My ID is Gangnam Beauty Review: Worth Watching? (2024)

Five years after it first aired, one K-drama still sparks strong reactions: My ID Is Gangnam Beauty, a 16-episode romance based on a webtoon by Gi Maeng-gi, follows a young woman who undergoes plastic surgery to escape bullying—only to find that society’s judgment doesn’t disappear with a new face. This guide breaks down whether the series holds up, how its ending lands, and how it compares to the lighter True Beauty.

Release year: 2018 ·
Episodes: 16 ·
Main leads: Cha Eun-woo, Lim Soo-hyang ·
Based on: Webtoon by Gi Maeng-gi ·
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama ·
Available on: Netflix (selected regions)

Seven key facts paint the picture:

Is My ID Is Gangnam Beauty K-drama worth watching?

Plot summary and themes

The series follows Kang Mi-rae, a university freshman who undergoes plastic surgery to escape the bullying she endured for her looks. But instead of acceptance, she faces new forms of judgment—being labeled “Gangnam Beauty” (a term implying she only looks good because of plastic surgery). The drama doesn’t shy away from the “various ugly sides of the beauty standards thrust on girls and women” according to The Wordy Habitat, a K-drama review site. It explores campus life, romantic tension with the quiet and perceptive Do-kyung (Cha Eun-woo), and the casual sexism that underpins many interactions.

Critical reception and audience ratings

Reception is split. On IMDb, the drama holds a 7.3/10, while MyDramaList users give it an 8.1/10. The Fangirl Verdict describes it as “heartfelt at its core” despite clunky moments. Many viewers praise the central message about self-acceptance, but others find the pacing slow and the tone heavy.

Common criticisms (acting, pacing, message)

• Cha Eun-woo’s early performance drew criticism for being stiff, though some argue it fits his character’s reserved nature.
• The middle episodes are often called slow, with too much emphasis on side characters.
• The portrayal of plastic surgery is controversial—some feel it glamourizes the procedure, while others see it as a critique.

Is there a happy ending in My ID Is Gangnam Beauty?

Final episode summary

Yes—the drama delivers a hopeful conclusion. Mi-rae and Do-kyung are together, and Mi-rae has found a degree of self-acceptance. She no longer relies on her appearance for validation. The final scenes emphasize that inner growth matters more than a perfect face.

Character resolutions

• Mi-rae chooses to move forward without seeking revenge against those who bullied her.
• Do-kyung stays by her side, openly supporting her decisions.
• The secondary characters also reach their own moments of closure.

Tone of the conclusion

The finale is warm and understated. There are no dramatic twists or last-minute breakups. As one reviewer notes, the drama “earned its happy ending” by letting characters work through their issues realistically.

The implication: this romantic payoff feels earned because the drama earned its happy ending through character growth.

Is True Beauty better than My ID Is Gangnam Beauty?

Plot and tone differences

True Beauty (2020) is a lighter, comedic take on similar themes. It follows Lim Ju-kyung, a girl who uses makeup to hide her bare face and live a double life. Where Gangnam Beauty is serious and introspective, True Beauty leans into slapstick and romance. A comparison blog calls Gangnam Beauty‘s tone “quiet and reflective” and True Beauty more buoyant.

Here’s how the two dramas compare:

Character depth and development

True Beauty‘s lead has more room for exaggerated humor, while Mi-rae’s story is grounded and painful. ScreenRant notes that the love story is not the main plot of True Beauty—the real arc is Ju-kyung’s self-worth and double life. In Gangnam Beauty, the romance is central, but it’s built on a foundation of mutual understanding rather than comedic misunderstandings.

Fan preferences and ratings

True Beauty is more widely popular. Its IMDb rating hovers around 7.8/10, and it generated more social media buzz. However, viewers who prefer deeper character studies often side with Gangnam Beauty. As one Reddit user explained, “True Beauty is easier to binge, but Gangnam Beauty stays with you longer.”

Why this matters: Your preference depends on mood. If you want a fun escape, True Beauty wins. If you want a thoughtful critique of beauty culture with a slow-burn romance, pick My ID Is Gangnam Beauty.

Is My ID Gangnam Beauty on Netflix?

Netflix availability by region

Yes—the drama is available on Netflix in many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and India. The exact catalog can shift, so checking Netflix’s regional library is recommended.

Alternative streaming platforms

• Viki (a leading K-drama streaming service) carries the series in most regions.
• Kocowa also offers it, particularly for viewers in the Americas.
• In South Korea, it originally aired on JTBC and is available via that network’s streaming service.

How to watch outside Netflix regions

If Netflix doesn’t have it in your area, Viki and Kocowa are reliable alternatives. Both offer subtitles in multiple languages. A VPN may help access Netflix libraries that include the show, but check platform terms of service.

The catch: for consistent access, Viki is the most reliable platform for K-drama fans, especially those outside Netflix’s selected regions.

Do they kiss in My ID Is Gangnam Beauty?

Kiss scene details

Yes—there is a memorable kiss between Cha Eun-woo (Do-kyung) and Lim Soo-hyang (Mi-rae) in the later episodes. It takes place under a starry sky and is emotionally charged, symbolizing their growing trust. Lim Soo-hyang later described the scene in an interview as “nervous but heartfelt, reflecting the characters’ vulnerability.”

Romantic moments throughout the series

• Do-kyung’s subtle gestures—walking Mi-rae home, defending her from gossip—build romantic tension.
• Hand-holding and lingering looks are more common than overt displays, fitting the drama’s restrained style.
• The kiss itself is the climax of their emotional journey, not a random filler scene.

BTS information about the scene

Cha Eun-woo and Lim Soo-hyang shared behind-the-scenes moments on set. The actors rehearsed multiple times to capture the right mix of tenderness and awkwardness. “We wanted it to feel real, not manufactured,” Lim Soo-hyang mentioned in a press interview.

The implication: For viewers who measure a K-drama’s romantic payoff by its kiss scenes, this one delivers—it’s earned, emotional, and well-directed.

Cast and crew voices

“We wanted it to feel real, not manufactured.”

Lim Soo-hyang (actress), discussing the kiss scene with Cha Eun-woo in a behind-the-scenes interview

“True Beauty is easier to binge, but Gangnam Beauty stays with you longer.”

Reddit user, r/kdramarecommends

These perspectives highlight the drama’s commitment to realism and its lasting impact on viewers.

Final takeaway

My ID Is Gangnam Beauty isn’t a light weekend watch—it’s a drama that asks you to sit with uncomfortable questions about appearance, bullying, and self-worth. Five years after its release, it remains a polarizing title: some find it slow and preachy, others call it a necessary conversation starter in a genre that often glosses over real pain. For the viewer who wants romance with a dose of social realism, the choice is clear: give it a chance, but go in expecting depth—not fluff. For fans of lighter fare, True Beauty or other romantic comedies may be a better fit, but Cha Eun-woo and Lim Soo-hyang deliver a memorable drama that rewards patience.

Frequently asked questions