Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

True Beauty is peak K-drama: pretty people, romantic tension, and a premise that sounds empowering but is actually kind of a mess. A girl gets brutally bullied for being 'ugly,' learns makeup from YouTube, becomes gorgeous, and suddenly life is great—friends! Boys! Popularity! The show tries to say 'inner beauty matters,' but that message lands like a face-plant when literally everything improves only after the makeover.

It's not terrible—the romance is sweet, the makeup stuff is kind of fun, and it could spark good conversations about appearance pressure and social media beauty standards. But you'll need to actively discuss the mixed messages, because left unexamined, this show basically says 'you need to be hot to be happy.'

For teens who already have a critical lens on beauty culture, it's fine melodramatic entertainment. For younger or more impressionable kids, it might do more harm than good. The IMDb rating of 7.9 suggests people enjoy it, but enjoyment doesn't mean it's sending great messages.

Age Fit

Best for teens 14+ who can critically engage with beauty culture and won't take the transformation-equals-happiness premise at face value. Younger tweens might internalize problematic messages about appearance and self-worth.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

52

The show centers on a girl who is bullied for her looks and transforms herself through makeup, which sends a mixed message about self-worth tied to appearance. While it eventually explores 'inner beauty,' the premise reinforces that external transformation is necessary for social acceptance. The romantic elements are generally sweet, but the foundation is troubling—beauty standards and appearance-based discrimination drive the entire plot.

Imaginative

38

This is a fairly standard K-drama romance formula: ugly-duckling transformation, love triangle, high school drama. The makeup tutorial angle adds a contemporary touch, but the show doesn't break new ground or invite creative thinking. It's watchable melodrama, not particularly original or thought-provoking.

Safe

68

No graphic content, violence, or mature sexual situations. The main safety concern is the bullying storyline and the potentially harmful message about appearance-based self-worth. Common Sense Media notes bullying and sexist stereotypes as concerns. For teens who can critically engage with these themes, it's relatively safe, but younger viewers might internalize problematic beauty standards.

Enriching

45

The show attempts to deliver a 'true beauty comes from within' message, but it's undercut by the fact that the protagonist only gains confidence, friends, and romance after her physical transformation. There's potential for discussions about bullying, appearance pressure, and social media, but the execution is more melodramatic entertainment than meaningful exploration. The makeup artistry angle could inspire creativity, but overall it's cotton-candy viewing.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Sparks conversations about bullying, appearance pressure, and social media beauty culture
The makeup artistry angle might inspire creative expression and skill-building
Sweet romantic storylines typical of K-dramas (if your teen is into that)
Could be a gateway to discussing how we value people—and ourselves

⚠

What to Watch For

The entire premise reinforces that physical transformation = social acceptance, which is... not great
Bullying scenes could be triggering for kids who've experienced appearance-based harassment
The 'inner beauty matters' message gets muddled when everything good happens after she gets hot
Typical K-drama melodrama—lots of misunderstandings, love triangles, and emotional intensity

Conversation Starters

"Do you think she would have made friends if she hadn't learned makeup? What does that say about her school?"
"Have you ever felt pressure to look a certain way? Where does that pressure come from?"
"The show says 'true beauty is on the inside,' but does it actually show that? What would be different if it really meant it?"
"What do you think about makeup as self-expression versus makeup to fit in?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic