Embodied renegotiation: Redefining male body image through yoga in Korea

This qualitative study explored the complex interplay between masculinity, body image, and yoga within the socio-cultural context of South Korea, a society shaped by collectivism, traditional Confucian gender norms, and heightened appearance orientation. Guided by Straussian grounded theory and a constructivist-interpretivist framework, in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 male practitioners that had been practicing yoga for at least one year. The core concept of embodied renegotiation was identified through interpretive analysis of emergent themes constructed from the narratives of the participants, illustrating a process in which respondents redefined and navigated perceptions of body image through their engagement with yoga. The findings of our study revealed the following themes: a) rejection of Western male body image ideals, b) reframing the body through yoga, and c) connection with the inner self. The narratives of the participants indicated a shift from external self-perception towards internalized self-acceptance which fostered body appreciation and enhanced psychological well-being. Our study extends existing literature by highlighting how leisure-based practices that promote mindfulness and interoceptive awareness such as yoga may act as a counter-narrative to hegemonic masculinity by promoting body positivity. Implications underscore the need for culturally sensitive and gender-inclusive interventions that enhance body image and self-perceptions for men, particularly within non-Western cultural settings.