Beauty is a subjective concept that only exists in the mind of the individual and is highly influenced by cultural factors. As you travel across different countries, the "standards of beauty" differ greatly. In fact, within the borders of a country, what are considered physically attractive features might differ within states, counties, and cities.

South Korea is the country with the world's highest per capita rate of cosmetic plastic surgery. In a country where your résumé requires a head shot and even your weight, this fact is no surprise. The unspoken truth in the workplace appears to be, if you want to succeed, you have to look the part.

South Korean women are usually the subject of articles exploring this phenomenon of "the rise of plastic beauty." But there are beauty standards for men as well and the stress and pressure the male population faces has increased greatly in the past few years.

In the past five years, the male oriented cosmetics industry has grown by 62.8%, reaching profits of up to one billion in 2014. The increased interest in makeup and skincare products ties in with the new popular beauty standard: an androgynous pretty boy or "flower boy" look.

Dr. Byung-Gun Kim, director of BK Plastic Surgery Hospital, told ABCNews, "Most popular is nose surgery. Men consider their noses as symbol of sexuality. So they like higher nose bones to look more attractive like Westerners." The doctor specified that his clients usually want smaller and more slender facial features.

AGB Nielsen Media Research, a leading market research company, and Men's Health conducted a survey with 500 South Korean men between the ages of 25 and 37. Their research showed that 86% believed their job standing would improve with a better appearance and body, and 56% were not satisfied with their current appearance.

The entertainment industry is filled with "flower boys," from Two Weeks actor Lee Jun Ki to Super Junior's Heechul. Fans want to learn how to achieve the look of their favorite stars and broadcast companies are taking notice. Programs like Get It Beauty HOMME, which provide beauty product reviews and tutorials, are being created specifically with men in mind.

Jaejin Lee, the producer of Get It Beauty HOMME, shared his thoughts on the manner with ABCNews as well. He stated, "Men who don't care about their appearance are actually deemed as being lazy...Many younger men participating on my show don't feel embarrassed at all about shaping themselves up."

Whether it truly is men simply taking a greater interest in their appearance or a society becoming obsessed with the standards set by mass media and advertisers, the fact that can't be denied is that beauty is subjective. Take a look below at how beauty standards differ from country to country for men.

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About the Author: Elsa is the founder, head writer, and editor of KPopBreak.com. She's a coffee addict, K-pop enthusiast, fashion lover and one of the few remaining members of the Church of Kristianity.