“True Beauty,” a web series created by Yaonggi, has captivated readers worldwide with its engaging story, relatable characters, and compelling themes. Serialized on Naver Webtoon from April 2, 2018, to June 28, 2023, by Korean Manhwa Lim Jugyeong, she tells a story that uses makeup to change her appearance and goes through the challenges of high school life and beyond. This story explores its complex world in “The Beauty of Truth,” exploring its primary and minor characters, themes, and impact on the audience.
The Main Characters portraying True Beauty
 Lim Jugyeong
Jugyeong is a “true beauty” hero. She is initially portrayed as an “ugly” girl who is bullied because of her appearance. After discovering the revolutionary power of medicine, she becomes a beautiful “goddess” in the eyes of her peers. Jugyeong’s journey is about physical beauty, self-acceptance, and inner strength. He loves outrageous comedy and heavy metal music, and his character develops tremendously throughout the series as he learns to accept his true identity.
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Lee Suho
Suho is a cute but distant student who shares Jugyeong’s love of outrageous comedy. She rediscovers Jugyeong after her makeup transformation and becomes one of her closest allies. Suho’s character is complex. She deals with past traumas, including the suicide of a close friend, which strains her relationship with Han Seojun. Her journey includes overcoming guilt and finding comfort in her relationship with Jugyeong.
Han Seojun
The other main character, Seojun, is initially portrayed as a bad boy but is shown to be kind and sensitive. He was once an idol apprentice with a complicated past, including a close friendship with Suho. Seojun develops feelings for Jugyeong, adding tension to the central love triangle of the story. Her character reflects the challenges of dealing with personal loss and the pressures of fame.
Minor Characters
Lim Heekyung
Jugyeong’s older sister, Heekyung, works for an entertainment company. She plays a supporting role in Jugyeong’s life and adds depth to the family dynamics explored in the webtoon.
Lim Juyong
Juyoung is Jugyeong’s evil little brother. His interactions with Jugyeong provide comic relief and a glimpse into his home life.
Kang Suah
Sooah is Jugyeong’s best friend at school. Her unwavering support and friendship help Jugyeong navigate the challenges of high school life.
Kang Soojin
Soojin, Jugyeong’s school social media star, is jealous of Jugyeong’s growing popularity. Her character represents the dark side of social media popularity and the results of jealousy.
Han Gowoon
Seojun’s sister Gowoon also faces bullying because of her appearance. Her story parallels Jugyeong’s and highlights the broader issue of beauty standards.
ThemesÂ
True Beauty Standards and Self-Acceptance
“True Beauty” scrutinizes beauty standards and how individuals conform. Jugyeong’s reliance on makeup to gain acceptance underscores the superficial nature of these values. The webtoon encourages readers to look beyond their physical appearance and value inner beauty and self-acceptance.
Bullying and its Consequences
The webtoon addresses the severe consequences of bullying, both for victims and those around them. Jugyeong’s early experiences with being bullied because of his appearance led to his transformation. The story explores the guilt and trauma that Suho and Seojun faced, offering small insights into the lasting effects of abuse.
Friendship and Loyalty
The relationships between the characters, especially the friendship and eventual reconciliation between Suho and Seojun, highlight the importance of loyalty and the understanding of friendship between Jugyeong, Sooah, and others. They reveal a supportive system for individuals to overcome personal challenges.
Love and Relationships
At its core, “True Beauty” is also a love story featuring a love triangle between Jugyeong, Suho, and Seojun. The progression of their relationship, marked by misunderstandings and reconciliation, keeps readers engaged and rooting for an exciting couple.
Final Words for True Beauty
“True Beauty” isn’t just a webtoon about a girl specializing in it; It’s a deep narrative that tackles important issues like beauty standards, bullying, self-acceptance, the complexity of relationships, and so on. The rich character development and compelling storyline captivated fans, who eagerly followed Jugyeong’s journey from the first episode to the last.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the world of “True Beauty,” this webtoon provides valuable insight and entertainment. Its influence extends beyond the pages, leading to social values and personal identity conversations. As we sign off, remember that true beauty comes from within, and embracing your true self is the most powerful transformation.
