This review may contain spoilers
Two Kinds of Love, One Lasting Heartache
The balance of comedy and romance in True Beauty is both charming and heartfelt. While it begins with the familiar makeover trope, the arrival of two ex-best friends falling for the same girl creates genuine suspense. What makes the love triangle unique is how we witness two distinct forms of love and care directed toward Ju-kyung: Su-ho’s steady, protective devotion and Seo-jun’s warm, selfless support.
Although the choice between them seems obvious from early on, Seo-jun’s unwavering love leaves a lasting impact. Viewers find themselves not only rooting for Ju-kyung and Su-ho’s romance but also yearning for Seo-jun’s happiness — a longing that carries over even into his appearances in other dramas. This makes the ending feel bittersweet: satisfying in its resolution, yet tinged with the ache of Seo-jun’s unfulfilled story.
What stands out most is the humanity of every character. There are no true villains — even Kang Su-jin, whose betrayal stems from insecurity, earns empathy by the end. Ultimately, True Beauty reminds us that love can take many forms, and sometimes the most touching stories are those that don’t end in “happily ever after” for everyone.
However, it is not the strongest rewatch drama, as the story is fairly predictable once you know the outcome. Its real strength lies not in surprise twists but in the feelings it stirs — the warmth, longing, and bittersweet ache that stay with you long after the credits roll.
Although the choice between them seems obvious from early on, Seo-jun’s unwavering love leaves a lasting impact. Viewers find themselves not only rooting for Ju-kyung and Su-ho’s romance but also yearning for Seo-jun’s happiness — a longing that carries over even into his appearances in other dramas. This makes the ending feel bittersweet: satisfying in its resolution, yet tinged with the ache of Seo-jun’s unfulfilled story.
What stands out most is the humanity of every character. There are no true villains — even Kang Su-jin, whose betrayal stems from insecurity, earns empathy by the end. Ultimately, True Beauty reminds us that love can take many forms, and sometimes the most touching stories are those that don’t end in “happily ever after” for everyone.
However, it is not the strongest rewatch drama, as the story is fairly predictable once you know the outcome. Its real strength lies not in surprise twists but in the feelings it stirs — the warmth, longing, and bittersweet ache that stay with you long after the credits roll.
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