My ID Is Gangnam Beauty

My ID Is Gangnam Beauty is among the dramas that have stood out to me a lot,
notably since I'm a student and if it's South Korea or elsewhere, your attractiveness is
always a prominent concern. If you don't look outstanding in a way that other people look
at it like "Below-Average looking" and "Above-Average" you're likely to be watched by
people who either call you "Unattractive" or are just jealous of you. It is the most feminist
Korean drama I've seen; hands down to Gangnam Beauty, here's a thread of things.
Bullying, sexual assault, stalking, fat-shaming, women's objectification, and internal
misogyny are addressed. The show's primary focus is on beauty and self-worth.
An incredibly fantastic scene is when Kyungseok's mother, aka Ms. Na, tells him
that crying has nothing to do with gender. This drama is the first time I've seen the subject
of toxic masculinity touch on a Korean drama. Crying is okay, and say it more loudly. We
also see the mocking of a college girl with short hair that she's not woman enough. She
wants to confess to her crush, and her classmate advises her to alter her appearance.
She stands up bravely and cuts this idea off, and stays true to herself.

This K-drama does not give a negative light on the beauty industries. Protagonists
are also seen cheerfully using masks and make-up and dieting (healthy) to control weight.
It reflects on choice and self-love. What is normal and what is plastic is established as an
external entity. The emphasis is on the non-judgmental consideration of the decisions of
everyone else. If self-love is to be attained by therapeutic interventions, then it is deemed
as unquestionably acceptable.

It also encompasses us, along with Mi Rae, to uncover ourselves as ordinary
people, embrace ourselves, and continuously seek our passions. In my perspective, this
is one of the series wherein, for the first time, it discussed the subject of cosmetic surgery
a lot. In South Korea, such surgery is day-to-day. It is done against the relentless strain
that occurs in the physical image, not only to impress and please other people, but it is a
component that will assess your place in modern society as such. Furthermore, beauty
standards are often used to rate people and encapsulate one's self-esteem. South
Korea's intensive beauty standards are the product of various causes that have
collaborated to persuade women to reach for perfection in beauty, resulting in cosmetic
surgery. Cosmetic surgery is almost routine in a South Korean individual's life, but a
tremendous amount of respect is given to those who look 'naturally beautiful.' The
Gangnam Belt or the Beauty Belt is famous for its numerous privately-owned clinics for
reconstructive procedures and a hotbed for medical tourism.

Throughout the series, we will encounter the diverse views of physical appearance
and plastic surgery. Initially, you can perceive the feelings of inadequacy that the
protagonist demonstrates with her new face and a relentless quest for identification.
Some might assume this series has many people's superficial perspectives; however, as
the storyline unfolds, the characters continue to reveal their genuine flaws and strengths,
which could render you want to uncover with each segment of how well the story
concludes.

Overall, this Korean drama is worth watching as you would only not encounter
joyous, romantic, and hopeful moments, but the drama also talks about feminism,
equality, and society's beauty standards. Therefore, regardless of how pretty or horrible
a person is, people will talk about it. If you're cute, others will be envious of you, and they'll
mock you if they're ugly. There will always be something for people to comment and
gossip; it is inevitable. The best thing is to live the way you want and to learn to forget
what you don't want to hear.

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Beauty Isn't Skin Deep.

08/01/2023

It isn't too bad as a 16 episode series, but some points being made I felt were not organic and seemed forced rather than au natural plus the character of Mi-Rae was difficult to like. She is most of the time socially awkward except with females and has no confidence with or without plastic surgery.

What do I mean by not organic or au natural?

Parts like the "pretty faced" freshman girls being exploited by making them serve alcohol at the college festival in tiny bright red uniforms or the owner of the cafe hiring pretty or handsome faces only to fire those ones not so attractive resulting in a loss of income for them due to being unfairly discriminated against. Even wearing tee shirts with bold statements like: "Boys and Girls should be raised the same." or "Girls don't give up!".

I am aware some found Do Kyung Suk stiff and lifeless as a character and the actor playing his part was labelled *eye candy* with "no talent" in a few places, however, I reckon DKS had Aspergers or a very high IQ which is why he was that way as a person. So, Cha Eun Woo acted in his role perfectly.

I have two male relatives similar to DKS with IQs over 160. Both are not too bad looking, but are so frustratingly robotic with no common sense and especially the oldest one who can't even boil a kettle! However, he did mastermind some banking system back in the day plus achieved a heck of a lot more so I can't be too harsh.

So, I could relate to DKS because of them.

I didn't like Sua very much as she played people and was a schemer, also, she was cute not pretty.

It pays to be honest because eventually one's lies will catch up!

What I did like is that this series showed DKS liking Mi-Rae for the person she was not for her looks whether she was pretty, cute or ugly. In fact, on a few occasions it was brought up that he didn't like "pretty girls."

In my own lifetime I have probably come across two or three men married to not so good looking women - this could have been for the same reasons as DKS or their personalities, career choices or maybe they came from wealth or a good educational background. Who knows?! Most times this wouldn't be the case, but obviously it happens.

Not a fan of the music in this series at all!

Beauty isn't skin deep, but in a world like ours where perfect flawless faces are splashed all over magazine covers and stunning Hollywood stars or famous singers are seen on tv or in movies on a daily basis it is hard to compete against all that no matter how one looks at it.

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I haven’t see TV show that relates to plastic surgery, so I find it interesting. This was a light drama with romance and hilarious moments. The story was good, but some episodes are a little dull. The pacing was good, and the story have yet to drag. The ending is perfect. Some supporting characters has solid character development especially Na Hye Sung. The main actors and actresses are good at their roles.

It is my first time to see Im Soo Hyang, and I think she acts well. I look forward to watching her other TV shows/movies.

The OST and music are not bad.

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It’s okay ig

This was my first kdrama ever and what got me into so many other dramas. I remember seeing a scene on tiktok where it showed the ml being protective and thought, “wow he’s super handsome.” “I need to know what happens next.” Yk, your typical thoughts and stuff. I thought this drama was pretty good but then again, this was my first ever drama so I could be glazing it. Honestly, if your into mls who are quiet and protective and have liked the fls since they were both young, doesn’t care how the fl looks like (aka find her pretty before and after), and if you like a college setting then this drama is for you.

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Meh - One time watch

"My ID is a Gangnam Beauty" is a thought-provoking and relatable Korean drama that delves into society's obsession with beauty and the impact it has on an individual's self-esteem and identity. With its compelling characters, nuanced exploration of beauty standards, and messages of self-acceptance, this series strikes a chord with viewers.

The drama follows the story of Kang Mi-rae (Im Soo-hyang), a young woman who undergoes plastic surgery after facing relentless bullying due to her appearance. Starting college as a "Gangnam beauty," she faces a new set of challenges as she navigates relationships, friendship, and her own perception of beauty. Through her journey, the drama raises questions about societal pressures, the importance of inner beauty, and the significance of self-love.

Im Soo-hyang delivers a standout performance as Kang Mi-rae, capturing the internal struggles and insecurities of her character with authenticity. Her portrayal effectively conveys the emotional turmoil faced by individuals who grapple with societal expectations and personal perceptions of beauty. Cha Eun-woo impresses as the charismatic and kind-hearted Do Kyung-seok, whose own journey towards self-discovery adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, making their on-screen relationship engaging and heartwarming.

The drama addresses the concept of beauty in a multifaceted manner, exploring both the external and internal aspects. It delves into the damaging effects of beauty standards and the pressures to conform, while also emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one's individuality. The writing sensitively handles the complexities of self-esteem and body image, offering valuable lessons on self-worth and personal growth.

In addition to the central characters, "My ID is a Gangnam Beauty" features a diverse ensemble cast that contributes to the overall narrative. The friendships that develop between the characters, particularly Mi-rae's relationships with Woo Young (Kwak Dong-yeon) and Hyun Soo-a (Jo Woo-ri), add layers of depth and exploration of different perspectives on beauty and acceptance.

Visually, the drama is aesthetically pleasing, with its polished production values and stylish presentation. The vibrant and youthful cinematography, along with the fashionable wardrobe choices, adds to the overall appeal of the series. The attention to detail in capturing the university setting and the portrayal of college life further immerses the viewers into the story.

While "My ID is a Gangnam Beauty" is generally well-received, it does have a few minor shortcomings. The pacing could feel slow at times, and certain plot developments may seem predictable. Some characters could have been further developed to provide a more well-rounded exploration of their perspectives. However, these minor flaws do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, "My ID is a Gangnam Beauty" is a compelling Korean drama that explores the complexities of beauty, identity, and self-acceptance in a relatable and thought-provoking manner. With its strong performances, relevant themes, and engaging storyline, it offers a valuable reflection on societal pressures and the importance of embracing one's true self. If you're seeking a drama that combines romance, coming-of-age elements, and social commentary, "My ID is a Gangnam Beauty" is definitely worth a watch.

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Seriously I love this drama

I love this not because cha eunwoo is my fav actor actually the story'was soo good I won't say it's a moral story it is definitely not it would have been if she had not done surgery but it's okay because of that plot we got the main story I literally love her both mom and dad and about their love story it was kinda slow but as u know patience is appreciated so it does have a pretty ending I love the way kyung sok was protective about mi rae there are some incidents in the drama and it's quite heart fluttering 💞💓🌚and I would say the story of her beat friend and ta was kinda unsatisfying but overall it's a good drama cast are literally good ❣️❤️ you'll love them don't mind the girl I mean she'll learn over the end so have patience and the end is very good and sweet 😊☺️ don't skip or it'll be confusing

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For binge watching on a cozy day

This show was pretty great. I atleast was able to finish it, recently I start k-drama's and they are good in the beginning but in the middle and towards the end they drag, so I get bored and drop it, but not this one. I loved the development of all the characters except the senior guys. They could have had more character development for them. I also did not give it a 9 or 10 because it felt like the same stories that you usually see from k-dramas. If I came across this in my earlier k-drama watching journey then it would have probably been one of my top dramas but now I've seen better stories so my critique has to be a little more detailed.

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Surprisingly I enjoy the show

Honestly, this drama is already long enough in my list for watch..
But, I don't really interest about the bully stuff.. because it will be annoy me and make me upset to someone who's get bully that can't defence herself..
I think the reason I still have this drama in my list, because the male lead is really pretty.. He has the unique face that I can remember for a long time.. not really my type, but still he can make me melted with his smile..

The funny is.. I want to spend my quota internet (because it will be expired in 2 days and I still have a lot)
I search drama from netflix and found this Gangnam..so why don't try for the 1st episode?
Surprisingly I enjoy the drama and this drama make me want to go back in my past..
I like female character.. she try her best to adapt in her new situation.. and not easily intimidated with other people.. I know she think a lot what people say or thinking, but she try to ignore for her happy life..
Maybe that because she has a lovely parents and best friend who always be her side..

Actually I thought the antagonist will be very annoying and make every people do all what she want.. but the writers don't mess the story like that.. I love it.. because in this world no one people is very very very very bad.. or no one people is very good good good... thats not realistic at all..

And talk about Cha eun wo, the handsome male lead.. Some people will be say he is actor with a bad acting.. her face is really flat in this drama.. but so far I know.. in the webtoon, his character has a less expression and very has a flat face.. so I think cha eunwo did a good job.. I don't know about his other drama, but he's really cute in this drama.. I love it..

so if you still has a doubt for watching this drama, please go for it..watch it and you will enjoy the show ^^

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BEST DRAMA IN KDRAMA HISTORY

I AM NOT JUDGING THIS DRAMA BASED ON 2-3 DRAMAS I HAVE WATCHED .AFTER WATCHING ALMOST 200 DRAMAS I HAVE CAME TO THIS RESULT THAT THIS WAS THE BEST ONE SO FAR AND I HAVEN'T FOUND YET ANNOTHER DRAMA COMPARED TO THIS ONE.
A realistic story to which anyone can relate it shows the real situation in life and a couple who truly love each other regardless of who and what they are.😊 The slow love story of Kang Mi rae and Kyung Seok touched my heart.They were so good

A realistic story to which anyone can relate
it shows the real situation in life and a couple who truly love each other regardless of who and what they are.😊
The slow love story of Kang Mi rae and Kyung Seok touched my heart.They were so good .
Plot of this drama is breath of fresh air for me... extremely amazing. The way they give us message that inner beauty is most important than outer beauty... is beyond amazing. I liked that all the pairs did not show up together at the end..

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I'm just going to get straight to it. I think this is a really good drama. If I ever have a friend who wants to start to watch K-dramas I'd probably suggest this one first. Okay the story itself seems easy to follow, a girl who felt self-conscious got plastic surgery and is now dealing with life with a new face. No! There is so much more to it. I think you really have to empathize with Mi Rae as a character. Not loving how you look and people treating who differently purely based on your appearance is an awful feeling. Throughout the drama we can see where her feelings are rooted from, we can see that how society is so obsessed with beauty, we can also see how little appearances mean to the entirety of a person in this drama.

Cast-
Mi Rae- Im Soo Hyang, I don't really think I have the right to comment on this part because I have a huge bias. Im Soo Hyang is my favorite actress. I have watched everything she has been in. So I think that she did a splendid job acting as Mi Rae. Her expressions, her ambiance, her charisma everything was spot on! I don't think her age has anything to do with the role because she was able to act like a college student.

Do Kyung Suk- So I actually learned about Cha eun woo from this drama, I must say he is really handsome. His acting career just started and I think he has really good potential. I don't want to judge too harshly, I know his character is standoffish, I just think he didn't always portray the coldness in the right way or the right time. However, these things come with times and I am not a professional critic or anything. It's just my opinion. He is really good, but there is room for improvement.

Soo Ah- I'm so surprised I haven't seen Jo Woo Ri in many leading roles before. She is honestly a hidden gem. She couldn't have portrayed her character better. Huge props to her for that.

Woo Young- Kwak Dong Yeon did a good job with his role. I thought he was quite a funny character sometimes. His acting is consistent, I wish sometimes he'd show more emotion, but he had some memorable parts so overall good.

The rest of the cast was also really good. I like Kyung Suk's mother a lot, she was such a great actress. His sister and Dad were both good as well. The same goes with the actors and actresses in Mi Rae's family. Also, I love the actress playing Mi Rae's best friend, she was honestly one of my favorite people in the cast. I wish I got to see more romance with her and Woo Young.

Romance- I think I should definitely mention this. Please do not watch this hoping to see a lot of romance. There is a decent amount of it. It's just that it is a bit slow. I think this was good for the drama however, I don't think too much romance would have been good. This is definitely not a huge romantic drama, but it has some cute scenes in there

Changes- The only this I would change is giving Mi Rae a bit more time to shine. In the first episode when she was dancing, honestly she really did shine. She did get to show off her perfume skills here and there and social skills, etc... However, I really think they could have given her more time in the spotlight.

I would definitely rewatch this and I highly suggest others to give this drama a try.

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Anytime I find myself relating to the main character(s) of a drama on a personal, emotional, often private level, I know I'm going to end up loving a show, and this time was no exception. I was Very emotionally invested in Mi Rae's story, because I related to her Very deeply. I wanted to see her overcome her insecurities and give herself permission to live a fulfilling life, and it was so rewarding watching her open up and let others in.

What I probably enjoyed most about this drama is how subtly it dealt with it's subject matter. All throughout were these tiny moments and messages that compounded on top of each other. The story was never pushy or loud or obnoxious. It never tried to shout it's message from a rooftop. It didn't go for cliché or for 'Woman power'. It chose instead to weave a simple message into the everyday things characters said and did and felt about themselves. It created a message meant to be felt, not necessarily spoken out loud, which is where any true, genuine truth should be held and understood.

This drama is not without flaws though.

The entire finale was truthfully a letdown. While I liked a lot of how everything played out, it felt very rushed and out of order. Mi Rae and Kyung Seok get the happy ending together they deserve, but it felt a bit like the writers trying to create that 'perfect romantic ending' rather than just letting the characters be themselves. Soo Ah receives what I consider a fitting, and hopeful, redemption story that I wish could have started to unfold a little sooner as it would have helped the audience relate to her a lot better.. And I'm soooooo salty about how all of our side couples were sort of dropped by the writers at the end, because I wanted their happy endings, and we didn’t get them!!!

Ultimately, I was waiting for the drama to tie together all of the little, subtle messages it had been sending throughout the story, and that didn't happen. The focus on creating that 'perfect romantic ending' and trying to give Soo Ah an affective redemption arc took away from what was really the overall message of the drama. Beauty is subjective, and it's objectively in all of us.

(And for anyone wanting to know, yes. Cha Eun Woo is probably not the best actor, but I think his acting style worked fairly well for the character, and I didn't find it particularly distracting while watching.)

Despite my disappointment with the finale, this is still one of my favorite dramas that I've watched this year and definitely on my list of favorite dramas I've ever watched. It treats it’s characters and subject matter with thoughtful kindness, and that goes a long way in overcoming any other mistakes a drama might make. I highly recommend giving this drama a chance.

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