True Beauty webtoon explores beauty standards and self-discovery. Chances are you’re looking for other series that offers a mix of romance and humour, with characters you can relate to on their journeys. If you’re into a mix of high school drama escapades, romantic sparks flying, or amusing mix-ups in stories, we have covered you with this selection of 15 anime and K-dramas like True Beauty.
About True Beauty Webtoon
In the True Beauty webtoon, Lim Ju Kyung encounters bullying in high school because of her looks. These challenges force her to deal with them by learning makeup skills to enhance her beauty at school as a transformation strategy from an ordinary student into a mesmerizing beauty “Queen.” However, she grapples with the anxiety of revealing herself without makeup and feels burdened by the need to uphold this glamorous image constantly.
As the plot advances in the True Beauty webtoon, Ju Kyung encounters challenges in her relationships with friends and romantic interests while developing an understanding of herself and her identity amidst feelings for two contrasting individuals: the reserved yet compassionate Su Ho and the friendly and warm-hearted Seong Jun.
Anime Like True Beauty
Ouran High School Host Club
At Ouran High School Host Club, Haruhi Fujioka, who has a scholarship, unexpectedly encounters the Host Club—a select group of male students who entertain their female mates. Due to her masculine features, Haruhi is made to join the club to settle a debt. While interacting with the club’s characters, she forges deep connections and unveils her authentic identity along the way. If you are looking for an anime like True Beauty webtoon or the show, Ouran High School Host Club is the perfect watch. It explores concepts of self-identity and societal expectations while blending humour and budding relationships to captivate the audience.
Anime Like True Beauty: Lookism
Park Hyung Seok is a heavier-weighted high school student who is often bullied by his peers. One day, he wakes up to discover that he has a stunningly handsome body. He can switch between his appearance and his newfound perfect form. Through this life experience with two different looks, Hyung Seok observes how people’s attitudes and treatment towards him change based on his physical attractiveness. Amidst this exploration of beauty’s influence on status and interpersonal connections, he gains insights into the complexities of human interactions. Both ‘Lookism’ and ‘True Beauty’ delve into the impact of appearance on how society views individuals and the inner conflicts faced by those who feel compelled to meet beauty norms.
Tomo-chan Is A Girl
Tomo Aizawa and Junichirou have been friends since childhood – but there’s a twist! Tomboyish Tomo struggles with feelings for Junichirou while he sees her simply as one of the guys in their group of friends. Tomo endeavours to show Junichirou her softer side and possibly transition their friendship into something deeper. Tomo Chan Is A Girl anime like True Beauty showcases a female character who faces challenges in revealing her authentic self while also dealing with romantic emotions, blending humour with heartfelt scenes of personal development.
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Blue Spring Ride (Ao Haru Ride)
Futaba Yoshioka used to be a reserved girl during middle school but decided to portray herself as more of a tomboy in high school to steer clear of boys’ attention. She reconnects with her first love from middle school, Kou Manuchi, who has undergone a dramatic change himself. As they navigate their feelings for each other, both characters confront their personal insecurities and the emotional scars they carry. Like Ju Kyung from the show ‘True Beauty,’ Futaba from Ao Haru Ride conceals her authentic identity to blend in with others as the series delves into the intricate emotions of youthful romance and self-improvement.
Romantic Killer
Anzu Hoshino is a teenager who’s all about video games and chocolate while adoring her cat. But, she gets pushed into a romance simulation by a mystical being out of the blue. Despite her objections, she winds up in scenarios with some charming guys, resulting in amusing and unforeseen occurrences as she pushes back against developing feelings. When it comes to comparison, True Beauty focuses on the expectations tied to ideals of beauty. In contrast, Romantic Killer lightheartedly takes on common romantic themes and shows how outside influences can influence our relationships in surprising ways.
Anime Like True Beauty: Maid Sama!
Misaki Ayuzawa is known as the disciplined and no-nonsense leader of the student council in her school. She puts in a lot of effort to uphold discipline there. However, she secretly works part-time at a maid café to help provide for her family. When Takumi Usui, the school’s heartthrob, uncovers her secret, Misaki finds herself handling his teasing while still trying to keep up her image. Like Ju Kyung from True Beauty, Misaki juggles two different lives. Managing her public image while dealing with her inner struggles. Maid Sama anime like True Beauty, offers a blend of humour, romance, and heartfelt moments as the characters evolve.
Skip Beat!!
In Skip Beat, we’ve got a mix of comedy and drama with a touch of romance thrown in for measure. Kyoko Mogami is a young woman who supports her childhood friend and love interest, Sho, in achieving his dream of becoming a pop star. Upon realizing that Sho has been taking advantage of her kindness and loyalty, Kyoko vows to seek justice by immersing herself in the entertainment business.
Through her journey in the realm of acting, Kyoko uncovers her hidden abilities and starts to appreciate her own self-worth. Similar to True Beauty, Skip Beat!! explore themes of self-value and personal growth through the protagonist’s journey.
Anime Like True Beauty: Horimiya
In high school circles, Kyouko Hori shines as a liked and seemingly flawless girl. However, her life beyond the school gates involves looking after her younger brother and managing household chores instead of typical teenage pursuits. On the other hand, Miyamura is a reserved classmate with a hidden punk aesthetic and tattoos that remain unseen in the school environment. Their paths cross as they unveil each other’s lives and build a strong connection rooted in embracing their true selves together. Horimiya anime, like True Beauty, centres around characters who conceal aspects of themselves. And they find solace in being embraced for their true selves.
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
At their school, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane stand out as the brightest students with hidden affection for each other. They grapple with their pride. Reluctance to admit their feelings due to a belief that confessing first equates to losing their unique bond. This dynamic sparks competition between them as they endeavour to coax the confession out of one another. The clever and gradual buildup of chemistry in Kaguya-Sama reflects the tangled love dynamics seen in True Beauty. Both shows delve into the intricacies of love and relationships through a mix of humour and mind games.
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My Love Story!! (Ore Monogatari!!)
Takehiro Gouda is a high school student known for his towering stature and kind heart; however, his imposing presence tends to intimidate girls around him frequently. One day, he rescues Rinkie— a young lady who develops feelings for him despite his rugged exterior. The narrative traces their unique love story as they come to accept and celebrate their individualities. ‘My Love Story’ anime, like True Beauty, goes beyond appearances. Both series showcase endearing plots and characters who challenge conventional norms.
K-Drama Like True Beauty
Gangnam Beauty (2018)
If you are looking for a K-drama like True Beauty, My ID Is Gangnam Beauty is the perfect watch. Kang Mi Rae (Im Soo-hyang) is portrayed as a woman who undergoes surgery to overcome the bullying she endured because of her appearance. However, she continues to grapple with self-esteem issues during her university days, as she is often referred to as “Gangnam Beauty,” highlighting her altered looks. During her time at school, she rekindles a connection with Do Kyung Seok (Cha Eun-woo), a reserved classmate who appreciates inner beauty over outward appearance.
Lovely Runner (2024)
Lovely Runner K-drama like True Beauty are based on webtoons. Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon) is a die-hard fan of idol Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok). In a shocking turn of events, Im Sol gets transferred back in time with the opportunity to save her idol from his potential death. If we focus on the tone of the k-drama, it is similar to True Beauty, as they both are lighthearted series with several heartfelt moments.
Kim Hye-yoon also plays a minor role in episode 4 of True Beauty.
The Beauty Inside (2018)
Based on the 2015 film of the same name, The Beauty Inside is a K-drama like True Beauty, which focuses on a female protagonist and delves into the theme of beauty. Han Se-hye (Seo Hyun-jin) experiences a rare phenomenon where she transforms into a whole different individual for seven days. This abrupt change causes complications in her life and romantic relationship as well. Later in the story, Han Se-gye finds her ideal connection in Seo Do-jae (Lee Min-ki), as he also suffers from a condition that makes it difficult for him to remember others.
18 Again (2020)
Remember the popular Zac Efron film 17 Again? Perhaps one of the best romantic films to date. 18 Again K-drama is inspired by the popular 17 Again story. It focuses on Hong Dae Young (Yoon Sang-hyun) – a man facing turmoil with a failed marriage and no job. Bizarrely transported back to his 18-year self while keeping his 37-year mind intact. Having to relive high school life helps him rebuild connections with his family and gain insights into his wife and kids. While reminiscing about his days, Dae Young discovers how crucial love, family ties, and opportunities are for redemption.
The Interest of Love (2022-2023)
Focusing on Ahn Soo Young (Moon Ga Young), The Interest of Love revolves around four friends who met at their workplace. Each of them has distinct viewpoints about life. Ahn Soo Young believes that a romantic relationship is destined to fail. The Interest of Love is not your typical K-drama. It takes a patient viewer to sit through the story as it focuses on how the characters carry on with their life.
If you liked True Beauty webtoon or the show for its themes about embracing oneself and navigating high school relationships with a touch of humour and charm, then these 15 anime and K-drama like True Beauty webtoon are worth checking out for more engaging content to enjoy next. Each of these shows delves into the intricacies of self-discovery growth and the dynamics of love—making them ideal choices to continue your True Beauty viewing spree!