True Beauty” is a popular Korean drama that aired in 2020, based on a popular webtoon of the same name. It is a romantic comedy that follows the story of a high school girl named Lim Joo-kyung (played by Moon Ga-young) who is insecure about her appearance and uses makeup to hide her “ugly skin pimples and marks.” When she transfers to a new school, she meets Lee Su-ho (played by Cha Eun-woo), a popular and handsome boy who also has his own emotional scars.
Overall, “True Beauty” received positive reviews from audiences for its lighthearted and relatable story, as well as its charming cast. The show tackled important issues such as self-esteem and body image, and it did so in a way that was both heartwarming and entertaining. The chemistry between the two leads was also a major highlight of the show, and their on-screen relationship was both sweet and endearing.
However, some critics pointed out that the show relied heavily on tropes and cliches commonly seen in Korean dramas, which could make it predictable and formulaic at times. Additionally, some viewers called it cringy, the others were disappointed with the show’s ending, which some felt was rushed and unsatisfying but the sweet high school love genre of this drama made it popular among young fans overseas.
“True Beauty” is a delightful and heartwarming drama that is worth watching for its relatable themes and likeable characters. While it may not be groundbreaking or revolutionary, it is a solid addition to the romantic comedy genre and a great choice for anyone looking for a feel-good show to binge-watch.
True Beauty is created in a way that not only the characters are beautiful but the whole drama contains the scenic beauty of Korea. The school where Lim joo-kyung gets transferred looks magical covered in climbers, the horse scene in the students’ picnic spot and the Namsan tower in first snow looks ethereal.
Details
Cast: Moon Ga-young as Lim Joo-kyung, Hwang In-youp as Han Seo-jun, Cha Eun-woo as Lee Su-ho, Park Yoo-na as Kang Soo-Jin
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Viki (Free)
No. Of Episodes: 16
Genre: School Romance, Comedy
Language: Korean
Final episode date: 4 February 2021
Based on: True Beauty by Yaongyi
Plot
“True Beauty” is a popular Korean drama that aired in 2020, based on a webtoon of the same name. The drama follows the story of a high school student named Lim Joo-kyung (played by Moon Ga-young), who has a talent for makeup and becomes popular for her stunning transformations. However, Joo-kyung is insecure about her natural appearance and hides behind her makeup, fearing rejection and judgment from others.
Joo-kyung’s life takes a turn when she transfers to a new school and meets two boys who have contrasting personalities. Lee Su-ho (played by Cha Eun-woo) is a handsome and intelligent student who struggles with his own emotional baggage, while Han Seo-jun (played by Hwang In-yeop) is a rebellious student with a tough exterior but a kind heart.
Joo-kyung and Lee Su-ho share a common interest of reading comics, they cross paths in a book shop most of the times. Later plot reveals they were good friends in their childhood who get separated when joo-kyung changed home.
As Joo-kyung navigates through her new school life, she develops feelings for both Su-ho and Seo-jun, but her insecurities and fear of judgment keep her from expressing her true feelings. Throughout the series, Joo-kyung experiences the ups and downs of high school life, romance, and self-discovery. The drama explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and first love as Joo-kyung learns to embrace her natural appearance and find the true beauty within herself.
The drama also touches on important issues such as bullying, mental health, and societal pressure to conform to beauty standards. With its relatable characters, heartwarming romance, and impactful message, “True Beauty” quickly became a fan favourite and a cultural phenomenon in Korea and beyond.
Message
True Beauty has a message that one can always make up and polish outer beauty but inner beauty reflects the true personality of the individual. Kdramas often are themed creatively over different professions, to bring more shades in the characters according to the career path they choose. True Beauty takes us on a journey of school students trying to build their life, Lim Joo-kyung develops an interest towards makeup and later explores career options in the makeup industry and Lee Su-ho along Han Seo-jun as a debut singer releases their friend’s song who died by suicide.
Similar K- drama
My ID is Gangnam Beauty
FAQs
What is the name of the song that Han Seo-jun performs?
Starlight
Lim Joo-kyung ends up with whom in the series?
Lee Su-ho, her first love.
