She Was Pretty
She Was Pretty is a charming and emotional Korean romantic comedy that explores themes of love, self-worth, and personal transformation. The story centers around Kim Hye Jin (played by Hwang Jung Eum), a once-beautiful girl who grew up to face hardships and lost her youthful beauty. On the other hand, her childhood friend Ji Sung Joon (played by Park Seo Joon) blossoms into a successful and incredibly handsome editor. After years apart, they reunite—only Sung Joon doesn’t recognize the now-different Hye Jin. Afraid to ruin his perfect memories, Hye Jin enlists her stunning best friend Min Ha Ri (played by Go Joon Hee) to impersonate her. As fate would have it, Hye Jin ends up working at Sung Joon’s fashion magazine, The Most, where he treats her coldly, unaware of her true identity. Meanwhile, the hilarious and lovable Kim Shin Hyuk (played by Choi Si Won), a senior editor, starts to notice Hye Jin’s inner beauty and warm heart. The love triangle intensifies as Sung Joon gradually begins to sense something familiar about the real Hye Jin. Through heart-fluttering moments, awkward encounters, and touching revelations, She Was Pretty masterfully portrays how true beauty shines from within. It’s a journey of rediscovering first love, embracing imperfections, and finding the confidence to stand proud in one’s own skin. With standout performances from Hwang Jung Eum, Park Seo Joon, Go Joon Hee, and Choi Si Won, She Was Pretty is a feel-good, binge-worthy K-drama packed with humor, romance, and unforgettable emotional moments. If you're looking for a story about second chances, office romance, and personal growth, this series is a must-watch!
Details
🙂 Native Title: 그녀는 예뻤다
🌎 Also Known As: Geunyeoneun Yeppeodda, She Was Beautiful
🎭 Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Childhood Friends, Mistaken Identity, Office Romance, Makeover, Love Triangle
✍ Screenwriters: Jo Sung Hee
🎬 Directors: Jung Dae Yoon
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: September 16, 2015 – November 11, 2015
📅 Airing Days: Wednesdays & Thursdays
📺 Original Network: MBC
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 5 min. per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Kim Hye Jin and Ji Sung Joon’s first office encounter is packed with irony and tension, setting the tone for their evolving relationship.
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The iconic umbrella scene where Sung Joon finally recognizes the real Hye Jin and shelters her from the rain is pure romance magic.
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Kim Shin Hyuk’s playful confession to Hye Jin brings humor and bittersweet emotion to the love triangle.
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Min Ha Ri’s emotional breakdown, realizing her feelings were never meant to blossom, adds heartfelt depth to the story.
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The final confession scene at the crosswalk when Sung Joon and Hye Jin reunite, making it one of the drama’s most satisfying moments.
Filming Locations
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Yongsan-gu, Seoul, served as the backdrop for many of the magazine office scenes at The Most headquarters.
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Seokchon Lake Park appears during romantic and reflective moments between the main characters.
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Mecenatpolis Mall in Hapjeong was used for various office and shopping scenes.
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Some Sevit (Floating Islands) in Seoul offered stunning night scenery, especially during key romantic encounters.
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Cheonggyecheon Stream was featured during outdoor walking scenes, highlighting Seoul’s vibrant urban beauty.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Kim Hye Jin’s transformation, from messy hair and freckles to stylish editor, perfectly symbolizes her internal and external growth.
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Ji Sung Joon’s sharp tailored suits reflect his high standards, perfectionism, and cold exterior.
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Min Ha Ri’s trendy, chic outfits highlight her confident and glamorous personality throughout the drama.
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Bright and vibrant color palettes in the office scenes contrast with more muted, cozy tones in personal moments.
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Attention to detail in props and set designs—such as editorial layouts and magazine covers—create a realistic fashion magazine atmosphere.
Themes and Messages
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True beauty lies within is the central theme, showing that confidence and kindness outshine superficial appearances.
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Friendship and forgiveness are explored through Hye Jin and Ha Ri’s evolving relationship and emotional honesty.
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First love nostalgia weaves through the story, making the characters’ reunions even more emotionally charged.
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Self-acceptance and personal growth are crucial messages, especially through Hye Jin’s inspiring character arc.
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Love that recognizes the real you, beyond outer appearances, is beautifully portrayed in the romance between Hye Jin and Sung Joon.
Interesting Facts
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“She Was Pretty” was a massive hit in South Korea and internationally, boosting the popularity of Park Seo Joon and Hwang Jung Eum.
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Choi Si Won filmed this drama just before enlisting for his mandatory military service.
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Many real fashion editors praised the drama for realistically portraying the stress and excitement of working at a top magazine.
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Park Seo Joon and Hwang Jung Eum previously starred together in Kill Me, Heal Me, creating excitement for their reunion.
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The series inspired multiple remakes, including popular versions in China and Japan.
Awards
🏆 MBC Drama Awards (2015)
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Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries – Hwang Jung-eum
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Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries – Park Seo-joon
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Best Supporting Actress – Hwang Suk-jung
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Top 10 Stars Award – Hwang Jung-eum, Park Seo-joon
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Popularity Award, Actor – Park Seo-joon
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Popularity Award, Actress – Hwang Jung-eum
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Best Couple Award – Park Seo-joon & Hwang Jung-eum
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Writer of the Year – Jo Sung-hee
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Best Child Actor – Yang Han-yeol
🏆 APAN Star Awards (2015)
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Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries – Park Seo-joon (Nominated)
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Best Supporting Actress – Hwang Suk-jung (Nominated)
🏆 Baeksang Arts Awards (2016)
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Best Drama – “She Was Pretty” (Nominated)
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Best Director (TV) – Jung Dae-yoon (Nominated)
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Best Actress (TV) – Hwang Jung-eum (Nominated)
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Most Popular Actor (TV) – Park Seo-joon (Nominated)
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Most Popular Actress (TV) – Hwang Jung-eum (Nominated)
🏆 Korea Broadcasting Awards (2016)
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Best Drama – “She Was Pretty”
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Best Actress – Hwang Jung-eum
Real-Life Loves on Set
There are no confirmed reports or official statements indicating that any real-life romance developed among the main cast members of She Was Pretty.
Despite the incredible on-screen chemistry between Park Seo Joon (Ji Sung Joon) and Hwang Jung Eum (Kim Hye Jin), they have always emphasized their close friendship and professional relationship during interviews. Both actors worked together previously in Kill Me, Heal Me (2015), which contributed to their natural rapport in She Was Pretty.
Fans speculated about a possible real-life relationship due to their convincing performances and affectionate behind-the-scenes interactions. However, no real-life dating rumors were confirmed, and both actors continued with their respective careers after the drama ended.
In short, while She Was Pretty gave viewers a beautiful and heartfelt love story on screen, no real-life romance blossomed among the lead actors off-screen.
Trailer
Music / OST
Gallery
