The Plot: More Than Just a Makeover Story

True Beauty follows the journey of Lim Ju-kyung (Moon Ga-young), a high school student who develops exceptional makeup skills to transform herself from someone who is bullied for her appearance into a celebrated beauty at her new school. After a traumatic experience of being shamed for her looks, Ju-kyung masters the art of cosmetics through online tutorials, creating a completely new identity that hides her natural face from everyone around her.

At her new school, she encounters Lee Su-ho (Cha Eun-woo), a handsome but emotionally closed-off classmate who recognizes her without makeup after a chance encounter, and Han Seo-jun (Hwang In-youp), a rebellious idol trainee who gradually develops feelings for her. The series explores Ju-kyung’s double life as she navigates high school relationships while desperately guarding the secret of her true appearance.

Why True Beauty Resonated Globally

True Beauty struck a chord with international audiences by addressing universal themes of self-esteem, societal pressure, and the pursuit of acceptance. While the specific context is Korean beauty standards, the underlying message about the struggle to meet appearance expectations transcends cultural boundaries.

The drama arrived at a time when discussions about beauty standards and self-image were gaining momentum globally, particularly on social media platforms. Its timing, combined with its accessible treatment of these important issues, helped it become a talking point beyond typical K-drama circles.

True Beauty also benefited from the growing popularity of webtoon adaptations, bringing a beloved story to life with casting that delighted fans of the original material. The drama maintained the webtoon’s humor and visual style while expanding character development and adding depth to the narrative.

Main Characters: Complex and Relatable

Exploring Beauty Standards and Self-Acceptance

At its core, True Beauty is a commentary on contemporary beauty standards and their impact on self-image. The drama doesn’t shy away from critiquing society’s obsession with appearance while also acknowledging the real psychological impact of bullying and discrimination based on looks.

Through Ju-kyung’s journey, the series explores the double-edged nature of makeup—as both a tool of empowerment and a potential prison. The show acknowledges the valid reasons someone might want to enhance their appearance while ultimately advocating for self-acceptance and the recognition that true beauty comes from within.

According to psychological research, media representations that address appearance anxiety can actually help viewers develop more critical perspectives on beauty standards. True Beauty’s popularity suggests it successfully navigated this delicate balance, providing entertainment while encouraging important conversations about self-worth.

The Love Triangle Phenomenon

True Beauty featured one of the most discussed love triangles in recent K-drama history, dividing viewers into “Team Su-ho” and “Team Seo-jun” camps. This division became a significant driver of online engagement, with social media platforms filled with debates, memes, and fan content supporting each character.

What made this love triangle particularly effective was the genuine appeal of both male leads. Su-ho offered the classic romance of someone who sees and accepts the heroine’s true self from the beginning, while Seo-jun represented the transformative power of love to change someone. Both relationships developed naturally throughout the series, giving viewers legitimate reasons to support either pairing.

The love triangle also allowed for exploration of different types of relationships and emotional connections, enriching the narrative beyond a simple romantic competition. Each relationship challenged Ju-kyung in different ways and contributed to her personal growth throughout the series.

Cultural Impact and Social Media Presence

True Beauty became a social media sensation, particularly on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube where makeup tutorials and reaction videos related to the drama went viral. The series inspired countless makeup transformation videos, with viewers recreating Ju-kyung’s dramatic before-and-after looks.

The drama also influenced beauty trends, with specific makeup products and techniques featured in the series experiencing increased popularity. This real-world impact demonstrated the show’s significant cultural reach beyond typical television metrics.

According to entertainment analysts, True Beauty represented a new model of success for K-dramas in the international market, where social media engagement and cultural impact became as important as traditional ratings. The series demonstrated how dramas could build global fan communities through shareable content and relatable themes.

Where to Watch True Beauty

As of 2025, True Beauty is available on several streaming platforms globally. International viewers can watch it on Viki, which offers multiple subtitle languages and often includes special features. The series is also available on other regional streaming services depending on your location.

For those interested in the original source material, the webtoon is available on various platforms and provides an interesting comparison to the drama adaptation, with some significant differences in storylines and character development.

Similar Dramas You Might Enjoy

If you enjoyed True Beauty, you might want to check out these similar dramas on our website:

• Extraordinary You – A school romance about students who discover they’re characters in a webtoon.
• My ID is Gangnam Beauty – Another drama exploring plastic surgery and beauty standards, also starring Cha Eun-woo.
• Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo – A coming-of-age romance about athletes and self-acceptance.
• Cheese in the Trap – A university-based drama based on a popular webtoon with complex relationships.

Conclusion: More Than Surface Deep

True Beauty succeeded as both entertainment and social commentary by combining a compelling romantic comedy with meaningful exploration of appearance-based discrimination and self-acceptance. The series managed to be both visually glamorous and psychologically insightful, using its makeup transformation premise to explore deeper questions about identity and authenticity.

The drama’s global impact demonstrated the universal nature of its themes, resonating with international audiences who may have experienced different beauty standards but recognized similar pressures to conform to external expectations. True Beauty became a conversation starter about the psychological costs of appearance obsession and the liberating power of self-acceptance.

With strong performances, particularly Moon Ga-young’s nuanced portrayal of Ju-kyung’s vulnerability and growth, the series delivered both comedic moments and emotional depth. The love triangle provided romantic tension while allowing exploration of different types of connections and personal transformations.

True Beauty remains relevant as a cultural touchstone in discussions about beauty standards, self-image, and the power of media to both reflect and influence societal attitudes. Its legacy continues through ongoing social media engagement and its status as a recommended entry point for new K-drama viewers exploring the genre.