Watashi wa Seikei Bijin

Before I started this, I didn’t really want to compare it to My ID Is Gangnam Beauty.. But once I started watching, I found it impossible not to.. This adaptation just can’t hold a candle to the Korean version, which was far superior in both story and acting.. Honda Kyoya really carried the show.. His performance stood out the most for me.. This was the first drama of Ishii Anna I have watched and I found her performance a bit weak.. But I feel that had more to do with the script and her character than with her acting..

I don’t want to get into the whole plastic surgery topic or how people are judged based on looks.. We all know how shallow society can be.. Sadly this drama reflects reality more than fiction and it’s worth remembering that even conventionally good looking people face bullying too.. Personally I don’t think the surgery itself changed her life for the better.. What it really did was make her feel ‘Ah, I too can have friends and a social life..’ Even though she was beautiful, she still felt unworthy of the person she loved.. What truly changed her life was learning to accept herself and becoming confident about what she wants and who she wants to be.. She only seemed genuinely happy in the last few episodes..

I liked the ML’s characterization and how he stayed true to himself.. I was impressed by how he constantly stood up to everyone's sexist remarks.. The short runtime of under 5 hours was a blessing in disguise, there were no filler episodes.. I also wouldn’t say the drama felt rushed, they said what they wanted to say even if it wasn’t done to perfection..

Overall, it’s an okayish drama with many flaws.. But since it’s a quick watch you don’t mind them too much.. I think how people perceive this drama or even the other adaptations depends a lot on their perspective towards life.. So don’t worry about the ratings.. Watch it if you find the premise interesting..

P.S. I would have loved to see more of their dating era but it seems most writers don't really know how to write a proper happily ever after..

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Beauty is skin deep but self worth is deeper!

8.3/10
The drama tries to dive deep into the struggle between outward appearances and the pursuit of inner beauty. It tackles the topic of self-esteem, societal pressures and the growing acceptance of plastic surgery, offering a thoughtful take on how personal choices and transformations can coexist with self-love.

One of the strengths of the drama is its avoidance of black-and-white judgments. It doesn't demonize plastic surgery or suggest that it is a quick fix for happiness. Instead, it tries to paint a more balanced picture, showing that personal beauty is a complex and evolving journey. There is also a strong message about inner beauty, with characters learning to appreciate kindness, intelligence, and vulnerability over mere aesthetics.
It does well dealing with the stigma surrounding cosmetic surgery, presenting it not as a superficial act but as an expression of an individual's right to feel comfortable in their own skin. It reminds us that we are multifaceted beings and our worth is not solely determined by how we look.

The protagonist, Katagiri Mirei, is a woman who has always been self-conscious about her physical appearance from childhood. Struggling with societal standards of beauty, she decides to undergo plastic surgery, hoping to reshape not just her face but her sense of self-worth. Her journey highlighted the emotional complexities that come with making such a decision.
Initially, she judged everyone through the same lens, quick to form opinions on surface-level impressions. However, as the show progressed her perspective gradually shifted and she began to understand that it's just not physical appearance or traits that define a person, but rather their confidence, sense of self and how they treat others around.

Sakaguchi Kei was one of those laid-back, unbothered ML with a soft heart though burdened by his own past traumas. Despite his aloof exterior, he serves as a wake-up call to the FL, helping her understand a deeper or authentic sense of beauty, I liked his character for its complexity and sincerity, even though he was cold but still stood up when needed.

The romance between them was sweet with little to no unnecessary drama with an easy flow making it feel grounded. It has that Japanese touch of chaos-ness, but it somehow is adorable here rather than cringe.

Enomoto Honami as antagonist was straight-up unbearable. She needed help but she chose to figure it all out on her own, leaving a trail of wrecked relationships in her wake. It’s clear she had demons, but that doesn’t make her behavior okay and give her pass to treat people like trash. Only at the end did it start to make sense, but still it wasn't execuable. The actress did a great job because I couldn't feel any sympathy for her character.

Overall, for a 10-episode drama, it was a good and light watch, raising a few thought-provoking questions to reflect on the perspective of beauty and acceptance without judgment. 
I would definitely recommend it.

Note: I haven't seen the Korean version or any related content. Plus I watched this while watching an emotionally heavy drama Light shop, hence enjoyed it more.

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