True Beauty [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 13]

True Beauty: A Rollercoaster of Love, Makeup, and Self-Discovery

When True Beauty first dropped, it was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Based on the wildly popular webtoon by Yaongyi, this romantic comedy anime follows Jugyeong Lim, a high school girl who masters the art of makeup to reinvent herself after enduring relentless bullying for her natural appearance. The series, which aired from 2020 to 2021, quickly became a talking point—not just for its relatable themes of self-acceptance and societal beauty standards, but also for its addictive love triangle and humor.

The Premise: More Than Just a Pretty Face

Jugyeong’s transformation from an insecure girl to a confident makeup guru is the heart of True Beauty. The first episode sets the tone with her struggles—being mocked for her looks, finding solace in makeup tutorials, and eventually becoming the school’s “goddess.” But as fans quickly pointed out, the show isn’t just about surface-level beauty. It dives into Jugyeong’s internal battles: the fear of being exposed, the pressure to maintain her facade, and the journey toward loving herself.

One Reddit user summed it up perfectly: “Jugyeong’s story hits hard because it’s not just about makeup—it’s about the masks we all wear to fit in.”

The Love Triangle: Team Suho or Team Seojun?

Ah, the eternal debate. True Beauty thrives on its love triangle between Jugyeong, the brooding Suho, and the charming Seojun. Episode 13, the season finale, had fans in a frenzy. Suho’s quiet intensity versus Seojun’s playful confidence sparked endless discussions.

• Team Suho fans praised his emotional depth, especially in scenes where he silently supports Jugyeong. “Suho’s the kind of guy who says little but does everything,” wrote one MyAnimeList user.
• Team Seojun supporters, however, loved his charisma and growth. “Seojun started off as the typical ‘bad boy,’ but his vulnerability with Jugyeong won me over,” another fan commented.

The finale’s cliffhanger—where Jugyeong must choose between them—left viewers begging for a second season. “How dare they end it like this?! I need closure!” screamed a Twitter thread.

The Humor and Heart

While the romance drives the plot, True Beauty’s humor is its secret weapon. Jugyeong’s over-the-top reactions, her best friend’s antics, and the absurdity of high school drama had fans laughing out loud. “The scene where Jugyeong tries to wash her face but panics because her makeup’s coming off? Iconic,” tweeted a fan.

But beneath the laughs, the show tackles serious issues: bullying, self-worth, and the pressure to conform. One poignant moment in Episode 7, where Jugyeong breaks down after being called “ugly” without makeup, resonated deeply. “That scene wrecked me. It’s so real,” shared a viewer on Reddit.

The Verdict: Flawed but Addictive

Not everyone was sold, though. Some critics called the plot predictable, comparing it to typical K-drama tropes. “It’s fun, but don’t expect groundbreaking storytelling,” admitted a reviewer. Others felt Jugyeong’s reliance on makeup undermined the message of self-love. “I wish she embraced her natural beauty sooner,” noted a Douban user.

Yet, the majority of fans adored it for what it was—a feel-good, binge-worthy ride. “Sure, it’s cheesy, but that’s why I love it,” confessed a YouTube commenter.

Final Thoughts

True Beauty isn’t perfect, but its charm lies in its relatability. Whether you’re here for the romance, the humor, or Jugyeong’s glow-up, there’s something for everyone. And with fans still debating Suho vs. Seojun and clamoring for Season 2, it’s clear this anime left a lasting impression.

As one fan perfectly put it: “True Beauty made me laugh, cry, and fall in love—what more could you ask for?”

Rating: 8.5/10 – A must-watch for rom-com lovers, but don’t take it too seriously. Just enjoy the ride!

(Word count: 850)

Want more anime reviews? Drop your suggestions below!