One thing is sure, Gangnam Beauty made me rethink my perspective on those opting for plastic surgery. I was of the opinion that people should learn to embrace their natural selves. But what to do when you get bullied and ridiculed for your looks? It’s easy to say, “Ignore and move on.” Let’s face it, we are a world obsessed with superficial beauty. We say beauty is skin deep, but our actions prove otherwise. There is indeed a pretty privilege. As a woman who was not considered conventionally beautiful as a youngster, I can empathize with the feelings of those who never got positive validation for their appearance. It’s a brutal world out there, and that’s what Gangnam Beauty tries to address. It nudges us to be more kind instead of judgmental.
Disclaimer: This post shouldn’t be treated as a review because I am far from qualified to give an objective and professional take on dramas. It should be treated as a subjective viewpoint of a cinephile who loves to watch movies and dramas purely for entertainment. I have only one criterion – I shouldn’t get bored. The drama will be judged on that factor alone.
What’s It About?
Gangnam Beauty starts with a young girl anxiously standing at the door of a surgery room, tightly grasping her mother’s hands, frightened yet hopeful of a brighter future. She wants acceptance, and her physical transformation could just prove to be the key. How Mi-rae’s story unfolds post-surgery once she enters college forms the crux of the story. Does life get simpler? Or will there be other unpleasant obstacles?
Thoughts
I liked how the story showed the “other side” of plastic surgery. We often mock and ridicule people who end up doing too many cosmetic surgeries. But Gangnam Beauty shifts your perspective by showing how “natural beauties” don’t always fare better.
The drama cleverly avoids revealing Mi-rae’s appearance before her surgery. This decision highlights the subjectivity of beauty. While Kyung-seok, the main character, and Mi-rae’s father considered her cute before the surgery, disclosing her former appearance would imply conforming to societal beauty standards.
Jo Woo-ri’s portrayal of Sua stood out as my favorite performance. Sua embodies natural beauty and a charming personality, effortlessly winning people over. Yet, beneath her exterior lies a complex character with hidden depths. Jo Woo-ri masterfully brings this multifaceted persona to life, a rarity to witness on-screen.
Though Gangnam Beauty has its imperfections, I would say it’s worth a watch, simply because it has a social message I feel everyone should be aware of.
Gangnam Beauty is available on Netflix. It has 16 episodes, with each episode lasting an hour.
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