True Beauty

Nothing new and yet I watched it from start to finish.

As of today, True Beauty is the only drama from this season that I've finished despite many others finishing earlier on in the season. Other than Mr. Queen, it's the only one I consistently kept up with. This is despite the fact that it had the weakest, most basic story of every other drama that I was watching. And that isn't to say the others were bad - there were plenty of unique, fun dramas that grabbed my attention more. And yet here I am. Let me explain.

I went into True Beauty without the intention of liking it. I only wanted to try it out because I tend to give most dramas a one episode trial before deciding if I should watch them, and to my shock and horror, I kinda sorta enjoyed the first two episodes. It was that turn-your-brain-off kind of show that I need every now and then when work gets hard or life gets stressful. While the pandemic and 3-month-and-continuing lockdown messing with my mental health, this drama was so far from reality that it allowed me to forget for 2 1/2 hours of the week everything that was going on outside my door. And so I kept watching it. When other dramas started to lose their humour in favour of telling a story, when plots grew bland and lost what I was enjoying in the earlier episodes, and whenever I needed a pick-me-up, True Beauty came around midweek and gave me that happy moment that I couldn't find anywhere else.

True Beauty is nothing new. The plot is small and shallow and, having read about half of what's out of the webcomic previously, they changed a lot of aspects of the original story. And I mean a lot. I understand how upsetting that can be to fans of the source material because there were points that I, myself, went "wait, but that shouldn't happen, he was like THIS in the comic--" It's easy to get frustrated by that, but it's also easy to see why that was done. The story that needed to be told had to fit entirely within a 16 episode window. Webcomics aren't really known for their well-contained stories, and to keep it clean and simple changes are always made. After the first few weeks, I didn't really mind the changes. It's important to separate the webcomic and the drama going into either one of them. You can enjoy them on their own, but comparing them might leave you frustrated.

The plot is simple and basic but it stays fun and engaging throughout. Coming from the director that worked on Extraordinary You, it maintains that fun, silly atmosphere that makes both shows a treat to watch, even when nothing is happening and we're just watching characters go throughout their days. It doesn't take itself seriously, and that makes it easy to like. When watching it, I honestly felt like the characters were living in the world of a webtoon just as they were in Extraordinary You, and suddenly all the silly comments and over-the-top gestures made a lot of sense. The characters, while different from the source material, were charming. Whether it's the romance between her older sister and teacher who play role-reversal with typical kdrama stereotypes right up until the bitter end, Seo Jun and Su Ho whose friendship is one of the most easygoing and likeable I've ever seen between rivals in a love triangle, or any one of the students who are shown throughout, it was hard to dislike anyone. Even if they were cringy and hard to watch at times. I think the characters are one of the drama's strengths. They may not be too deep and their stories are ones we've seen before, but even as paper-thin as they are we see character development and changes throughout their stories. And can I just say props to Seo Jun for being one of the least petty SML I've seen in a long time.

Let's be honest, it's not for everybody. It's not a melodramatic love thriller. It's not a serious high school romance. There's no fantasy, even if it feels like the characters are living in a webtoon. The issues brought up are only lightly touched on and aren't delved into too deeply. If you're looking for something that will move you emotionally, you're not going to find it here. But if what you want is something stupid, silly and fun to take you away from the sorry state of the world in a time where we're spending our days staring at the same four walls, I think this is the perfect fit.

It's a story that does cliches well, that has a lot of heart and just a little plot, and I loved every minute of it.

Read More

Surprisingly one of my favorites

Really loved it! When it was released I thought it was overhyped because it's based on a romance/comedy webtoon so I was like I'm sure even if it's good it won't be great because I like to watch romance/comedy dramas sometimes but it's not my favorite genre also people tend to over hype tv shows with idols in it..But I really wanted to watch something for Cha Eunwoo because I love him as a person so I was like I'll try watching this just to see how he acts and wasn't expecting much from the show... But omg it's actually really good.

The show was heartwarming,cute and hilarious. Absolutely loved the cast,it was my first time watching anything for all the leads and loved them all. The story wasn't like entirely new but how it's put together was good. And without spoiling much was I the only one who like didn't side in which one she should've end up with?..Like I loved both leads and both were good for her and whoever she ended up with it makes sense and I agree with,but I feel bad for the other one he deserves better but not getting her ..like he should've had some different ending romantically wise..

Read More

The best

This is my favorite life drama of 21 that I've watched so far. In True Beauty, you have all possible emotions. You laugh, you cry, you are angry, you are angry, you are happy, you are apprehensive, you are shocked. Everything.
I love Jukyung's overcoming story with her looks and the standard of beauty imposed by society. I love that Suho loved Jukyung because she is who she is and not what she looks like. This couple's story is completely perfect. Only those who watched know that their story was fate.

The grapefruit couple, more hilarious impossible.

Hee Gyung, an empowered woman who does what she wants and not what they say.

If Yeon, Suho and Seojun: a perfect friendship, of pure companionship that unfortunately ended in tragedy. But it was amazing to see what this friendship with Se Yeon was like before the fatality happened.

Everything was perfect. Only point to be desired was that I thought they could have shown an out-of-date Seojun with a girlfriend with reciprocal feelings.

Read More

It was not that bad

Im an avid fan of the manhwa before they decided to make this into a series. Knowing that the manhwa is still ongoing, i didnt want to watch in case i feel disappointed and all. But friends was telling me there isn't much link which i kind of agreed on. To be honest i really wanted Jisoo to take on the role of Ju gyeong but MGY did a good job at it too.

The acting was good, i had no comments, definitely a strong second lead syndrome for sure! But towards the end, everything felt so rushed. I watched for the interactions and the comedy. But i would definitely suggest to read the manhwa!

Read More

I am waiting season 2, Moon Ga-young. The best actor for this drama this story in webtoon

this is an amazing drama Moon Ga-young acts very well I'm waiting for season 2 will Moon Ga-young be a player in this rama again when? how come you guys don't want to make this drama anymore why? when it's made tell everyone and they'll be happy about it. come on I'm waiting for season 2 will Moon Ga-young be a player in this rama again when? how come you guys don't want to make this drama anymore why? when it's made tell everyone and they'll be happy about it. come on this is an amazing drama Moon Ga-young acts very well I'm waiting for season 2 will Moon Ga-young be a player in this rama again when? how come you guys don't want to make this drama anymore why? when it's made tell everyone and they'll be happy about it. come on I'm waiting for season 2 will Moon Ga-young be a player in this rama again when? how come you guys don't want to make this drama anymore why? when it's made tell everyone and they'll be happy about it. come on

Read More

I don't know why it took me so long to watch this drama but here I am :) I would say it's typical and predictable high school kdrama about a girl who tries to cover her real face under make up. The most handsome and popular guy (ML) in the school falls in love with her even though he knows her secret. Of course, there's love triangle or should I say square? FL's best friend has been in love with ML for ages and then there's ML's ex best friend who is in love with FL.

All in all I loved watching this drama and it was very sweet. There were lots of funny moments and their chemistry is really good too.

I think it was completely unnecessary for Han Seo Joon to be in love with FL too. It made me feel really bad for him. He always put her first, even when ML returned from the States he told FL he was going back just so she wouldn't regret it and both of them could make up.
I also didn't like how Kang Soo Jin turned out, with releasing that video and revealing FL's secret.

I just think there were way too many things going on towards the end while the beginning was way slower. That's why last two episodes feel a bit rushed to me.

But all in all I enjoyed watching it and I would say it's a perfect drama to take your mind off things or if you are watching it after something deeper and more complicated.

Read More

Not good, but not bad

This is my 1st review so please excuse my messy writing skills haha
The ratings are way too high and biased with this one, in my opinion...

The last 2 eps were rushed, I felt like I was watching it solely for Seojun and the family to be completely honest. High school dramas aren't my cup of tea as they tend to be very cliche. Nonetheless, I liked the whole message behind the drama even though it was cliche. I didn't get to read the whole webtoon so I don't know how that went on.

I loved the side characters especially Heekyung and Junwoo, they were hilarious and stole the show for me. What can I say about Hwang In yeop? I adore him, so ready for whatever he has coming. I love Eunwoo but I just can't get into his acting yet, he sure did improve from his previous dramas though. However, he has a lot of room for improvement so I'm looking forward to his future roles.

The OST wasn't memorable.
Rewatch value: I can't see myself watching it again.

All in all, it was an enjoyable and chill watch. If you're looking for a drama that has plenty of fluffy and funny moments, this is the one.

Read More

funniest and fav kdrama!! dk why yall shitting on it.

this was honestly one of the best kdramas ive ever watched. its was hella funny, i laughed soo hard lmfaoo. but the topic abt looks and bullying was really meaningful and i really appreciated that alot. i swear, this is the most funniest kdrama ever so u need to watch. i also really liked seojun, even tho he liked ju bal, he still helped an supported her with suho sometimes. i really hope he can find love and happiness in life<33 honestly at first i didnt know who i wanted ju bal to end up w bc they were both good options. then i leaned more towards suho's side, but didnt rlly care if she ended up w seojun as long as she doesnt end up w baseball guy BC I HATE THAT BITCH SMM. i also really liked that it was wayyyyyy better than the webtoon, the webtoon was sooo boring in my opinion. also the bromace between the mls were so funny, but their friendship was also rlly wholesome, especially with se yeon. i also really liked taehoon, he was sooo funny and his relationship with his gf was so cute!! ju bal's brother was so funny, and his relationship w go woon was cute too. i also really enjoyed the emotional scenes, like abt bullying and suicide it really touched me and i even cried. ep 13 was def my fav!! ju bal was so badass slayyyy im so happy that she can she her face and date suho comfortably now<3 i also loved how her classmates cheered her on. i was rlly dissapointed w soojin, she was so badass at first and i loved her, but she just became horrible. but then i changed my mind bc she is definitely forgived of her mistakes and became a better person after getting away from her toxic dad. and no wonder i found him familiar, he played fl's father in hometown chachacha!! now time for my opinion on the ending. at first, i didnt like it, very cliche, suho moving to the states and leaving ju bal for awhile then coming back, but the end was rlly good and im so glad ju bal's sister and that dude got married and ju bal told that stupid chen girl off. i also thought selena was mean at first, but she is a pretty good person, just a little cold. i also feel so bad for seojun, he was a rlly great person and still supported ju bal and suho despite him still liking her. i think he shouldnt have tried to get with her when suho was gone, because she obviously wasnt over him but atleast he tried amd i appreciate his efforts. i hope he can find love and they can still remain great friends!!<3 the ost was also rlly amazing, i loved se yeon's song. though i wish ju bal's brother and go woon's relationship had more screen time. the only thing i disliked was ju bal falling like 728276262772 times bc it was so cliche and the 2nd hand embarrassment. this drama mad me so mad sometimes, but good that its hella funny or else it wouldve gotten a lower rating. the emotional scenes were really great though, bc i usually skip those but i watched thru the whole damn thing and sobbed. well i didnt like the romantic emotional scenes they were kinda boring lol. im really glad it was adapted into a kdrama and i highly recco to watch!! (might make edits bc i have sm to say but cant express in words).

Read More

if inner beauty is the message, why are cosmetics front & center

A middle schooler, Im Ju Gyeong, is relentlessly bullied for her "ugly" looks until she discovers the power of cosmetics, changes schools, and enters a whole new world of social acceptance.

While everyone loves a makeover, this drama brings to light the questions of the value of appearance and how far one will go to be on top of the social pedestal. As the mother of a teen girl, my interest lay in exactly what message this drama would convey and how.

IJG's family is ignorant of her suffering at school. Her mother is most worried about her grades, her younger brother mocks her for being "pancaked" and he himself falls for Han Go Woon, a girl who looks similar to his sister's natural self. HGW is an interesting character in that she represents an alternate version of IJG, similarly afflicted in appearance & bullied for it, but stronger in her self-confidence & clearer in her view of the role of beauty standards in society. She's a talented singer and accepts cosmetics only for the stage which is purely performative, and remains her natural self in daily life at school.

IJG, however, views her cosmetics as life saving medication as it hides her true self from her new classmates & friends. She fears the unbearable abuse of her former school will return if her new school discovers her secret. IJG's family watches her fluctuate between her two extreme realities but do little to address her problems. The drama became more of a comedy of double identities, along with the best friend love triangle, teen edition.

I wondered if the drama will end with IJG making a choice of how she wants to appear, or does she actually progress beyond that. Can this drama really make a statement about beauty standards when it's cast with idols? How about casting a FL who is more realistically plain-looking without exaggerating a leprotic skin condition? The makeover would actually be more dramatic. And her inability to stand up for herself then sets up the character's need for a man to save her. There's a line in the show which says if you have beauty then the only talent you need is kindness. All of the characters around IJG have some sort of talent regardless of their appearance, but all IJG seems to have is kindness. Perhaps that's what attracts the school "god" since he seems to have everything but kindness in his life. But this just means IJG only exists to fulfill another's need.

I fear a deeper message will be that cosmetics are the answer to every middle school girl's problems (and we know it's now hitting girls much younger). One of IJG's victories over her former tormentor is to beat her at her own game in an Instagram beauty contest. Instagram is now known for being a highly toxic medium for teen girls, but this isn't recognized in the show. IJG's obsession with makeup becomes her career aspiration. I'm trying not to think of that as a bad thing, but for IJG, cosmetics are a lifeline, rather than an art. Will IJG progress to becoming an artist? Will she own the cosmetics, or will the cosmetics continue to own her?

However, toward the end of the drama, most of these disturbing questions do get addressed. IJG makes a choice, but rather than being in a place of fear, she chooses from a place of confidence. Here's also where the adults she most depends on come through, and she also gains clarity in who her true friends are. Unfortunately, this transition lasts for only one episode and the character's personality remains rather flat. IJG isn't involved in any sports, clubs, or community service; is having a boyfriend the only solution to lack of opportunities?

Overall, this drama is very bingeable as I really wanted to see how things turned out for the main character. The early bullying scenes were quite cringeworthy but I waited to see what phoenix would arise from that mess. Unfortunately there were no surprises. Perhaps just rising up to "normal" is enough, but how does that give any inspiration? In the end, her highest achievement is to just be present for her friends but I don't think the story generated as much sympathy for her character as it could've.

Read More

True Beauty a story of friendship growth and courage

True Beauty is a drama very similar to My ID Is Gangnam Beauty in how it explores society’s beauty standards and the effect they can have on a person’s mental health. Lim Joo Kyung puts extra effort into her appearance, and this comes directly from the intense bullying she experienced at her old school. She was treated as an outcast because of her looks and her awkwardness, especially her love for horror books, which made her an easy target. After learning how to do her makeup and completely transforming her appearance, she immediately notices how differently people treat her compared to her old school. This makes her believe that being beautiful is necessary to avoid bullying and gain acceptance.

Lee Su Ho meets Lim Joo Kyung when she isn’t wearing makeup and befriends her because of her caring nature and the fact that she doesn’t drool over his good looks. This connection is also rooted in their past, when Su Ho was extremely rude to her at school, which made her goal very clear: stay away from him. Of course, fate intervenes, and Su Ho eventually discovers that the girl he’s been talking to at the bookshop is Lim Joo Kyung. That reveal adds tension to their relationship and highlights Joo Kyung’s fear of being truly seen.

I really liked how at her new school Lim Joo Kyung has classmates who accept her, even after finding out she isn’t naturally pretty. Her friendship with Choi Soo Ah stands out. Soo Ah is upset that Joo Kyung kept her bullying a secret and didn’t show her natural face, disappointed that her friend thought she had to hide herself. That dynamic was very relatable and added depth to the story about self acceptance and trust.

Han Seo Joon is basically a walking green flag. He quietly protects Joo Kyung and consistently shows up for her without needing recognition or praise, which makes him both reliable and endearing.

Mun Ka Young as Lim Joo Kyung was perfectly cast. She’s a strong actress and handled the emotional scenes beautifully, especially the moments where Joo Kyung’s insecurities and fears came to the surface. She balanced vulnerability and humor in a way that made her easy to sympathize with.

Cha Eun Woo as Lee Su Ho was a bit more mixed for me. While he fit the visual and reserved nature of the character, I wished we could see more of his emotions. He often came across as stiff, which made it harder to fully connect with his internal struggles.

Hwang In Youp as Han Seo Joon, on the other hand, was perfectly cast. He effortlessly exuded confidence and embodied the bad boy image while still showing emotional depth when it mattered. His presence added energy to the drama and made his character especially memorable.

Read More

A teenager story - that does end up standing out

As much as I don't consider myself part of the high-school series demographic as much as I have to say that I mainly enjoyed this sugar-coated, young love story.
The storyline is quite simple but the actors, their interactions, personalities and quirks draw us in and keep the momentum going. Most of the series breezed by, although some episodes were on the slower side (and felt a bit like a drag).
After finishing all 16 episodes I do wonder what it is that makes this stand out - and it does end up standing out. I guess that it somehow feels genuine and doesn't try to be what it is not. It is a story of young love, a story of teenage hardships, a story of friendship. There is enough sweetness here to melt anyone while there is at least 1 episode where we inevitably end up crying our eyes out as well. Nothing more and nothing less.
The chemistry is there, and the supporting cast (especially the siblings of FL) definitely adds to the colourfulness of the story. The gender-reversed roles and quirkiness of the sister and her boyfriend were one of the special highlights.

Read More