From sports to screen, So-Yeon Kang opens up about embracing both athleticism and self-care, and how confidence is the best look of all.

When Kang So-Yeon first appeared on Single’s Inferno, the hosts quickly picked up on her confidence—a quiet strength she still radiates as she reflects on her journey. With her athletic build, the singer, influencer, and actress recalls how her tall frame was often considered less than ideal for roles shaped by traditional Korean beauty standards.

Now, she sees South Korea shifting away from rigid ideals, and her casting on the Netflix reality show became a turning point as she embraced the beauty of diversity with the support of fans, saying, “The balance of mind and body—inner peace and a healthy body—is essential for confidence.”

Kang grew up in a sporty family and remains active today with tennis, boxing, scuba diving, and more. “Exercise as the greatest form of self-respect and physical strength is the power that allows you to not give up and to resolve things more positively,” says Kang, adding that to her, beauty is the embodiment of health, courage and confidence. She believes that medical aesthetic treatments can create synergy with this mindset, providing her with confidence—especially important in her work in front of the camera.

“Confidence begins from within, but subtle enhancements through medical aesthetics can complement a holistic self-care routine,” she continues, noting that she has undergone Ultherapy Prime by Merz Aesthetics, a family-owned business with more than 115 years of German heritage.

Non-invasive medical aesthetic treatments such as Ultherapy Prime have been gaining popularity due to technological advances, minimal downtime, and increased acceptance. In the Asia-Pacific region, the medical aesthetic devices market is projected to surpass $5.4 billion in 2025, rising to $8.9 billion by 2030, with minimally invasive options accounting for more than 55% of the market.

In recent years, the conversation around medical aesthetic procedures has become more open. This shift in narrative contributes to framing beauty treatments as another form of long-term self-care, much like exercise and nutrition.

Choosing medical aesthetics treatment is a deeply personal choice, rooted in a journey of self-care and empowerment.

Lawrence Siow, president, Merz Aesthetics APAC

“What truly matters is that these choices, especially when thoughtfully guided using scientifically supported products and performed by skilled medical practitioners, reflect one’s values, individuality, and personal sense of confidence,” says Lawrence Siow, president at Merz Aesthetics APAC.

Even as beauty ideals across the Asia-Pacific region become more diverse and inclusive, cultural pressures continue to play a defining role in how people navigate their aesthetic journeys. The Pillars of Confidence, a global study of 15,000 adults across 15 countries, conducted by Merz Aesthetics with research partner Ipsos, found that 40% of respondents feel discouraged from discussing treatments due to fear of judgment. Social media adds an extra layer of pressure, fueling unrealistic standards through filters and photo editing tools.

Despite these external influences, a growing trend is emerging toward authenticity and natural-looking results. In the Pillars of Confidence study, 62% of respondents surveyed in the Asia-Pacific region reported pursuing aesthetic treatments as part of regular beauty maintenance, and 79% said they did so to reflect how they feel inside, highlighting how treatments can empower individuals to feel more aligned with their personal identity and confident in their own skin.

Research published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal shows a positive correlation between nonsurgical medical aesthetic treatments and self-perception. In a survey of East Asian participants who had undergone aesthetic procedures, 64.5% of respondents were motivated by internal factors such as self-investment and self-confidence, rather than external societal pressure. This is echoed in the Pillars of Confidence study, which found 72% of respondents said aesthetic treatments impact how they view themselves, and 74% considered self-confidence key to well-being.

Medical aesthetics today is less about conforming to societal ideals and more about enhancing one’s unique features. In Singapore, medical doctors like Dr. Siew Tuck Wah, who has over 15 years of experience performing non-invasive treatments, believe that every treatment should be personalized to the individual to achieve a natural result. “Many Asian patients are choosing to optimize their traits for natural-looking results through non-surgical methods,” says Dr. Siew.

While unnatural results remain the single biggest concern among Pillars of Confidence survey respondents, safety is also a major consideration. “Patient safety is our highest priority,” says Dr. Samantha Kerr, chief scientific officer at Merz Aesthetics. “All Merz Aesthetics products undergo rigorous clinical evaluation, are backed by scientific evidence, and meet strict regulatory standards for medical aesthetic treatments, including approvals from relevant global regulatory agencies.” As awareness of safety and natural results continues to grow, the conversation around medical aesthetics is evolving toward a more informed and balanced understanding of confidence and self-care.

By embracing their own beauty, as Kang has done, the personal decision to receive medical aesthetic treatments can celebrate diversity and strengthen confidence. “That kind of continual self-appreciation—I think the self-appreciation mindset is what authentic beauty truly is,” says Kang, emphasizing that in today’s evolving landscape, confidence and individuality are redefining beauty as a genuine expression of self.

Learn more about how Merz Aesthetics is celebrating the power of confidence here.