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She Was Pretty (2015) K-Drama posterSW

South Korea · Drama · 2015

She Was Pretty

그녀는 예뻤다 Also known as Geunyeoneun Yeppeodda, She Was Beautiful

MBC · 16 episodes · 1 min · Wednesdays & Thursdays · 15+ – Teens 15 or older Completed

Comedy Drama Romance
16 Sep 2015
Premiere
11 Nov 2015
Finale
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Synopsis

Kim Hye-jin and Ji Sung-joon were childhood friends with the fortunes reversed: she was once the wealthy, pretty girl in class, while he was the awkward, unattractive boy she was kind to. Years later, Hye-jin's family publishing company has collapsed, leaving her broke and self-conscious about how much she's changed, while Sung-joon has grown into a handsome, successful magazine editor.

When Sung-joon reaches out to reconnect, an anxious Hye-jin asks her glamorous best friend Min Ha-ri to pose as her instead. The plan falls apart when Sung-joon turns out to be her new boss at the magazine, and Hye-jin has to navigate working under him, and beside senior editor Kim Shin-hyuk, while keeping her true identity hidden.

As Sung-joon gets to know the "temp" working under Ha-ri's name, he starts noticing there's more to her than her looks, and the drama follows both leads toward recognizing what, and who, they actually valued in the other all along. She Was Pretty aired on MBC TV from September 16 to November 11, 2015, starring Hwang Jung-eum and Park Seo-joon.

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She Was Pretty cast

Main cast
Guest appearances
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Best scenes

  • Kim Hye Jin and Ji Sung Joon's first office encounter is packed with irony and tension, setting the tone for their evolving relationship.

  • The iconic umbrella scene where Sung Joon finally recognizes the real Hye Jin and shelters her from the rain is pure romance magic.

  • Kim Shin Hyuk’s playful confession to Hye Jin brings humor and bittersweet emotion to the love triangle.

  • Min Ha Ri’s emotional breakdown, realizing her feelings were never meant to blossom, adds heartfelt depth to the story.

  • 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

  • Yongsan-gu, Seoul, served as the backdrop for many of the magazine office scenes at The Most headquarters.

  • Seokchon Lake Park appears during romantic and reflective moments between the main characters.

  • Mecenatpolis Mall in Hapjeong was used for various office and shopping scenes.

  • Some Sevit (Floating Islands) in Seoul offered stunning night scenery, especially during key romantic encounters.

  • Cheonggyecheon Stream was featured during outdoor walking scenes, highlighting Seoul’s vibrant urban beauty.

Visual design and costumes

  • Kim Hye Jin’s transformation, from messy hair and freckles to stylish editor, perfectly symbolizes her internal and external growth.

  • Ji Sung Joon’s sharp tailored suits reflect his high standards, perfectionism, and cold exterior.

  • Min Ha Ri’s trendy, chic outfits highlight her confident and glamorous personality throughout the drama.

  • Bright and vibrant color palettes in the office scenes contrast with more muted, cozy tones in personal moments.

  • Attention to detail in props and set designs—such as editorial layouts and magazine covers—create a realistic fashion magazine atmosphere.

Themes and messages

  • True beauty lies within is the central theme, showing that confidence and kindness outshine superficial appearances.

  • Friendship and forgiveness are explored through Hye Jin and Ha Ri’s evolving relationship and emotional honesty.

  • First love nostalgia weaves through the story, making the characters' reunions even more emotionally charged.

  • Self-acceptance and personal growth are crucial messages, especially through Hye Jin’s inspiring character arc.

  • Love that recognizes the real you, beyond outer appearances, is beautifully portrayed in the romance between Hye Jin and Sung Joon.

Interesting facts

  • "She Was Pretty" was a massive hit in South Korea and internationally, boosting the popularity of Park Seo Joon and Hwang Jung Eum.

  • Choi Si Won filmed this drama just before enlisting for his mandatory military service.

  • Many real fashion editors praised the drama for realistically portraying the stress and excitement of working at a top magazine.

  • Park Seo Joon and Hwang Jung Eum previously starred together in Kill Me, Heal Me, creating excitement for their reunion.

  • The series inspired multiple remakes, including popular versions in China and Japan.

Episodes

Ep Title Air date Status Rating
1 Episode 1 2015-09-16 Aired
2 Episode 2 2015-09-17 Aired
3 Episode 3 2015-09-23 Aired
4 Episode 4 2015-09-24 Aired
5 Episode 5 2015-09-30 Aired
6 Episode 6 2015-10-01 Aired
7 Episode 7 2015-10-07 Aired
8 Episode 8 2015-10-08 Aired
9 Episode 9 2015-10-15 Aired
10 Episode 10 2015-10-21 Aired
11 Episode 11 2015-10-22 Aired
12 Episode 12 2015-10-28 Aired
13 Episode 13 2015-10-29 Aired
14 Episode 14 2015-11-04 Aired
15 Episode 15 2015-11-05 Aired
16 Episode 16 2015-11-11 Aired

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