The Beauty Inside (2018)

"Did I become a butterfly in my dream or did I become me in a butterfly's dream."

For a moment, I thought it's going to be one of those cheesy and sensational plotlines with the usual stuck-up chaebol, the very reason that has dissuaded me from watching this till now.

But Beauty Inside deserves much better than that. Beneath all of the Hallyu star and rich chaebol glamour, the drama explores the dark side of media and social perceptions in a nouveau and refreshing context. It proves that inner beauty MATTERS as we witness the female protagonist battling her identity crisis in a society full of piranhas that are constantly preying on her, all while scandalously saving the day by protecting those in need.

The pairing is irrefutably perfect, like that of My Love from the Star or What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. It is cynical at first but, because of that, it has the opportunity to become extremely sweet and charming. For once, a rom-com is able to survive and flourish without a love-triangle to pull the tension.

After having seen the slice-of-life Because This is My First Life, I'm shocked by Lee Min Ki's transformation, to say the least. He was able to shed his quirky guy-next-door vibe and become such a slick executive. On the other hand, the chic Seo Hyun Jin that we have come to know from Dr. Romantic and Another Miss Oh has made me fall even deeper in love with her gorgeous fashion and even sassier attitude. And when you start questioning how to survive all of this, you'll be hit with the stunning and wholesome second couple, Lee Da Hee and Ahn Jae Hyun no less.

The OSTs are to die for with K.Will's explosive vocal, Davichi's wistful melody and a slight momentous twist featuring up-and-coming artists like Rothy, Vincent and 2morro.

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I loved all the aspects of this drama from the actors, to the script, fashion all the way to the OST! I must say that this drama was polished very well that you'd be engaged into every episode not just because of the plot/storyline but because you look forward to the chemistry of the cast and what they wear in each episode.

This is the best drama i have watched by far this 2018. I highly recommend for you guys to watch this drama, but i also warn you that this is not for everyone as this tackles more of a mature love. Like finding and getting to meet your other half that could complete and compliment all your flaws. that is also the reason why i rated it only a 9.5 despite being the best for me.

Talking about the plot, i love how this drama started as cute, and just completely corny cheesy, and funny but it starts to get serious and picks up itself in the middle of the series without completely letting go of that romantic comedy drama vibe. I am just amazed as to how the writers were able to make this drama come up as something sweet and heartwarming and not overly comedic unlike some dramas that came out this year. The plot and the main topic of this drama was just so beautiful. Portraying love beyond the sweet and romantic kind of love we know but it is rather loving someone for themselves and their personalities and traits. Finding that love, like one has been searching for his/her other half and finally feeling complete and alive after meeting that person.

As for the acting & cast.. i can only say wow! I love how they casted actors that are around the same age. I think this is the reason why they were able to create the fun, easy, and friendly environment around the set and also it allowed greater chemistry among them. Lee Da Hee looks so pretty here! She perfectly matches the role of Do Jae's sister and clearly she slays the rich heir to the company role with her pretty face and slightly cold looks. I have to also say, I love the Seo Hyun Jin & Lee Min Ki pairing, their kissing scenes are the best! This couple can make even the sweetest subtle scenes look so heart thumping and give you all the feels! Another bonus is that they are cute and sweet on and off set! The way Lee Min Ki looks at Seo Hyun Jin even off cam is just so sweet that i am secretly hoping they are actually a couple. ^^

Overall, I have to give props to JTBC and the whole cast and crew of The Beauty Inside for making such a great drama. I hope other dramas would step up their game and produce wonderful results such as this one as well!! and I will definitely look forward to more Seo Hyun Jin & Lee Min Ki collaborating in the future!!

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