Korean Dramas about Beauty Standards in Korea and Its Perfectionist Side

BIRTH OF A BEAUTY (2014) This drama stars Han Ye Seul and Joo Sang Wook, telling the story of Sa Geum Ran, a woman who is considered unattractive by her own husband. After experiencing a great betrayal, she undergoes a total transformation into a beautiful woman named Sa Ra. This drama illustrates how appearance often determines social treatment towards women.

SHADOW BEAUTY (2021) This drama features Shim Dal Gi and Choi Bo Min, telling the story of Koo Ae Jin, a student who is a victim of bullying because of her appearance. However, on social media, she is famous as a beautiful influencer named Genie. With heavy makeup and extreme photo edits, Ae Jin manages to gain hundreds of thousands of online followers. Her double life begins to be threatened when someone at school discovers her secret.

MASK GIRL (2023) This drama stars Go Hyun Jung and Nana, telling the story of Kim Mo Mi, an office worker who feels insecure about her face. She leads a double life as a masked online streamer. As Mask Girl, Mo Mi gains significant attention on the internet. However, her secret life gradually turns into a series of dangerous problems.

MISS KOREA (2013) This drama stars Lee Yeon Hee and Lee Sun Kyun, telling the story of a department store elevator operator named Oh Ji Young. Amid the 1997 economic crisis, she is chosen to participate in the Miss Korea competition to save the cosmetics company. This drama shows how the beauty industry affects women's lives in Korea.

QUEEN OF THE RING (2017) This drama stars Kim Seul Gi and Ahn Hyo Seop, telling the story of Mo Nan Hee, a girl who feels she is unattractive. She then discovers a magic ring that makes people see her as a beautiful woman. Park Se Gun, who is known to only like beautiful women, starts to take an interest in Nan Hee after the effects of the ring appear. This drama illustrates how society often judges someone solely based on their outward appearance.

BEAUTIFUL GONG SHIM (2016) This drama stars Minah and Namgoong Min, telling the story of Gong Shim, a younger sister who is always compared to her more beautiful and successful older sister. She grows up with feelings of inferiority because she feels she falls short in everything. This drama shows how beauty standards can affect family relationships and how a person views themselves.

OH MY VENUS (2015) This drama stars Shin Min Ah and So Ji Sub, telling the story of Kang Joo Eun, a lawyer who was once known for her beauty but has lost her ideal body shape. After being dumped by her boyfriend, she meets a personal trainer named Kim Young Ho. Kim Young Ho helps Joo Eun lead a healthy life while restoring her self-confidence. This drama shows how women often face pressure to maintain an ideal body.

MY ID IS GANGNAM BEAUTY (2018) This drama stars Im Soo Hyang and Cha Eun Woo, telling the story of Kang Mi Rae, a college student who decides to undergo plastic surgery after being bullied for her appearance. She hopes to start a new life when she enters university. Even though her face has changed, Mi Rae still receives negative comments and is nicknamed Gangnam Beauty. This nickname is used to mock people who are considered too reliant on plastic surgery.

TRUE BEAUTY (2020) This drama stars Moon Ga Young and Cha Eun Woo, telling the story of Lim Ju Gyeong, a student who becomes popular after mastering makeup from YouTube. She transforms into a beautiful student admired by many, but secretly fears showing her true face without makeup. Come on, read articles about other Korean drama recommendations on Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when, KapanLagi?