Hi.I want to discuss about True Beauty, a Korean drama that I recently saw, today. A recent Korean drama that generated a lot of buzz is called True Beauty. I decided to give it a try for myself, and I have to say that it truly lived up to the expectations because I loved it so much. Allow me to explain everything to you!
A well-known webtoon is the true basis for the kdrama True Beauty. The story revolves around Im Ju-gyeong, an 18-year-old high school student (played by Moon Ga-young), who experiences extreme bullying at school due to her appearance. Because of her bullies' comments about her appearance, she has a severe inferiority problem. After moving to a new school, she spends endless hours watching makeup lesson videos online and becomes so skilled at applying makeup that she gains immediate popularity there. She is still afraid, though, that someone will find out who she really is.
If you were to watch this series only based on the premise and stills, you might think of it as a shallow drama akin to a rom-com. However, this is not the whole story—there is much more to it. It's true that humor exists. Indeed, romance exists. Yes, there are certain corny scenes and the cliché of the makeover. However, this is such an intense exploration of our culture of superficial beauty... It explores the struggles people face in an attempt to meet unjust standards of beauty. How it is possible to be both false and unattractive in today's society when using makeup. How someone is affected by that. I had a great deal of empathy for Im Ju-gyeong and the struggles she faced. Furthermore, I thought the show did a great job with this element. The idea that "a makeover will get you the hot guy" isn't a shallow one. It's a tale of acceptance and love for oneself.
I adored Moon Ga-young's portrayal of Im Ju-gyeong as a character. Despite having endured severe bullying for a considerable amount of time, which has undoubtedly had an impact on her, she has maintained her cheerful disposition, excitement, and sense of humor. She is a brave individual when called upon, caring, and devoted. I also adored her interest in metal music and horror comics. She seemed like the ideal protagonist to accompany on her adventure. I felt all of her emotions—I smiled with her, I wept with her.
Im Ju-gyeong encounters this guy on a rooftop prior to her makeover. On one of her worst days, he comes to her aid, and she never sees him again. Until she moves to her new school, puts on makeup, and finds out he's Lee Su Ho (played by Cha Eun Woo), the popular but aloof guy in her class. Im Ju-gyeong is therefore afraid that he would identify her and tell everyone her secret. However, Su Ho proves to be a true ally who falls in love with her without the need for makeup. These two children were meant to be, and I really enjoyed seeing their romance develop.
Without a second lead, it wouldn't be a kdrama, would it? Han Seo Joon, a fellow high school student who isn't too concerned about studying, is portrayed by Hwang In Yeop. He used to be Su Ho's best friend until they had a falling out. He's the school bad boy, but he's actually incredibly sweet. We watch as he befriends Im Ju-gyeong and grows fond of her throughout the narrative. I still supported Han Seo Joon even though I had a lot of feelings for Im Ju-gyeong and Lee Su Ho. I wanted him to be happy since he was such a sweet guy and a huge softie for Im Ju-gyeong.
Oh, how lovely the friendships were in this novel. Despite being strong and endearing, they were not without imperfections because each character had their own problems. Im Ju-gyeong soon makes the friends she has always wanted at her new school, but she is afraid they will reject her once they learn about her "real" look.
Furthermore, there's a ton to say about Lee Su Ho and Han Seo Joon's (former) friendship. Even if they aren't friends right now, they have a difficult past together because of something that shaped who they are now and caused the breach between them. Can their friendship be repaired when they each face their emotions and the events that transpired?
This story's family elements were just as delightful to me as its friendship elements! We spend a lot of time with Im Ju-gyeong's family, and although they don't seem very likeable at first—they're not encouraging, don't really understand what she's gone through, and even think she's ugly—it's been fun to watch them develop and learn—in the end, they end up being incredibly protective and encouraging of her. A lot of the humor in the novel comes from her family as well, and although I didn't like any of them at first, by the end I was rooting for them all.
All in all, True Beauty is the perfect show for you if you enjoy kdramas and are searching for something humorous, touching, and emotional with a beautiful message about accepting and loving oneself! This is available in Netflix and also in Rakuten viki app.
