the final round are as follows.

         : For the judges, the final round can be described as somewhat formal, and the final round proceeds after they have already, in their minds, assigned individual scores after enough time and consideration during the preliminary round.

 

1)     Congratulatory performance and hanbok parade

The congratulatory performance, consisting of a unified talent performance by the participants, is meant to create the overall atmosphere of the event, so it does not have a major effect on the selection criteria.

In the hanbok parade, it is important to walk in hanbok without stepping on the front of the skirt, while also not lifting the front of the hanbok excessively.

To present a comfortable and natural parade, I think it is necessary to practice walking in hanbok and heels many times in advance.

 

2)     Swimsuit judging

This is conducted under similar criteria as in the preliminary round. However, unlike the preliminary round, the final round is judged with full makeup, so depending on the makeup, the results can differ greatly from the preliminary scoring.

 

 

 

In closing,

 

Of course, the 기준 people use to judge beauty is ultimately subjective.

In particular, even when I analyze the factors that make me personally feel attracted to the opposite sex from my own perspective, I sometimes find cases that are quite far removed from objective standards of beauty.

In beauty pageant judging as well, each judge’s evaluation can vary greatly, and it is not based only on facial features and body shape; it can also be influenced significantly by factors such as self-introduction, situational response ability, facial expressions, and gait.