Miss Korea

Miss Korea is a riveting drama series that caught the attention of viewers when it was first aired by MBC America in 2013. The series is a dazzling mix of romance, emotion, and humor, masterfully written and superbly acted. Set in the late 1990s, Miss Korea orbits around the captivating journey of a young woman pursuing her dreams, the people who support her, and the socio-economic factors encapsulating their lives.

Stealing the limelight is Lee Yeon-hee, who astoundingly brings to life the character of Oh Ji-young, the show's protagonist. Once popular throughout her high school and deemed to have the looks for a potential Miss Korea, she finds herself leading an ordinary life as an elevator girl several years later. Encountering numerous ups and downs, Ji-young represents the face of every ordinary woman who is on a quest to turn around her destiny, utilizing her determination, hard work, and innate beauty. Yeon-hee convincingly portrays a range of emotions – from despair to hope, from humiliation to dignity – capturing the hearts of viewers.

Lee Sun-kyun portrays the character of Kim Hyung-joon, Ji-Yeong's high school sweetheart, brilliantly. Hyung-joon now runs a cosmetics company and is driven by an unrelenting ambition to succeed. As a man with a brilliant mind, he finds himself strangled by the financial crisis, pushing his company to the brink of bankruptcy. To survive, he desperately pulls Ji-young into the world of pageantry, believing that making her Miss Korea would save his struggling business. Sun-kyun illuminates the screen with his dynamic performance, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

Miss Korea invites viewers into a world where dreams, aspirations, love and survival coalesce. The series provides insights into the rigors and behind-the-scenes stress of beauty pageants, the competitive cosmetics industry, and the harsh but compelling reality of life during a major financial crisis. The stellar cast and well-knitted storyline offer a thoughtful exploration of beauty, its inherent pressures, and how it is often linked to opportunities and advancement in life.

The series is rich in humor and poignant moments alike, balancing the stark realities of life with lighter, feel-good scenes. The solid performances by the supporting cast, including Song Seon-mi as Ma Ae-ri and Lee Mi-sook as Madam Yang, add another layer of charm to the show. These characters are beautifully fleshed out, adding sparkle and depth to the main storyline.

The visual aesthetics of the series are brilliant; from the opulent settings of the cosmetics industry and the glamorous, high-stake environments of beauty pageants, to the more grounded, everyday scenes representing the common man's life. Seamless transitions help maintain the pace, making Miss Korea an engrossing watch. Furthermore, the accurate depiction of the late 1990s economic landscape of South Korea provides the show with authenticity and historical relevance.

The series is laden with social commentary; it explores societal norms and perception towards beauty, the resilience of the human spirit, and prevailing gender dynamics. The characters navigate through love, ambition, pride, and disappointment. The story vividly portrays the complex relationships between the characters, each individual's journey and development, and their deep-seated resolve amidst a sea of challenges.

The music score is excellently composed, setting the mood for every scene while enhancing the overall momentum of the plot.

In essence, Miss Korea is a remarkably compelling drama that brilliantly combines romance, personal growth, societal issues, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. It creates a textured narrative that leaves viewers introspective and entertained. The strong performances by the ensemble cast, the intricate storyline, and the nostalgic treatment make the series a must-watch. This show serves to inspire those who dream and strive for something more, offering a message that success can come to anyone who dares to dream and has the determination to work towards their ambition.