True Beauty(2021): The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful

Korean Drama 'True Beauty'

Korean dramas have become a global phenomenon in recent years, and one of the most popular series of 2021 is "True Beauty." This drama, based on a popular webtoon, follows a high school girl who becomes a makeup expert to hide her true appearance. In this post, we'll dive into the pros and cons of the show, and ultimately recommend it to those looking for a fun, lighthearted watch.

Plot Summary

"True Beauty" tells the story of Lim Ju-kyung, a high school student who has been bullied for her appearance her entire life. After moving to a new school, she learns the power of makeup and transforms herself into a stunning beauty. She catches the eye of two boys: Lee Su-ho, a popular and handsome student, and Han Seo-jun, a rebellious but caring classmate. As she navigates the complicated world of high school romance, Lim Ju-kyung learns to love herself for who she is, both inside and out.

Main Cast

The main cast of "True Beauty" features some of the hottest young actors in South Korea. Moon Ga-young stars as Lim Ju-kyung, the protagonist who transforms herself with makeup. Moon Ga-young is an actress who has built up a good filmography since her childhood. Cha Eun-woo plays Lee Su-ho, the popular and mysterious love interest. Cha Eun-woo is also a member of ASTRO, a five-member boy group from South Korea. 

• Moon Ga-young as Lim Ju-gyeong
• Cha Eun-woo as Lee Su-ho
• Hwang In-yeop as Han Seo-jun
• Park Yoo-na as Kang Su-jin

Attraction Points

Storyline

One of the biggest draws of "True Beauty" is its relatable storyline. Many people can identify with the feeling of insecurity and the desire to be accepted by their peers. The setting of a high school with young students makes this sentiment even more dramatic. The drama also addresses deeper issues, such as the pressure to conform to society's beauty standards and the importance of self-acceptance.

Outstanding Visual

Another attraction point of the drama is, paradoxically, the outstanding visuals. The cast members are all extremely attractive, and the drama features stunning cinematography and makeup design. 

OST

The show's use of music and sound effects also adds to the overall viewing experience. Considering that the drama's audience is 2030, the OST features many songs by young K-pop idol singers. 

Ratings and Reviews

"True Beauty" received both favorable and unfavorable reviews when it aired. It peaked at 4.5% in South Korea, which was an average viewership. However on the Korean drama rating site, Good Data Corporation, "True Beauty" consistently ranked as one of the most talked-about dramas during its run. Some viewers have also expressed disappointment with the ending, which they felt did not do justice to the characters' development throughout the show.

Interesting Facts

"True Beauty" has many interesting facts surrounding it. Here are the details.

• "True Beauty" is based on the popular webtoon of the same name by writer Yaongyi.
• The drama's intention is to criticize lookism, but it has been criticized for promoting it.
• The main filming location, a high school, is the same location as the SBS drama “Penthouse”(2020).
• The male lead, Cha Eun-woo, is actually an actor and singer who is known in South Korea as the handsome face of the 2030s.
• The drama has become very popular in China and has caused some controversy due to the many advertisements for Chinese products in the drama.

In conclusion, "True Beauty" is a drama worth a watch for fans of romantic comedies and coming-of-age stories. While the show has received some criticism for promoting lookism, its overall message of self-acceptance and personal growth is valuable. It features a talented cast, stunning visuals, and a relatable storyline.