The first show that got me into Korean Dramas

My sister recommended this show to me and although I was a little skeptical about Korean dramas because of their infamous, and also incorrect title of being a cringe-fest, the show was far from it.

The story is a beautiful attempt at capturing the unrealistic beauty standards that women have to live up to and the impact it has had on them from a very young age. Cha Eun-Woo and Im Soo-Hyang have done an incredible job at bringing this issue on-screen.

In the first episode, the female lead Mi Rae is shown to be rating other women based on their looks and although this may sound extremely problematic at first, it's just her way of coping with her insecurities over her own facial beauty. Having been bullied all throughout her teenage years, she finally decides to get plastic surgery not because she hated how she looked but because of the way she was treated for it. Through the surgery, she wanted to enter college without the fear of being bullied and disliked which honestly was so heartbreaking to watch.

Although the show has been critiqued for its extremely toxic male side characters, it's the brutal reality of how men treat women and criticize them for their lack of physical "beauty". If I could change anything about the show it would be the slow-burn romance and also the general slow-moving plot. The two leads who are obviously made for each other end up together after a LONG and frustrating process.

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Kang MI-Rae (played by Im Soo Hyang)
The female protagonist who suffered all her life due to her looks is an introvert who tends to keep to herself and finally before starting the new chapter that is her college, she succumbed to surgery to "fix" herself. Being great at chemistry, she's a natural at making perfumes however she struggles with an inferiority complex and fears what her new friends at college would think when they find out that the beauty that they praise her for isn't natural. Although she's soft-spoken she isn't hesitant when it comes to standing up for what's right.

Do Kyung-Seok (played by Cha Eun Woo)
Alright, another reason to watch this is Cha Eun Woo I mean need I say more? Do Kyung-Seok is the king of introverts and his Cheeky and straightforward behavior is just a front to hide his actual loneliness. Despite being socially awkward he feels comfortable around Mi Rae's company which is so cute if you're into the I hate everyone but you trope. Cha Eun Woo has been critiqued for his acting in the show however I think he carried the character with brilliance.

Yeon Woo-Young (played by Kwak Dong-Yeon)
Is a Kdrama even complete without the second lead's unrequited love? A selfless and relentless soul Woo-Young plays the loving senior in college who helps anyone in need and genuinely doesn't expect anything in return. Far from being pretentious, he is what every person would look for in their partner. His charming personality is to die for and no one better than Dong-yeon to play him.

Hyeon Soo-Ah (played by Jo Woo-Ri)
Jo Woo-Ri plays the typical pretentious antagonist. Soo-Ah considered the "prettiest of them all" in college, loves the attention she gets from men around her however her looks don't faze Kyung-Seok which annoys her and hence begins her journey of being the most hated antagonist on-screen. However, by the end of the show, it's understood why she has this weird complex of being liked by everyone. I've always felt if a person can make you hate them with all your heart on -creen it shows how big of an actor they are and Jo Woo-Ri showed her acting promise with her portrayal of Soo-Ah.

Overall the show is beautiful and is a Must watch especially for people struggling with their bodies and general appearance. The romance between the couple, although slow, is to die for and the side stories are extremely relatable as well. Although it will not have you hooked as I mentioned it's slow-paced, it's still worth your time.

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