“Maybe true beauty isn’t about flawless skin or perfect features. Maybe it’s about confidence, kindness, and a heart that shines through.”- Lim Ju-kyung (True Beauty)
In a society where beauty often dictates worth, the drama ‘True Beauty’ uncovers the complicated emotions hidden beneath a flawless façade. This 2020 superhit South Korean drama, adapted from Yaongyi’s best-selling webtoon of the same name, tells the intriguing story of a high school girl who is deeply traumatised by years of bullying over her appearance. She eventually turns to makeup as a shield, transforming herself into what others perceive as ‘perfect’. Starring Mun Ka-young, Cha Eun-woo, Hwang In-youp, and Park Yoo-na, the series not only skillfully combines romance, emotional growth, and a desperate longing for self-love and acceptance but also sparks a brutally honest conversation about identity, societal pressure, and the enduring strength found in embracing one’s true self.
Series: True Beauty
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Mun Ka-young, Cha Eun-woo, Hwang In-youp, and Park Yoo-na
Written by: Lee Si-eun
Directed by: Kim Sang-hyeop
The Plot
Lim Ju-kyung (played by Mun Ka-young) is a high school student who has deep insecurities about her looks. Since childhood, she has always been bullied for her appearance. After suffering a traumatic experience and attempting suicide, where she is unknowingly saved by the cold yet kind-hearted Lee Su-ho (played by Cha Eun-woo), Ju-kyung becomes determined to change her appearance.
She transfers to a new school to start over and hides her face behind makeup, which she learns to apply through various online tutorials. She quickly gains popularity as a so-called “goddess.” At her new school, she once again crosses paths with Su-ho. Initially, neither recognizes the other or their past connection, but as they grow closer, Su-ho eventually discovers her secret and falls for her real self. He even helps Ju-kyung embrace her true identity.
Amidst all this, Ju-kyung also forms a close bond with the rebellious yet caring Han Seo-jun (played by Hwang In-youp), Su-ho’s ex-best friend, who is also charmed by her quirky nature and falls in love with her.
In the end, when the truth about her makeup is revealed, Ju-kyung faces shame and fear but slowly learns to love herself. With the support of her true friends and the people who care for her, she follows her dream of becoming a cosmetologist and shows the world that real beauty lies in self-confidence and self-acceptance.
The Characters
Lim Ju-kyung (played by Mun Ka-young)
Ju-kyung is a transfer student to Class 2-5 at Saebom High School. Due to her looks, she has endured years of bullying and rejection from her classmates, as well as criticism from her own family. To change her appearance, she teaches herself makeup through online tutorials. Thanks to her transformation, she quickly gains the nickname “goddess” at her new school, but no one knows her true reality. Behind the flawless appearance, Ju-kyung is actually a sweet and fun-loving girl who enjoys reading horror comics and listening to heavy metal music.
Lee Su-ho (played by Cha Eun-woo)
Su-ho is a top student in Class 2-5, admired for both his intelligence and striking looks. However, beneath his cold and distant exterior lies a boy haunted by a troubled home life and a painful past. He is Seo-jun’s former best friend, but a tragic incident has caused a rift between them. Su-ho eventually forms a special bond with Ju-kyung over their shared love of horror comics and falls in love with her.
Han Seo-jun (played by Hwang In-youp)
Seo-jun is a rebellious and well-known student in the same class as Ju-kyung. While he appears tough on the outside, he’s actually deeply caring, especially toward his mother and younger sister. He was once an idol trainee with a promising future and was Su-ho’s best friend, but a tragic incident led him to step away from the spotlight and sever ties with Su-ho.
Kang Su-jin (played by Park Yoo-na)
Su-jin is another student in Class 2-5 and Su-ho’s childhood friend. She forms a close bond with Ju-kyung. At home, she constantly struggles under the immense pressure of her parents’ academic expectations and is often compared to Su-ho. These pressures create hidden tensions beneath her calm and composed exterior.
What made the show popular?
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- Universally relatable themes: The drama ‘True Beauty’ focuses on themes of learning to accept and love oneself, while also shedding light on issues such as bullying, low self-worth, and the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards. Throughout the show, the challenges that the characters face and their emotional growth resonate powerfully with audiences, especially the youth.
- Aesthetic & visual appeal: The drama visually captivated audiences with its trendy fashion, flawless makeup looks, stylish costumes, beautifully designed sets, and soft-toned, gentle, aesthetic charm.
- Strong cast & performances: The show features a charismatic and talented cast. Cha Eun-woo’s portrayal of the cold yet sensitive Lee Su-ho makes viewers fall in love with him, while Mun Ka-young’s depiction of the vulnerable yet confident Ju-kyung and Hwang In-youp’s impression of the rebellious yet warm-hearted Seo-jun allow viewers to connect deeply with the characters.
- Webtoon foundation: This live-action adaptation of Yaongyi’s popular webtoon of the same name stayed true to the tone and essence of the original, largely meeting fans’ expectations and earning praise from both fans and critics worldwide.
- International popularity: The drama quickly became an international hit, and its success not only propelled its lead actors to global stardom but also sparked growing demand for more webtoon-based adaptations.
- Cultural impact: ‘True Beauty’ also initiated conversations about mental health, the authenticity of online beauty culture, and the pressure to meet society’s standards in this digital age.
- Style influence: Ju-kyung’s fashion and beauty routines became trendsetters, and the show emerged as a major source of inspiration for K-beauty influencers and lifestyle content creators worldwide.
‘True Beauty’ is a sentimental journey of self-discovery, self-love, and the courage to embrace one’s true self. Through its emotionally compelling storyline, relatable characters, and stunning visuals, the drama delicately reveals the insecurities and inner struggles hidden behind perfect appearances. In a world that often values image over authenticity, it serves as a powerful reminder that true beauty lies not in how we look, but in the strength to be who we really are.
Written by – MANSHA CHAUHAN
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