An Emotional Narrative of Inner Change and Self Appreciation
The Beauty (Yeoshingangrim) is a South Korean romantic comedy series that started airing in December 2020 and ended in February 2021. The film is based on a widely accepted webtoon, which goes by the same name, and has gained tremendous popularity due to its amazing plot, beauty in storytelling, realistic characters and fantastic romance.
As the director Kim Sang-hyeop has put together this series, he has surely raised the audience’s expectations by including well known figures of the webtoon Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun woo, Hwang In yeop and Park Yoo na.
Throughout the story, we see Lim Ju-kyung (Moon Ga-young), a high school student with confidence issues and a negative self-image. She is socially ostracized and bullied for her “unattractive” appearance, which leads her to perfect the skill of makeup. On her first day at her new school, she decides to put her best face forward and transforms herself into a head turner. This, in turn, makes her popular and well-liked amongst her classmates.
But her cover is in jeopardy. A cold but warm-hearted upper classman Lee Su ho (Cha Eun woo) uncovered her secret when he saw her without makeup. Simultaneously here enters the third side of the love triangle as a fellow classmate: Han Seo jun (Hwang In-yeop) who is a caring, but rebellious and complex character. So now a new dilemma emerges.
Through the character Ju-kyung’s friends, love interests, and ultimate acceptance of herself, the story showcases the drama in a light-hearted manner while still talking about how beauty is subjective.
Main Characters
- Lim Ju-kyung (Moon Ga-young)
Has a panic disorder and concerns for her family, so in turn, has low self-esteem, which she counteracts through heavy makeup.
With the help of some friends, she is slowly able to embrace herself and her family more openly.
Has her heart divided between Seo-jun and Su-ho, who are both in love with her.
Accepting one’s self fully is difficult but so remember that journey is beautiful too.
- Lee Su-ho (Cha Eun-woo)
An extremely conservative student suffering from a plethora of underlying issues and claims to have deeply troubled past life experiences.
Claims to IoT companies be the first one to witness Ju-kyung without her trademark face of makeup and to accept her.
Means well and is encouraging, but has a hard time letting people in.
Isn’t particularly close to Seo-jun, but they have some unresolved issues.
- Han Seo-jun (Hwang In-yeop)
An easygoing and loving person who used to be a represenative idol trainee for modern K-pop.
Demonstrates supreme levels of self-control and loves Ju-kyung but allows her to makes decisions for the altar of her happiness.
Has a competition-turned-close friendship with Su-ho.
Elucidates comic relief in the plot while still showcasing depth.
- Kang Soo-jin (Park Yoo-na)
Ju-kyung is not highly adored by many, so yes she does have a best friend, but that girl faces her own set of problems and conflicts closer to Ju-kyung than she wishes to acknowledge.
Has an inner self battling with opposing moral issues due to insecurities mixed with familial pressures.
Comes off as a normal girl on the outside, but on the inside, she’s always hurting.
Motifs and Insights
- Standards of Beauty and Accepting Oneself
This drama questions South Korea’s vastly superficial beauty standards claiming that outer appearance is valued over a person’s character. Ju-kyung’s transformation is not just physical, but a self-love journey that drives her story.
- School Violence and External Pressure
Ju-kyung’s case shows the extreme school violence victimization and the role of physical appearance in social acceptance. The drama addresses the consequences of bullying and how serious its effects may be.
- Personal Development and Peer Relations
The characters have mutual conflicts but make friends and later learn to help each other. The relationship between Su-ho and Seo-jun is especially touching because they also have to learn to fix their emotional problems.
- Romantic Love and the Process of Recovery
The younger generation grab elements of romance that are still pleasing to the eye, but need something deeper to add so it does not appear unrealistic. The male characters are experienced in love and look at it in different ways, which makes the love triangle realistic.
Love triangle: Su-ho VS Seo-jun.
One of the most debated questions among fans is who Ju-kyung should end up with:
Su-ho (Cha Eun-woo) ✔️Shares childhood trauma with Ju-kyung
✔️Emotionally caring and comforting
✔️Shy and soft spoken but struggles to vocalize feelings.
Seo-jun (Hwang In-yeop) ✔️Kind, caring, confident, and playful.
✔️Very supportive of Ju-kyung’s aspirations but doesn’t pressure her.
✔️ Many fans felt he deserved love too!
This is where second lead syndrome of Ju-Kyung’s love interest came and created havoc in two sides of the fandom. Sometimes she romances to the extent of a healthy self obsession, but ultimately emerges in her peak self growth.
Why People Love True Beauty
✔️ Relatable story – A lot of people understand Ju-Kyung’s tempered self-beliefs and lack of confidence.
✔️ Funny & emotional balance – The drama manages to mix in comedy along with romance and romance along with drama fiction.
✔️ Great chemistry – The character portrayals of the lead actors captured the attention of all.
✔️ Important life lessons – It encourages self appreciate, rigidity during difficult times, and inner beauty.
Webtoon vs. Drama: Key Differences
Aspect Webtoon Drama
Tone Broader with more serious and deeper emotional struggles. Lighter, humorous spin on it.
Ju-kyung’s Personality More introverted and insecure More lively and expressive
Love triangle Seo-jun has a bigger role Focus is more on Su-ho
Ending More open-ended More Conclusive in more intense romance.
Each side has pros, but the latter one had to be modified to a more pleasing non-conflicting drama.
Final Thoughts:
Why True Beauty is A Must-Watch True Beauty i s more than just romance, it is a story of self-love, love, resilience, and growth, and the humor combined with Emotional depth and engaging characters further enhances the entertainment aspect. If you liked: ✅ High school romance dramas ✅ Strong female lead overcoming challenges ✅ Adorable love triangles and fun friendships ✅ Comedy with deep touchy moments Then True Beauty is a must watch. 🎬✨