Career-interrupted middle-aged women turn to low-paying cosmetic clinical trials

When Kang Young-hee, 58, arrived at cosmetics testing firm H in September, her voice already carried fatigue. She had come to participate in a clinical trial for a new serum, something she has done for 10 years as a “skin part-timer,” but was turned away. “They said the redness on my face disqualifies me. I guess I have to get treatment and try again,” she said. The stipend for the test was 20,000 won ($15), yet she booked a dermatology appointment costing more than that as she left the building. Why persist through rejection and extra expenses? Kang said quietly, “This is the only work I can do. I can’t afford to fail the next one.” Kang quit her job years ago due to marriage and child care. When she returned to the job market in her late 40s, she found the doors shut. Competition was harsh, and she soon became what Korea calls a “career-interrupted woman.” Clinical trials seemed like the only option. “Offering my skin was the easiest thing,” she said. For two months starting in August, the Hankook Ilbo interviewed 25 women who participate in clinical trials for cosWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times