Ajooma Reviews: True Beauty Ep 11 - 16

True Beauty 

Studio Dragon / TvN

Written by Lee Si-eun

Directed by Kim Sang Hyeop

True Beauty folded up last month. It has left us with good memories and lasting impressions. It had everything a Kdrama has to offer. A solid one true pairing (OTP); an unforgettable second male lead; an imperfect but admirable supporting cast and a sound track that is worth listening to over and over. I enjoyed it for what it is. I am forever grateful.

Our best boy, Seo Jun played by Hwang In-Youp, didn't get the girl but he has earned the admiration of thousands. He made it to my list of Second Lead Syndrome along with Lee Dong Wook (for Goblin) Woo Do Hwan, Choi Si-won, Kim Min Jae and Kim Jung Hyun. Kdramas have a way of allowing the second male lead to shine on their own and often, the actors portray their characters so well, they are elevated into the male lead status. What is interesting to note is the variety in which the leads are presented that even though they essay familiar romantic tropes and archetypes, they appear fresh and new (at least in my eyes, they are).

The same can be said with the arc of the OTP. The cold seemingly heartless male lead is smitten by the ugly duckling. We didn't know their connection from the past and their past lives, but the way it was revealed in the series make it exciting to follow. Another comfort food is the supporting cast. Imperfect as they are, they are admirable as they tried to rise above their own mistakes. And sometimes, an admission and an apology of one's mistake is all that matters.

True Beauty is campy and over the top. A romance and fantasy fodder for Kdrama fans all over. A light and fluffy entertainment we need to survive in these trying times.

Rating: 4 /5 Bowls of Ramyun

Ajooma Reviews: True Beauty Ep 1-10

True Beauty 

Studio Dragon / TvN

Written by Lee Si-eun

Directed by Kim Sang Hyeop

Right after the finale of Tale of the Nine Tailed, we decided to watch True Beauty for three reasons namely:

1. Moon Ga Young 

2. Cha Eun Woo

3. And GFRIENDS' revival of The Nolans I'm In The Mood for Dancing

And well, we are not disappointed at the turn of events and how the story has progressed thus far.

True Beauty touches on very serious issues like self worth, bullying, dysfunctional family structures, suicide and peer pressure but the campy and hilarity in the writing gives the entire drama a lift that is strangely uplifting and inspiring at the same time. Credit goes to the cast. Moon Ga Young is endearing and Im-Semi is the older sister everybody deserves. Cha Eun Woo is an adorable tsundere but it is Hwang In Yeop who is turning out to be a revelation. 

It is a tug of war in the romance department and in one episode, the love triangle turns into a quad angle with three good looking guys pining after Ju-Kyung. And yet, she stays on course not losing her north star. She knows who she likes and she isn't one to play around. Also, having found joy and security in make-up and glamour, she is pretty content having that as her security blanket. So, when she and Su Ho finally started dating, her self confidence wanes and Su Ho is the supportive and reassuring boyfriend. 

Sounds good? Caveat. If you are not comfortable with and adult sensibility permeating the romance and the drama among characters who are still in high school, well, might as well watch Lovestruck in the City instead.

We are excited to watch the next six episodes as we are eager to know the reason behind Se-yeon's death, cheer-on Im-Semi and her lover and find redemption or at least a just closure for the wayward parents in this drama. It's an entertaining drama nonetheless. Aren't we all hard pressed for entertainment these days?