My ID Is Gangnam Beauty (2018)

Not my cup of Eun Woo Tea

Facts are facts. I watched this or at least I TRIED. This has to be one of the dullest dramas I’ve ever sat through, mostly because the romance felt like empty. The female lead had zero personality acting-and-face-wise (like what's the definition of beauty here?), and the male lead look too good for this FL. By the time I realized the FL was never going to evolve past that one pained expression she constantly wore, I was too far invested to quit. And don’t even get me started about the beauty part. Honestly, I didn’t enjoy this drama at all and ended up skipping large chunks just to get it over with and just because Cha Eun Woo was the ML.

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this is my first review of a kdrama! i’m not sure anyone would read this at all, but oh well!

so.. i just finished watching it and it was absolutely amazing!! honestly, the drama got me hooked at the first episode. however at first, i watched it because of cha eunwoo but didn’t know it would get me intrigued this much.

to be real, i thought mirae’s character was sort of boring. omg sorry xkdisjd i’m a very energetic person overall, so i thought mirae was too mature and calm for my liking. but she was super kind.

at around 8 episodes into the drama, i started REALLY hating soo ah. i hated the fact that she was always around kyungseok and ughhhhh. and then she started to talk shit about mirae !! she also basically only cared about appearance which pissed me off the most.

i was also very impatient about when kyungseok and mirae would get together, lol. it was a long wait, but in the end, they’re so cute together!

i mainly love how the drama ended off with everything resolved (well idk about kyungseok’s parents but yeah LOL). and kyungseok and mirae’s kiss.. (pls give me a kyungseok.) i believe this drama gives a nice message. of how you shouldn’t judge someone from the outside, as well as a bit of self love. i know that’s like how EVERY message in almost all movies are like, but uhh yeah! i’m not going to go into too much details^^


edit: it’s been the next day since i’ve watched this drama and i literally can’t move on from it!

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This is not by any means a fast moving drama, but it is certainly thought provoking. It focuses on Mi Rae, Soo Ah, and Kyung Suk, all of which are the talk of the school because of their looks. You have Soo Ah who everybody is jealous of because she is naturally beautiful, but she is full of self doubt. Then, you have Mi Rae who was bullied for her ugly face so she got plastic surgery, but that still doesn't make her happy. Finally, Kyung Suk, who is the perfect pretty boy with a cool exterior and the appearance of a perfect family life.

This drama addresses the very real societal pressures directed toward beauty and how it influences our daily lives and thoughts. While the acting definitely isn't groundbreaking, the actors/actresses did a good job conveying the message and relationships throughout the drama. This drama also shows the uncertainties of growing up. Many think that once you reach of certain age, you have to have reached certain milestones. In reality, everyone is different. All in all, a good noncommittal drama about loving yourself for who you are and to just enjoy yourself instead of worrying what other people might think.

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must watch

why? its a charming rom com with a very likable cast, good story, good ost, both leads attractive and fun to watch (i finished it in two days)

Story: 10.0 - Kept me interested and actually caring what happens
To be honest i wasn't expecting much from the story, but i was wrong, the story moved in a very good pace, i can say i was never bored, i enjoyed every scene between the leads, it could be slow for some people but hey, if you're watching dramas, 16 episodes, 16 hrs, i dont think you care about the time invested. What i really liked is how it show kang mi rae dealt with bullying, sexual harassment, and detecting lies, fending off guys who are just in it for action, fending off guys who are just attracted to your looks and not liking you for you, you also get to witness her growth as the episodes goes on, people may think she is dimwitted and ditzy but she is actually very smart

Cast: 10/10 - Very likable
It was surprisingly enjoyable to watch, both leads are attractive, kang mi rae is gorgeous, most guys ideal gf type, pretty, cute, elegant, can dress hot and great personality, her personality so good you wished everyone on earth was like her, how nice would that be, do kyeung seok looks are just unfair, straight from japanese anime comic book look, but...contrary to what people say about his acting, i think he is pretty good, he is good to his sister, mom, people who he cares about and he does it in an affectionate way, he shows off different emotions, angry, happy, sad, crying, and cetera, i honestly think he did a good job on his part

woo young and kyung seoks interactions are just funny, i enjoyed watching them bickering at each other lol (and between him and his best friend that owns the bar)

soo a played her role great to the very end, i guess what the author wanted to show was looks is not the most important thing, inner beauty is, you may look hot on the outside but rotten on the inside and vice versa, beauty outside but rotten inside

do kyeung seok is like an heavenly being, how can you hate this woman, beautiful outside and inside

Music 10/10 - The melodies were perfect for this drama hence the high ratings, the best ive heard this year was from bloody romance, that ost was killer, but this one is no slouch either

Rewatch value 10.0 - I usually go back and watch the best parts (rain scene was pretty good) and a lot of the stuff they said in the drama got me literally laugh out loud in my room lol, surprisingly on my rewatches... i enjoyed watching it again

kang mi rae grows on you, you like her personality more and more as the drama goes on, she is a pure sweetheart, a good person to everyone, very considerate and honest, you enjoy watching her grow from episode 1 to 16, to be honest i felt the drama could go up to 20 episodes, when i was up to 15, i dreaded the idea i had one episode left, whats wrong with secretary kim gave me that feeling as well but this one was you wished their story keeps going (i believe the webtoon goes further than where the drama stopped), so i think if they did season 2 with same cast it would be an instant hit, i watched whats wrong with secretary kim and bloody romance before this, both excellent dramas and worth watching, this is definitely worth watching, it may be a little slow for some in some parts but i enjoyed the tempo that was set, the subtle hints, facial expressions, made this drama definitely worth watching, it is cute and charming and i am sincerely hoping for season 2

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An intense drama!

I didn't know what to expect when I started this drama, but it was a great surprise! The student environment is really realistic, there are a lot of subjects talked about like aesthetic surgery in a positive way and from the point of view of a young woman who had some of them (it's not encouraging surgery, it's explaining why some people feel the need to use it), school harassment, boys club, sexism, sexual harassment, physical complexes, money problems, etc.
Main and secondary characters are all interesting and endearing. Watch the heroine and the student atmosphere!

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My ID Is Gangnam Beauty is among the dramas that have stood out to me a lot,
notably since I'm a student and if it's South Korea or elsewhere, your attractiveness is
always a prominent concern. If you don't look outstanding in a way that other people look
at it like "Below-Average looking" and "Above-Average" you're likely to be watched by
people who either call you "Unattractive" or are just jealous of you. It is the most feminist
Korean drama I've seen; hands down to Gangnam Beauty, here's a thread of things.
Bullying, sexual assault, stalking, fat-shaming, women's objectification, and internal
misogyny are addressed. The show's primary focus is on beauty and self-worth.
An incredibly fantastic scene is when Kyungseok's mother, aka Ms. Na, tells him
that crying has nothing to do with gender. This drama is the first time I've seen the subject
of toxic masculinity touch on a Korean drama. Crying is okay, and say it more loudly. We
also see the mocking of a college girl with short hair that she's not woman enough. She
wants to confess to her crush, and her classmate advises her to alter her appearance.
She stands up bravely and cuts this idea off, and stays true to herself.

This K-drama does not give a negative light on the beauty industries. Protagonists
are also seen cheerfully using masks and make-up and dieting (healthy) to control weight.
It reflects on choice and self-love. What is normal and what is plastic is established as an
external entity. The emphasis is on the non-judgmental consideration of the decisions of
everyone else. If self-love is to be attained by therapeutic interventions, then it is deemed
as unquestionably acceptable.

It also encompasses us, along with Mi Rae, to uncover ourselves as ordinary
people, embrace ourselves, and continuously seek our passions. In my perspective, this
is one of the series wherein, for the first time, it discussed the subject of cosmetic surgery
a lot. In South Korea, such surgery is day-to-day. It is done against the relentless strain
that occurs in the physical image, not only to impress and please other people, but it is a
component that will assess your place in modern society as such. Furthermore, beauty
standards are often used to rate people and encapsulate one's self-esteem. South
Korea's intensive beauty standards are the product of various causes that have
collaborated to persuade women to reach for perfection in beauty, resulting in cosmetic
surgery. Cosmetic surgery is almost routine in a South Korean individual's life, but a
tremendous amount of respect is given to those who look 'naturally beautiful.' The
Gangnam Belt or the Beauty Belt is famous for its numerous privately-owned clinics for
reconstructive procedures and a hotbed for medical tourism.

Throughout the series, we will encounter the diverse views of physical appearance
and plastic surgery. Initially, you can perceive the feelings of inadequacy that the
protagonist demonstrates with her new face and a relentless quest for identification.
Some might assume this series has many people's superficial perspectives; however, as
the storyline unfolds, the characters continue to reveal their genuine flaws and strengths,
which could render you want to uncover with each segment of how well the story
concludes.

Overall, this Korean drama is worth watching as you would only not encounter
joyous, romantic, and hopeful moments, but the drama also talks about feminism,
equality, and society's beauty standards. Therefore, regardless of how pretty or horrible
a person is, people will talk about it. If you're cute, others will be envious of you, and they'll
mock you if they're ugly. There will always be something for people to comment and
gossip; it is inevitable. The best thing is to live the way you want and to learn to forget
what you don't want to hear.

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Beauty Isn't Skin Deep.

08/01/2023

It isn't too bad as a 16 episode series, but some points being made I felt were not organic and seemed forced rather than au natural plus the character of Mi-Rae was difficult to like. She is most of the time socially awkward except with females and has no confidence with or without plastic surgery.

What do I mean by not organic or au natural?

Parts like the "pretty faced" freshman girls being exploited by making them serve alcohol at the college festival in tiny bright red uniforms or the owner of the cafe hiring pretty or handsome faces only to fire those ones not so attractive resulting in a loss of income for them due to being unfairly discriminated against. Even wearing tee shirts with bold statements like: "Boys and Girls should be raised the same." or "Girls don't give up!".

I am aware some found Do Kyung Suk stiff and lifeless as a character and the actor playing his part was labelled *eye candy* with "no talent" in a few places, however, I reckon DKS had Aspergers or a very high IQ which is why he was that way as a person. So, Cha Eun Woo acted in his role perfectly.

I have two male relatives similar to DKS with IQs over 160. Both are not too bad looking, but are so frustratingly robotic with no common sense and especially the oldest one who can't even boil a kettle! However, he did mastermind some banking system back in the day plus achieved a heck of a lot more so I can't be too harsh.

So, I could relate to DKS because of them.

I didn't like Sua very much as she played people and was a schemer, also, she was cute not pretty.

It pays to be honest because eventually one's lies will catch up!

What I did like is that this series showed DKS liking Mi-Rae for the person she was not for her looks whether she was pretty, cute or ugly. In fact, on a few occasions it was brought up that he didn't like "pretty girls."

In my own lifetime I have probably come across two or three men married to not so good looking women - this could have been for the same reasons as DKS or their personalities, career choices or maybe they came from wealth or a good educational background. Who knows?! Most times this wouldn't be the case, but obviously it happens.

Not a fan of the music in this series at all!

Beauty isn't skin deep, but in a world like ours where perfect flawless faces are splashed all over magazine covers and stunning Hollywood stars or famous singers are seen on tv or in movies on a daily basis it is hard to compete against all that no matter how one looks at it.

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I haven’t see TV show that relates to plastic surgery, so I find it interesting. This was a light drama with romance and hilarious moments. The story was good, but some episodes are a little dull. The pacing was good, and the story have yet to drag. The ending is perfect. Some supporting characters has solid character development especially Na Hye Sung. The main actors and actresses are good at their roles.

It is my first time to see Im Soo Hyang, and I think she acts well. I look forward to watching her other TV shows/movies.

The OST and music are not bad.

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Meh - One time watch

"My ID is a Gangnam Beauty" is a thought-provoking and relatable Korean drama that delves into society's obsession with beauty and the impact it has on an individual's self-esteem and identity. With its compelling characters, nuanced exploration of beauty standards, and messages of self-acceptance, this series strikes a chord with viewers.

The drama follows the story of Kang Mi-rae (Im Soo-hyang), a young woman who undergoes plastic surgery after facing relentless bullying due to her appearance. Starting college as a "Gangnam beauty," she faces a new set of challenges as she navigates relationships, friendship, and her own perception of beauty. Through her journey, the drama raises questions about societal pressures, the importance of inner beauty, and the significance of self-love.

Im Soo-hyang delivers a standout performance as Kang Mi-rae, capturing the internal struggles and insecurities of her character with authenticity. Her portrayal effectively conveys the emotional turmoil faced by individuals who grapple with societal expectations and personal perceptions of beauty. Cha Eun-woo impresses as the charismatic and kind-hearted Do Kyung-seok, whose own journey towards self-discovery adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, making their on-screen relationship engaging and heartwarming.

The drama addresses the concept of beauty in a multifaceted manner, exploring both the external and internal aspects. It delves into the damaging effects of beauty standards and the pressures to conform, while also emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one's individuality. The writing sensitively handles the complexities of self-esteem and body image, offering valuable lessons on self-worth and personal growth.

In addition to the central characters, "My ID is a Gangnam Beauty" features a diverse ensemble cast that contributes to the overall narrative. The friendships that develop between the characters, particularly Mi-rae's relationships with Woo Young (Kwak Dong-yeon) and Hyun Soo-a (Jo Woo-ri), add layers of depth and exploration of different perspectives on beauty and acceptance.

Visually, the drama is aesthetically pleasing, with its polished production values and stylish presentation. The vibrant and youthful cinematography, along with the fashionable wardrobe choices, adds to the overall appeal of the series. The attention to detail in capturing the university setting and the portrayal of college life further immerses the viewers into the story.

While "My ID is a Gangnam Beauty" is generally well-received, it does have a few minor shortcomings. The pacing could feel slow at times, and certain plot developments may seem predictable. Some characters could have been further developed to provide a more well-rounded exploration of their perspectives. However, these minor flaws do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, "My ID is a Gangnam Beauty" is a compelling Korean drama that explores the complexities of beauty, identity, and self-acceptance in a relatable and thought-provoking manner. With its strong performances, relevant themes, and engaging storyline, it offers a valuable reflection on societal pressures and the importance of embracing one's true self. If you're seeking a drama that combines romance, coming-of-age elements, and social commentary, "My ID is a Gangnam Beauty" is definitely worth a watch.

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