The Beauty Inside

Woo Jin (Kim Dae Myung, Yoo Yeon Seok, Park Seo Joon, Lee Dong Wook, Seo Kang Joon, Kim Min Jae, and more) has a mysterious condition—every morning, he wakes up in a completely different body. It could be a young boy, an elderly man, a foreigner, or even a woman. His mind and soul remain the same, but his appearance constantly changes. Living with this secret, Woo Jin works as a furniture designer, creating beautiful works of art while keeping his true self hidden from the world. Despite his ever-changing identity, Woo Jin falls deeply in love with Yi Soo (Han Hyo Joo), a kind and intelligent woman who works at a furniture store. Their connection is undeniable, but can love survive when the person she wakes up to each day is never the same? As Woo Jin struggles with the fear of losing Yi Soo, she must confront the reality of loving someone whose face is never constant. With appearances from Park Shin Hye, Kim Joo Hyuk, Chun Woo Hee, Ueno Juri, and Lee Jin Wook portraying Woo Jin on different days, The Beauty Inside explores the depths of identity, unconditional love, and self-acceptance. It challenges the notion of what truly makes a person who they are—beyond looks and outward appearances. A visually stunning and emotionally captivating film, The Beauty Inside is a heartwarming romance that proves love transcends physical form. Will Yi Soo embrace Woo Jin’s extraordinary condition, or will the unpredictability of his existence be too much to bear?

Details

🙂 Native Title: 뷰티 인사이드
🌎 Also Known As: Beauty Inside
🎭 Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
🏷 Tags: Body Transformation, Multiple Actors for One Character, Unconventional Love Story, Identity Crisis, Adapted from American Film
✍ Screenwriters: Kim Sun-jung, Noh Kyung-hee
🎬 Director: Baek Jong-yul (Baik)
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: August 20, 2015
📺 Original Network: N/A (Film)
⏰ Duration: 126 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

Best Scenes

Woo-jin’s heartfelt confession to Yi-soo, showcasing the depth of his love despite his ever-changing appearance.
The montage of Woo-jin’s daily transformations, highlighting the film’s unique narrative approach.
Yi-soo’s emotional struggle as she grapples with Woo-jin’s condition, reflecting the challenges of unconditional love.
The intimate moments between Woo-jin and Yi-soo, emphasizing the film’s central theme that true beauty lies within.
The climactic scene where Yi-soo accepts Woo-jin’s proposal, symbolizing love’s triumph over physical appearances.

Filming Locations

Various picturesque spots in Seoul, South Korea, providing a vibrant backdrop to the story.
Woo-jin’s furniture workshop, reflecting his artistic nature and serving as a metaphor for his multifaceted identity.
The cozy café where Woo-jin and Yi-soo frequently meet, symbolizing the warmth of their relationship.
Yi-soo’s apartment, offering a glimpse into her personal life and her evolving feelings for Woo-jin.
Scenic parks and streets of Seoul, capturing the everyday beauty of the city and grounding the film’s fantastical elements in reality.

Visual Design and Costumes

A minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes the characters’ emotions and the film’s introspective themes.
Costume designs that subtly reflect Woo-jin’s internal consistency amidst his external changes.
Warm and soft color palettes in Yi-soo’s wardrobe, mirroring her compassionate and understanding nature.
The use of mirrors and reflective surfaces to symbolize Woo-jin’s ongoing struggle with his identity.
Naturalistic lighting to enhance the film’s realistic portrayal of an extraordinary situation.

Themes and Messages

The exploration of identity and the essence of self beyond physical appearance.
The transformative power of unconditional love in accepting and embracing one’s true self.
The societal emphasis on external beauty versus the intrinsic value of inner qualities.
The challenges and rewards of maintaining relationships amidst unconventional circumstances.
The notion that true connection transcends superficial attributes, focusing on the soul’s constancy.

Interesting Facts

The film is based on the 2012 American social film of the same name, offering a unique Korean perspective on the narrative.
“The Beauty Inside” marks the feature film debut of director Baik, previously known for his work in commercials.
The movie features an ensemble cast portraying Woo-jin, including popular actors like Park Seo-joon and Park Shin-hye, each bringing a distinct interpretation to the character.
The film pre-sold its distribution rights at the Cannes Film Market to 11 Asian countries, indicating its broad appeal.
It received critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling and was recognized at various award ceremonies, winning Best New Director at the 52nd Grand Bell Awards.

Awards

“The Beauty Inside” (2015) received several awards and nominations:

52nd Grand Bell Awards (2015):
- Best New Director: Baik (Won)
- Best Actress: Han Hyo-joo (Nominated)
- Best Screenplay: Kim Seon-jeong and Park Jeong-ye (Nominated)
36th Blue Dragon Film Awards (2015):
- Best Editing: Yang Jin-mo (Won)
- Best Actress: Han Hyo-joo (Nominated)
- Best Cinematography: Kim Tae-gyeong (Nominated)
- Best Lighting: Hong Seung-cheol (Nominated)
- Best Music: Jo Yeong-wook (Nominated)
4th Korean Film Actor’s Association Awards (2015):
- Top Star Award: Han Hyo-joo (Won)
11th Max Movie Awards (2016):
- Best Actress: Han Hyo-joo (Nominated)
52nd Baeksang Arts Awards (2016):
- Best Actress (Film): Han Hyo-joo (Nominated)
10th Asian Film Awards (2016):
- Best Supporting Actress: Juri Ueno (Nominated)

These accolades highlight the film’s achievements in direction, acting, editing, and music.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There are no public records or credible reports indicating that any romantic relationships from “The Beauty Inside” (2015) film’s cast transitioned into real-life romances. The actors, including Han Hyo-joo and the various portrayals of Woo-jin by actors such as Park Seo-joon, Park Shin-hye, and Lee Dong-wook, have not been publicly linked romantically to one another. It’s important to note that actors often maintain professional relationships during filming, and any personal relationships are typically kept private unless they choose to share them publicly.