“True Beauty” is one of Korea’s most iconic coming-of-age dramas about overcoming insecurity and learning to love oneself. Based on the globally popular Naver webtoon, it became a massive international hit after airing in 2020. Starring Cha Eun-woo, Moon Ga-young, and Hwang In-youp, the series captures Korean high school culture, beauty trends, and emotional youth stories. This article dives into everything international fans want to know — from the plot and characters to K-beauty, filming locations, and the unforgettable soundtrack.
Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer to experience the world of True Beauty — filled with laughter, love triangles, and the struggles of Korean high school life. The preview perfectly reflects the blend of comedy, romance, and emotional depth that made this drama beloved worldwide.
Story Summary (in 5 Lines)
Im Ju-kyung, a girl bullied for her looks, learns makeup through online tutorials and transforms her appearance.
At her new school, she becomes known as the “goddess” — admired by everyone.
But only Lee Su-ho knows what she looks like without makeup.
As they grow closer, painful secrets from the past test their bond.
In the end, Ju-kyung learns that real beauty starts with loving herself.
Main Characters & Traits
- Im Ju-kyung – Moon Ga-young: A brave girl who hides her insecurities behind makeup and learns to embrace her natural self.
- Lee Su-ho – Cha Eun-woo: A quiet, kind-hearted boy with emotional scars who sees beyond appearances.
- Han Seo-jun – Hwang In-youp: A tough but warm-hearted teen whose past connects him to Su-ho.
- Kang Soo-jin – Park Yoo-na: A complex friend torn between jealousy and loyalty.
Lead Actors
Cha Eun-woo (as Lee Su-ho)
As a member of the K-pop group ASTRO and one of Korea’s most beloved actors, Cha Eun-woo is known for his stunning visuals and emotional acting depth. His nickname, “Face Genius,” reflects not only his looks but also his ability to portray quiet pain and gentle strength. In True Beauty, he perfectly captures the sensitive heart of a boy dealing with family trauma and first love.
Moon Ga-young (as Im Ju-kyung)
Moon Ga-young’s performance shines with authenticity and charm. Through True Beauty, she became a global ambassador for Korean beauty and confidence culture. Her portrayal shows that makeup in Korea is not just about appearance — it’s a form of self-expression and self-recovery. Her performance resonated deeply with viewers who have ever struggled with self-image.
Cultural Highlights Foreign Viewers Love
① Korean School Life
The series takes place in a Korean high school, giving foreign audiences a glimpse into real student life —
from uniforms and group photos to after-school academies and the intense study culture.
Viewers are often fascinated by the respect-based relationships between students and teachers, as well as the close friendships.
② The K-Beauty Phenomenon
True Beauty reflects the evolution of Korea’s beauty culture — where skincare and cosmetics are tools for self-confidence, not vanity.
From cushion compacts and lip tints to YouTube beauty creators, the show mirrors real-life K-beauty trends that have captivated global fans.
③ The Power of Webtoon Adaptations
Since the drama is based on a hit Naver webtoon, it already had a huge international fan base.
The adaptation successfully blends the humor and emotions of the original comic with cinematic storytelling and heartfelt performances.
④ The Essence of K-Drama
What truly connects global audiences is not the makeup, but the universal message —
that beauty starts when you accept who you are.
True Beauty embodies the emotional storytelling, visual warmth, and human connection that define modern Korean dramas.
Filming Locations You Can Visit
- DMC (Digital Media City, Seoul) – Used as the exterior of Ju-kyung’s high school.
- Hongdae Walking Street – Filming site for shopping and friend meet-up scenes.
- Homyeong Lake, Gapyeong – The emotional scene location where Ju-kyung and Su-ho open up to each other.
- Jeju Coastal Road – The setting for the final episode’s ending scene.
Many fans now enjoy following the “True Beauty K-Drama Tour” across these real-life sites — taking photos, recreating iconic scenes, and experiencing the magic of Korean filming culture firsthand.
OST (Original Soundtrack)
The “True Beauty” OST delivers the emotional highs and lows of youth. Songs like “Love So Fine” by Cha Eun-woo and “I’m Not Okay” by Youha became global fan favorites. Each track beautifully expresses the characters’ insecurities, hopes, and love stories — blending pop and ballad sounds that capture the warmth of Korean drama music. Click below to listen to the full playlist on YouTube Music.
Final Thoughts
“True Beauty” begins as a story about transformation, but ultimately teaches that real strength comes from embracing imperfection. International fans have praised it as a “self-love K-drama,” bridging cultures through universal themes of acceptance and growth. Beyond its humor and romance, the series delivers a comforting reminder: beauty is not found in the mirror, but in self-acceptance. With its heartfelt acting, stunning visuals, and meaningful message, “True Beauty” remains one of the most memorable Korean dramas of its era.
