South Korea · Drama · 2018
The Beauty Inside (2018)
Synopsis
Han Se-gye is a successful actress carrying a condition no one around her fully understands: her physical appearance changes to a completely different person every month, forcing her to hide her real identity from the industry she works in. Seo Do-jae, an airline executive, has his own hidden struggle, a case of face blindness left over from a past accident that means he can't reliably recognize the people closest to him.
The two are drawn to each other despite conditions that would seem to make any relationship impossible, Se-gye unable to stay the same person for more than a few weeks, Do-jae unable to be sure he's looking at the person he thinks he is. Around them, Do-jae's step-sister Kang Sa-ra and Se-gye's confidant Ryu Eun-ho, a man weighing whether to become a priest, complicate a romance that has to be built on trust rather than the familiar faces most couples rely on.
"The Beauty Inside" aired on JTBC from October 1 to November 20, 2018, across 16 episodes, starring Seo Hyun-jin as Han Se-gye and Lee Min-ki as Seo Do-jae, alongside Lee Da-hee and Ahn Jae-hyun.
The Beauty Inside (2018) cast
Best scenes
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Han Se Gye's Transformations: The drama showcases various instances where Han Se Gye (Seo Hyun Jin) transforms into different individuals, highlighting the challenges and humorous situations arising from her unique condition.
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Seo Do Jae's Confession: A heartfelt moment occurs when Seo Do Jae (Lee Min Ki) confesses his feelings to Han Se Gye, accepting her transformations and revealing his own struggle with prosopagnosia.
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Airport Reunion: The emotional airport scene where Do Jae recognizes Se Gye despite her changed appearance emphasizes the deep connection between the characters.
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Kang Sa Ra and Ryu Eun Ho's Romance: The development of the secondary couple, Kang Sa Ra (Lee Da Hee) and Ryu Eun Ho (Ahn Jae Hyun), provides memorable romantic and comedic moments.
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Se Gye's Mother's Hospital Scene: A touching scene where Se Gye, in a transformed state, visits her ailing mother, showcasing the emotional depth of the storyline.
Filming locations
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Namsan Seoul Tower: Featured in romantic scenes, this iconic landmark offers panoramic views of Seoul and symbolizes the blossoming relationship between the leads.
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Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): The futuristic architecture of DDP serves as a backdrop for several key moments, enhancing the modern aesthetic of the series.
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Ikseon-dong Hanok Village: The traditional Korean houses in Ikseon-dong provide a charming setting for intimate conversations between characters.
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Paradise City Hotel: This luxurious hotel is used for high-profile events in the drama, reflecting the glamorous lifestyle of the protagonists.
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Yonsei University: The picturesque campus represents the educational background of certain characters, adding authenticity to their stories.
Visual design and costumes
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Han Se Gye's Wardrobe: As a top actress, Se Gye's fashion is both trendy and sophisticated, reflecting her status and personality.
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Seo Do Jae's Suits: Do Jae's tailored suits convey his professionalism and meticulous nature as an airline executive.
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Kang Sa Ra's Fashion: Sa Ra's bold and chic outfits mirror her confident and independent character.
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Ryu Eun Ho's Casual Style: Eun Ho's comfortable and simple clothing represents his warm and approachable demeanor.
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Transformation Makeup: The makeup and special effects used during Se Gye's transformations are seamless, making each change believable and engaging.
Themes and messages
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Inner Beauty vs. Outer Appearance: The drama emphasizes that true beauty lies within, challenging societal norms focused on physical appearance.
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Acceptance and Love: It highlights the importance of accepting loved ones unconditionally, despite their flaws or unusual circumstances.
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Identity and Self-Acceptance: Characters grapple with their identities, learning to embrace themselves fully.
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Overcoming Prejudice: The series addresses societal prejudices and the journey towards understanding and empathy.
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The Power of Secrets: It explores how personal secrets impact relationships and the liberation that comes with honesty.
Interesting facts
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Based on a Film: The drama is adapted from the 2015 film "The Beauty Inside," bringing a fresh perspective to the original storyline.
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Unique Transformation Concept: Han Se Gye's character transforms into different people, regardless of age or gender, adding a unique twist to the romantic plot.
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Prosopagnosia Representation: Seo Do Jae's condition, face blindness, is a rare neurological disorder, bringing awareness to this lesser-known condition.
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High Ratings: The series received positive reviews and maintained high viewership ratings during its broadcast.
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Cameo Appearances: Several well-known actors made special appearances as Han Se Gye's transformed selves, adding excitement for viewers.
Real-life loves on set
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of a real-life romantic relationship between the main cast members of "The Beauty Inside," including Seo Hyun Jin and Lee Min Ki. While fans have speculated about their off-screen chemistry, both actors have maintained a professional relationship. It's important to note that actors often develop close bonds during filming, but this doesn't necessarily translate to romantic involvement.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Secret | 2018-10-01 | Aired | |
| 2 | I Know Who You Are | 2018-10-02 | Aired | |
| 3 | You Recognized Me! | 2018-10-08 | Aired | |
| 4 | The Agreement | 2018-10-09 | Aired | |
| 5 | The Couple of the Century | 2018-10-15 | Aired | |
| 6 | Mom Collapsed | 2018-10-16 | Aired | |
| 7 | But I’m Such a Mess | 2018-10-22 | Aired | |
| 8 | Could Someone Like Me Love You? | 2018-10-23 | Aired | |
| 9 | Mother’s Unexpected Visit | 2018-10-29 | Aired | |
| 10 | I Love You, Mom | 2018-10-30 | Aired | |
| 11 | She’s Hiding Something | 2018-11-05 | Aired | |
| 12 | Yu Ri Getting Closer | 2018-11-06 | Aired | |
| 13 | Can You Still Love Her? | 2018-11-12 | Aired | |
| 14 | Let’s Break Up | 2018-11-13 | Aired | |
| 15 | So This is What You Look Like | 2018-11-19 | Aired | |
| 16 | To Love You, and Myself | 2018-11-20 | Aired |
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