good
My ID is Gangnam Beauty is a 2018 South Korean drama adapted from the popular webtoon of the same name. It follows the story of Kang Mi-rae, a young woman who, after years of being bullied for her looks, decides to undergo plastic surgery before starting university. She hopes that her new appearance will give her the confidence to live a normal, happy life. However, Mi-rae quickly discovers that beauty alone cannot shield her from judgment, gossip, and the complicated realities of human relationships.
One of the most compelling aspects of the drama is how it addresses South Korea’s intense beauty standards. The term “Gangnam Beauty” is used pejoratively to describe someone whose beauty appears “artificial” due to cosmetic surgery. The show doesn’t shy away from portraying how society can be both obsessed with and critical of physical appearance, leaving women caught in a no-win situation. Through Mi-rae’s struggles, we see that external changes cannot automatically fix deep-rooted insecurities.
Im Soo-hyang, who plays Kang Mi-rae, delivers a nuanced performance. She captures the vulnerability of someone who has been emotionally scarred by years of ridicule, while also showing the slow growth of confidence as Mi-rae learns to value herself for more than her looks. Cha Eun-woo, portraying Do Kyung-seok, is equally engaging. His character is a stoic, handsome classmate who sees beyond appearances and treats Mi-rae with quiet sincerity. Their developing romance feels genuine and sweet, providing a warm contrast to the drama’s heavier themes.
Supporting characters also shine. Jo Woo-ri’s portrayal of Hyun Soo-ah, the seemingly perfect yet manipulative rival, is particularly noteworthy. She adds complexity to the story, showing how envy and insecurity can lurk behind a flawless façade. The friendships and rivalries among the students feel realistic, mixing lighthearted campus moments with biting social commentary.
The pacing is generally smooth, with the drama balancing romance, slice-of-life, and social critique. Some episodes lean more heavily into melodrama, but they remain grounded in relatable emotions. The script often uses humor to diffuse tension, making it easy to binge while still provoking thought. The soundtrack complements the atmosphere well, with soft ballads and upbeat tracks underscoring key emotional beats.
Perhaps the drama’s greatest strength is its underlying message: self-worth should come from within, not from meeting society’s superficial standards. Mi-rae’s journey is less about finding love and more about accepting herself, flaws and all. The show challenges viewers to reflect on how they perceive beauty, both in themselves and others.
On the downside, some viewers might find the resolution for certain characters a bit rushed, and the antagonists could have benefited from deeper backstory. Nevertheless, these are minor flaws in an otherwise engaging and meaningful series.
In conclusion, My ID is Gangnam Beauty is more than just a campus romance. It’s a thoughtful exploration of appearance, identity, and acceptance, wrapped in a charming and heartfelt narrative. For anyone interested in K-dramas that mix sweetness with social relevance, this one is well worth watching.
One of the most compelling aspects of the drama is how it addresses South Korea’s intense beauty standards. The term “Gangnam Beauty” is used pejoratively to describe someone whose beauty appears “artificial” due to cosmetic surgery. The show doesn’t shy away from portraying how society can be both obsessed with and critical of physical appearance, leaving women caught in a no-win situation. Through Mi-rae’s struggles, we see that external changes cannot automatically fix deep-rooted insecurities.
Im Soo-hyang, who plays Kang Mi-rae, delivers a nuanced performance. She captures the vulnerability of someone who has been emotionally scarred by years of ridicule, while also showing the slow growth of confidence as Mi-rae learns to value herself for more than her looks. Cha Eun-woo, portraying Do Kyung-seok, is equally engaging. His character is a stoic, handsome classmate who sees beyond appearances and treats Mi-rae with quiet sincerity. Their developing romance feels genuine and sweet, providing a warm contrast to the drama’s heavier themes.
Supporting characters also shine. Jo Woo-ri’s portrayal of Hyun Soo-ah, the seemingly perfect yet manipulative rival, is particularly noteworthy. She adds complexity to the story, showing how envy and insecurity can lurk behind a flawless façade. The friendships and rivalries among the students feel realistic, mixing lighthearted campus moments with biting social commentary.
The pacing is generally smooth, with the drama balancing romance, slice-of-life, and social critique. Some episodes lean more heavily into melodrama, but they remain grounded in relatable emotions. The script often uses humor to diffuse tension, making it easy to binge while still provoking thought. The soundtrack complements the atmosphere well, with soft ballads and upbeat tracks underscoring key emotional beats.
Perhaps the drama’s greatest strength is its underlying message: self-worth should come from within, not from meeting society’s superficial standards. Mi-rae’s journey is less about finding love and more about accepting herself, flaws and all. The show challenges viewers to reflect on how they perceive beauty, both in themselves and others.
On the downside, some viewers might find the resolution for certain characters a bit rushed, and the antagonists could have benefited from deeper backstory. Nevertheless, these are minor flaws in an otherwise engaging and meaningful series.
In conclusion, My ID is Gangnam Beauty is more than just a campus romance. It’s a thoughtful exploration of appearance, identity, and acceptance, wrapped in a charming and heartfelt narrative. For anyone interested in K-dramas that mix sweetness with social relevance, this one is well worth watching.
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