7 Memorable Ugly Duckling Outer & Inner Transformations In K-Dramas
From breathtaking glow-ups to finding your value, the ugly duckling trope has it all.
The ugly duckling trope is one of the most popular in the romance genre for a reason. It is rarely just about the outer glow-up with a new wardrobe, hairstyle, or makeup, but usually delves deep into the inner transformation of finding self-worth. And that is why we love it so much.
If you find the story of an unattractive and ridiculed woman going through all kinds of transformations compelling, here are seven K-dramas that make the most of the concept.
Birth of a Beauty (2014)
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, SBS World
Sa Geum-ran is a gentle woman in a tough situation. Her in-laws are cruel to her and her cheating husband is divorcing her. Shattered by despair, Geum-ran gets into an accident and is presumed dead by everyone. But she is not, and with the help of a skilled plastic surgeon, the woman undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis, only to return to the life of her former family and avenge them.
Gangnam Beauty (2018)
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IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Viki, Tubi, etc.
Kang Mi-rae has been bullied for years because of her 'ugly' appearance. So before she starts university, Mi-rae decides to have plastic surgery, which makes the girl pretty, but doesn't fix her inner self-doubt. It seems that the lead has to change from the inside to find happiness.
She Was Pretty (2015)
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Viki, Kocowa, iQIYI, WeTV
Kim Hye-jin was once the belle of the high school prom. But life hit her hard and she lost everything. Convinced that she is no longer beautiful, Hye-jin asks her pretty friend to pose as her for a reunion with her first love. Little does she know that this encounter is just the beginning of a twist of fate that will see her former flame become her boss.
Another Miss Oh (2016)
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Viki, Prime Video, Disney+, Viki, Tubi
Since childhood, Oh Hae-young has been in the shadow of her namesake, a glamorous girl from a wealthy family. But a mix-up involving their identical names triggers an unexpected turn of events that forces Hae-young to confront her past and assert her own identity.
True Beauty (2020)
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki
Lim Ju-kyung has been insecure about her appearance and bullied for it since she was a little girl. Transferring to a new school is her chance for a fresh start, and the girl discovers the transformative power of makeup, which makes her popular with her peers. But her 'ugly' self must be kept a secret, and that proves difficult.
My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, WeTV
Kim Sam-soon is an excellent baker who is embarrassed by her old-fashioned name and less-than-ideal figure. When her cheating boyfriend dumps her on Christmas Eve and her boss fires her, Sam-soon realizes it's time for a fresh start. But she soon discovers that true transformation lies not in changing her appearance, but in embracing her authentic self.
Coffee Prince (2007)
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa
Go Eun-chan has always had a tomboyish look, which has led people to believe that she is a man. By mistake, a rich man asks Eun-chan to pose as his gay partner and then hires her to work at his coffee shop, which is known for its roster of attractive male staff. As sparks fly between Eun-chan and her boss, he begins to question his sexuality while she contemplates a complete makeover.