The Beauty Inside

The Beauty Inside is a captivating South Korean romantic drama series that launched on Netflix in 2018. Based on the popular 2015 film of the same name, it explores the unconventional and challenging love story between two unique characters - Han Se-Kye and Seo Do-Jae.

The story revolves around Han Se-Kye, portrayed by the charming Seo Hyun-Jin, who is a renowned and successful actress. However, she holds a peculiar secret that distances her from the glamour and convenience of her celebrity lifestyle. Every month, for a week, she mysteriously transforms into a different person. These transformations are not limited by age, gender, or nationality, making her life dramatically unpredictable and causing much public scandal and speculation about her erratic behavior.

The male lead, Seo Do-Jae, played by the expressive actor Lee Min-Ki, presents another intriguing character. Seo Do-Jae is a smart and calculating executive of an airline company, seemingly leading a perfect life with success, wealth, and looks. Yet, he grapples with his own personal secret – he suffers from Prosopagnosia, a psychological condition that impedes his ability to recognize faces. To maintain his icy, perfect persona, he learns intricate details about people surrounding him to cover up his inability to distinguish faces.

Their lives become entwined when Seo Do-Jae discovers Han Se-Kye's secret. As they become more and more embroiled in each other’s lives, they form a unique connection, embarking on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love. The Beauty Inside effectively explores how the characters navigate their way through the world, making the best of their unique conditions while dealing with personal adversities and heart-wrenching dilemmas.

The series masterfully explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the contemporary beauty standards that society imposes. It presents viewers with a beautiful, metaphorical interpretation of the old adage 'beauty is only skin deep,' illustrating that the worth of a person extends far beyond their physical appearance.

The Beauty Inside is a visual treat, with well-crafted settings, appealing wardrobes, and cinematography that perfectly captures the changing moods and emotions of the unfolding narrative. The series includes 16 episodes packed with emotions ranging from humor, drama, to moments of deep thought, making it much more than a conventional romantic series.

Accompanied by an engaging supporting cast, including Lee Da-hee as corporate diva Kang Sa-Ra and Ahn Jae-Hyun as carefree playboy Ryu Eun-Ho, the series explores an array of secondary narratives, providing further depth to the story. These subplots enhance the narrative, padding out the complexities of the characters, and wonderfully ties up with the main plot.

The series has an impressive soundtrack lined up with several soulful tracks that complement the series' themes and moods, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The Beauty Inside is a refreshing concoction of romance, drama, and fantasy, combined with a unique story and two eccentric characters that make the series stand out. The heartfelt performances, well-written dialogues, and meticulously developed characters all contribute to a compelling narrative that continues to captivate the audience from start to finish.

While the series may tackle various emotional complexities and metaphysical oddities, it also maintains a light-hearted and comic undertone that keeps the show engaging and entertaining. It manages to strike the perfect balance, making it a versatile viewing offering something for everyone.

Whether you're looking for a quick binge-watch or in search of a series to fully immerse yourself into, The Beauty Inside is an excellent pick. It pushes the boundaries of the traditional romantic comedy storyline into uncharted territories, creating a truly distinctive viewing experience. If you're seeking a series that's equal parts sweet, melancholic, quirky, and thoughtful, then The Beauty Inside is the show for you.