The Enduring Allure of True Beauty: A K-Drama That Transformed High School Romance Into a Celebration of Identity, Confidence, and Love Beyond Looks
When True Beauty premiered in December 2020, fans of the hit webtoon series waited with bated breath to see how the beloved characters and story would translate to the screen. What followed was a vibrant, heartfelt, and often hilarious drama that exceeded expectations. With a pitch-perfect blend of romance, comedy, school-life realism, and emotional depth, True Beauty quickly found its way into the hearts of K-drama fans around the globe. Led by Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo, and Hwang In-yeop, the drama captured the adolescent anxieties of self-image and the universal yearning to be loved for who we truly are.
Adapted from Yaongyi’s globally popular webtoon, True Beauty centers on Lim Ju-kyung, a high school girl bullied for her appearance who becomes a self-taught makeup expert to “hide” behind a beautiful face. When she transfers to a new school, she begins a double life—popular and admired by day, anxious and self-doubting by night. What unfolds is a poignant coming-of-age tale with a sizzling love triangle and unexpected emotional weight. It asks important questions: Is beauty only skin deep? Can love look beyond the surface? And most importantly—what happens when you start to love yourself?
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the reasons behind True Beauty's global success, from its lovable characters and brilliant performances to its empowering message, cultural impact, and binge-worthy storytelling. Whether you're discovering the show for the first time or revisiting it for a nostalgic deep dive, here’s why True Beauty remains one of K-drama’s most heartfelt and engaging romantic comedies.
Lim Ju-kyung: The imperfect heroine we all needed
Moon Ga-young’s portrayal of Lim Ju-kyung is charming, comedic, and deeply relatable. Unlike many flawless K-drama female leads, Ju-kyung is insecure, clumsy, and constantly doubting her worth. Her transformation through makeup isn’t portrayed as a miracle solution, but rather a mask she hides behind. As the show progresses, we see Ju-kyung’s emotional maturity, self-awareness, and desire to be seen for who she really is. Her journey toward self-acceptance forms the emotional heart of the series.
Lee Su-ho: The quiet protector with hidden scars
Cha Eun-woo’s Lee Su-ho is the brooding top student with a heart of gold. He initially comes off as cold and aloof, but as layers are peeled away, we discover a young man grieving, protecting himself from emotional pain, and struggling with guilt and trauma. His romance with Ju-kyung is as sweet as it is supportive, helping her feel safe in her own skin. Su-ho’s own vulnerability makes him more than just a pretty face—he becomes a deeply empathetic male lead.
Han Seo-jun: The second lead who stole the spotlight
Played by Hwang In-yeop, Han Seo-jun quickly became a fan favorite. With his rebellious charm, bad-boy exterior, and soft heart, he delivered the kind of second lead that evokes major Second Lead Syndrome. His loyalty, hidden kindness, and intense feelings for Ju-kyung created some of the most emotional moments in the series. His arc also highlighted themes of friendship, personal growth, and redemption, proving that second leads can be just as compelling as the main one.
A love triangle that felt genuinely complex
The Su-ho–Ju-kyung–Seo-jun love triangle wasn’t just about choosing between two good-looking guys—it was about trust, timing, personal connection, and emotional healing. Each relationship offered something different, and the show allowed viewers to understand the depth of each bond without vilifying any character. The triangle added tension and tenderness in equal measure, making it one of the most engaging romantic subplots in recent K-drama memory.
Makeup and beauty as both armor and expression
One of the most powerful aspects of True Beauty is how it portrays makeup. Rather than glamorizing it, the show presents it as a double-edged sword—both a creative outlet and a societal shield. Ju-kyung uses makeup to feel confident, but it also becomes a prison she fears to escape. The show explores how external beauty often masks internal wounds, encouraging viewers to look beyond the surface, both literally and figuratively.
Humor that’s smart, self-aware, and genuinely funny
True Beauty is one of those rare dramas where the comedy actually lands. From Ju-kyung’s over-the-top inner monologues to absurd fantasy sequences and chaotic family dynamics, the show doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yet the humor never undercuts its emotional moments. It walks the tightrope between satire and sincerity with impressive skill.
A deeper look into bullying and its aftermath
Through Ju-kyung’s backstory, the series tackles school bullying in a raw and uncomfortable way. It doesn’t just show the incidents—it shows the long-term psychological damage, the fear of exposure, and the deep-rooted shame victims often carry. This exploration adds significant emotional depth and reflects very real issues affecting students worldwide.
Found family and friendships that feel authentic
Whether it’s Ju-kyung’s fiercely loyal best friends, her supportive younger brother, or the eventual camaraderie among Su-ho, Seo-jun, and Ju-kyung, the show highlights how healing is often found in relationships. The friendship between the male leads, once broken by tragedy, evolves into one of the most rewarding arcs, showcasing forgiveness and emotional maturity.
Standout performances from a young cast
The entire cast, including supporting actors like Kang Min-ah (Soo-ah), Park Yoo-na (Sae-mi), and Jang Hye-jin (Ju-kyung’s mother), deliver nuanced performances that elevate the material. Each character is distinct, their relationships layered with realism and emotional nuance. This ensemble dynamic brings the world of True Beauty to life in a vibrant and relatable way.
A colorful, stylish visual aesthetic
Bright lighting, pastel-toned color palettes, trendy costumes, and detailed set design give True Beauty a visual identity that’s fresh and Instagram-worthy. These visuals aren't just for show—they reflect the characters’ emotional states and the contrast between their outer appearances and inner turmoil.
A soundtrack filled with youth and yearning
The True Beauty OST perfectly captures the drama’s emotional highs and lows. Songs like “Call Me Maybe” by SAAY and “I'm in the Mood for Dancing” by Yuju set the tone for romance and fun, while ballads like “Fall in You” by Ha Sung-woon add melancholy and reflection. The soundtrack became a playlist of growing pains and glittering youth.
Subtle commentary on societal beauty standards
Without preaching, the show critiques the pressure on women to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals. Ju-kyung’s journey reflects the global reality of teens feeling inadequate because of social media and commercialized beauty. It opens up conversations around authenticity, self-image, and the emotional cost of seeking approval through appearance.
Fan culture, memes, and viral success
From GIFs of Ju-kyung’s exaggerated expressions to viral edits of Su-ho and Seo-jun’s bromance, True Beauty exploded on social media. The show trended regularly on platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, and its webtoon-to-screen success created a multi-platform fandom that extended beyond Korea.
Webtoon adaptation done right
Many fans feared a diluted adaptation, but True Beauty stayed true to the heart of its source material while enhancing it with stronger emotional arcs, character depth, and a refined narrative. The live-action version captured the webtoon’s aesthetic while giving its characters more maturity and context.
Fashion, style, and real-world influence
From Ju-kyung’s school uniforms to her glam K-beauty looks, the show heavily influenced real-world fashion and makeup trends. Tutorials based on her look went viral on YouTube, and beauty brands used True Beauty aesthetics to market products, cementing its status as a cultural trendsetter.
Global accessibility and popularity
Streaming globally on platforms like Viki and iQIYI, the show reached audiences in over 100 countries. It consistently ranked among the top-streamed dramas in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America, showcasing K-drama’s continued global expansion and the universality of teen struggles.
A drama with high rewatch value
With its comedic beats, loveable characters, and heartfelt moments, True Beauty is a drama that many fans revisit for comfort. It’s binge-worthy but also emotionally resonant, making it a timeless addition to any K-drama playlist.
A hopeful, heartwarming ending
True Beauty ends on a note of acceptance, healing, and emotional closure. Without spoiling anything, it stays true to its core message: that real beauty lies in being known and loved for who you are. It’s the kind of ending that makes you reflect, smile, and maybe even believe in your own beauty a little more.
