Soeun Kim on Moderation and Balance in Pursuit of Natural Beauty
There is a doctor who believes that true beauty is not about looking different, but about preserving what makes each person unique. Soeun Kim, Director of Ruby Cheongdam Clinic, has dedicated her practice to achieving natural beauty through a treatment philosophy that considers facial structure, skin health, and each individual’s distinctive character.
Bridging the worlds of clinical practice and academic research, Kim continues to share the refined values of Korean aesthetic medicine with audiences both in Korea and abroad. We met her during a recent editorial photoshoot to discuss the beliefs that shape her approach to medicine, as well as her thoughts on beauty, everyday life, and the values she holds beyond the consultation room.
Q. Could you briefly introduce yourself?
“I am Soeun Kim, Director of Ruby Cheongdam Clinic. My practice is centred on helping patients maintain healthy, natural beauty over the long term by understanding both the skin and the underlying facial structure. Rather than simply improving one facial feature, I believe it is important to consider the overall harmony of the face, the condition of the skin, and the unique character that each individual naturally possesses. This holistic perspective is the foundation of every consultation I provide.”
Q. How did you feel about the photoshoot?
“At first, it felt a little unfamiliar, but I enjoyed the opportunity to express myself in a way that was different from how patients usually see me in the consultation room. It was a refreshing experience to capture not only my identity as a doctor, but also my personality and perspective as an individual. The photoshoot also encouraged me to reflect once again on what it truly means to present an image that feels authentic to who I am.”
Q. What have you been focusing on recently?
“Recently, I have been keeping busy with clinical practice alongside academic conferences, lectures, research, and writing regular columns. In particular, I have been focusing on skin ageing and regeneration, the extracellular matrix (ECM), skin boosters, and energy-based aesthetic devices. I believe that providing safer and more accurate treatments requires continuously building both clinical experience and scientific evidence.”
Q. What does ‘authentic beauty’ mean to you?
“I believe authentic beauty is not about becoming someone completely different. Rather, it is about allowing the qualities you already possess to become more naturally visible. A face is much more than a collection of individual features. It reflects a person’s expressions, lifestyle, and overall presence. Instead of making dramatic changes, I believe the goal is to soften signs of fatigue, restore facial contours that have gradually diminished over time, improve skin condition, and ultimately enhance each person’s own natural character.”
Q. What should patients consider most carefully when choosing an aesthetic procedure?
“The most important question is whether a procedure is truly necessary for you. Just because a treatment is popular does not mean it is suitable for everyone. Even with the same lifting procedure, skin booster, or dermal filler, the right approach varies depending on a person’s facial structure, skin thickness, pattern of ageing, and lifestyle. What matters more than the name of the procedure is an accurate diagnosis and a well-considered treatment plan. Rather than focusing on which device is used, patients should understand why a particular treatment is recommended and to what extent it is appropriate before making a decision.”
Q. What principles and values are most important to you as a physician?
“The values I consider most important are moderation and balance. Because aesthetic medicine produces visible results, it can sometimes seem that more treatment or stronger procedures will naturally produce better outcomes. However, the face is an extremely delicate structure, and even subtle changes can have a significant impact on a person’s overall appearance. That is why I always strive to achieve results that are safe and natural without compromising the qualities that make each patient unique. To me, the best treatment is not one that is immediately noticeable, but one that continues to look natural even as time passes.”
Q. What did you pay the most attention to when designing your clinic?
“I wanted to create a space where patients could feel at ease from the moment they walked through the door. A clinic should, of course, be a professional environment, but it can also feel intimidating. I therefore paid close attention to creating a space that inspires confidence as a medical institution while remaining warm and welcoming rather than cold or overwhelming. I also carefully considered every stage of the patient journey—from consultation and treatment to recovery—so that patients could remain comfortable throughout their visit. Above all, I wanted the clinic to be remembered as a place where people begin taking care of themselves.”
Q. What areas of research or topics are you currently focusing on?
“Recently, I have become particularly interested in understanding skin ageing and regeneration from the perspective of the extracellular matrix, or ECM. I believe that skin ageing is not simply the result of moisture loss or declining collagen levels. It is a process in which the entire environment surrounding skin cells gradually changes over time. I have therefore been studying how hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastic fibres, the skin barrier, and cellular signalling interact with one another. At the same time, I continue to explore how skin boosters and energy-based devices can be combined in clinical practice to promote healthier and more natural skin regeneration.”
Q. Despite your busy schedule with patient care and academic activities, what motivates you to continue your research?
“Ultimately, I believe the answer is my patients. In clinical practice, people can respond very differently even when they receive exactly the same treatment. Sometimes the results exceed expectations, while in other cases they raise new questions that require deeper consideration. Whenever that happens, I find myself asking, ‘Why did this difference occur?’ Wanting to answer that question is what drives me to keep studying. To me, research is not something extraordinary. It is simply part of the ongoing process of becoming a better physician. Every patient’s outcome inspires me to keep learning.”
Q. You have spoken at international conferences and delivered lectures overseas. What has been the most memorable response from audiences abroad?
“Whenever I attend international conferences or deliver lectures overseas, I am reminded of the tremendous interest in Korean aesthetic medicine. What many physicians abroad find particularly impressive is our ability to achieve results that look natural while still creating a noticeable improvement. Rather than focusing solely on adding volume or producing dramatic changes, Korean aesthetic medicine emphasises overall facial harmony, proportions, skin texture, and subtle refinements to a person’s appearance. Many have expressed genuine interest in this thoughtful and meticulous approach. I believe this is one of the greatest strengths of Korean aesthetic medicine—creating results that look noticeably better without appearing overdone. Finding that balance is also one of the principles I value most in my own practice.”
Q. What wellness habits do you practise consistently despite your busy schedule?
“Rather than following an elaborate routine, I focus on maintaining simple habits every day. I try to drink plenty of water, keep my skin well moisturised, and make time for light physical activity whenever possible. On particularly busy days, I become even more aware of how quickly lack of sleep and fatigue are reflected in my face, so I make a conscious effort to allow myself time to recover. To me, wellness is not about occasional special routines. It is the accumulation of small, consistent habits practised every day.”
Q. What personal interests or hobbies have recently captured your attention?
“These days, my interests naturally revolve around beauty and wellness because they are closely connected to both my work and my studies. I enjoy discovering beautiful spaces, selecting fragrances, and exploring fashion and colour. I find it fascinating to observe how atmosphere, colour, and personal style come together to shape someone’s overall image. I also have a growing interest in writing. I hope to communicate topics such as skin health and ageing in a way that feels more approachable, relatable, and reassuring.”
Q. If you were to describe yourself in a single word, what would it be?
“I would describe myself as a ‘curator.’ Rather than someone who creates something entirely new or transforms people dramatically, I want to be someone who carefully selects and organises what truly suits each individual. Whether I am treating patients, conducting research, or writing, my goal is always the same—to help people make informed choices and guide them towards the most natural direction for themselves.”
Q. Looking ahead, what areas would you like to explore, and what are your long-term goals?
“I hope to continue balancing clinical practice, research, and education. For my patients, I want to provide treatments that help them maintain healthy, natural beauty over the long term. For fellow medical professionals, I hope to share both clinical experience and research so that we can continue to learn and grow together. In the long run, I would like to help introduce the philosophy behind Korean aesthetic medicine—its emphasis on refinement and natural beauty—to a wider international audience. Above all, my greatest ambition is to remain a physician whom people continue to trust, even as time passes.”
Photo Credit: Nobacinasia
