Cover ‘Crash Landing on You’ (Photo: IMDB)
‘Crash Landing on You’ (Photo: IMDB)
1 / 1
From ‘The Heirs’ to ‘Pinocchio’, these iconic K-drama makeovers showcase why audiences love a glow-up
From Asian rom-coms to Hollywood classics, you’ll find that the makeover trope is universal. It’s a fast, easy and very visual way to tap into everyone’s desire for transformation and self-improvement.
In the wrong hands, however, a makeover montage can fall flat, feeling shallow, forced or at odds with the story's message. Sometimes, a director might want to shoehorn a transformation montage for the sake of it, whether or not it sends the wrong message.
K-drama makeovers stand out for their emotional depth and cultural nuances. It’s not about a girl taking off her glasses and realising she’s beautiful. K-dramas frequently tie the transformation to the character’s inner journey. It’s often about embodying newfound confidence, overcoming insecurities or adapting to a new role in life. Sometimes, a simple makeover can also underscore societal expectations and class divide.
Here are some of the ways K-dramas showcased the classic makeover scene with grace and depth.
1. Ri Jeong-Hyeok in ‘Crash Landing on You’
After North Korean special ops captain Ri Jeong-Hyeok snuck into South Korea to rescue fashion CEO Yoon Se-Ri, he must shed his utilitarian threads for a more cosmopolitan look. To blend in, Se-Ri takes him shopping, buying him a bevvy of suits that transform him from discreet to dashing. He becomes a viral sensation after a video of him opening the door at a mall makes rounds on social media. The scene is hilarious, but it fuels the wishful hope that Jeong-Hyeok might just get to stay in Se-Ri's world.
2. Cha Eun-Sang in ‘The Heirs’
Cha Eun-Sang’s (Park Shin-Hye) transformation feels like a real Cinderella moment, but its significance is much deeper. She’s made over to attend a high-profile social event, the Jeguk Group’s 20th-anniversary party. While she looks physically gorgeous, her discomfort is obvious. The makeover symbolises her forced assimilation into the elite world of Jeguk High, where wealth and appearance reign supreme. Eun-sang shows viewers that fitting in isn’t always freeing.
Don’t miss: 10 most powerful chaebol families in K-dramas
3. Choi Dal-Po in ‘Pinocchio’
In his quest to avenge his father, Choi Dal-Po (Lee Jong-Suk) embraces a false identity, concealing his sharp intellect and deep motivations behind a scruffy exterior and a bumbling attitude. As the series reaches its climax, however, Dal-Po, with the help of his adoptive father, trades his shaggy hair and baggy shirts for a “blunt-edge” haircut and a sharp suit. The new look signals Dal-Po’s resolve to shed his inconspicuousness, step into the spotlight and hold those who destroyed his family accountable.
4. Moon Gang-Tae in ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay’
In this drama, clothes are seen as armour. Moon Gang-Tae’s (Kim Soo-Hyun) arrival in an impeccable suit, instead of his usual scrubs and lazy hoodie, shows his willingness to relieve himself of his self-sacrificing burden. The makeover here doesn’t come with a major shopping trip or a montage. It’s just Gang-tae walking in. However, it effectively demonstrates the shift in the major characters’ arcs, showing antisocial female lead Ko Moon-Young (Seo Yea-Ji) finally expressing affection and connecting with others. On the other hand, Gang-Tae allowing Moon-Young to dress him is a step toward lowering his guard and letting someone care for him.
5. Hye-Jin in ‘She Was Pretty’
Initially self-conscious about her appearance, Hye-Jin (Hwang Jung-Eum) decides to adopt a polished look after years of prioritising others over herself. Encouraged by her best friend Ha-ri, she undergoes a makeover, which includes refurbishing her wardrobe, taming her frizzy hair and softening her makeup.
This change is not merely about physical beauty but signifies Hye-jin reclaiming her agency and stepping into her power.
6. Lim Ju-Kyung in ‘True Beauty’
After being bullied for her appearance, Ju-Kyung (Moon Ga-Young) teaches herself makeup through online tutorials. Along the way, she learns to conceal her insecurities behind a flawless facade. Her classmates are stunned by her transformation, and she gains newfound social acceptance.
While the makeover initially empowers Ju-Kyung, it also emphasises how external beauty can be both a shield and a burden. There’s a contrast between her confident, makeup-enhanced persona and her vulnerable, makeup-free self. This duality sets the stage for Ju-Kyung’s journey of self-acceptance, as she learns that true beauty lies in accepting her authentic self rather than conforming to societal standards.
7. Yeon-Jae in ‘Scent of a Woman’
Above ‘Scent of a Woman’ (Screenshot: YouTube / SBS Drama)
‘Scent of a Woman’ (Screenshot: YouTube / SBS Drama)
1 / 1
The makeover scene in Scent of a Woman is a pivotal moment for Yeon-Jae (Kim Sun-a). Initially leading a mundane and unassuming life, Yeon-Jae decides to reclaim her confidence by undergoing a glamorous makeover. She updates her wardrobe, gets a stylish haircut and learns to carry herself with newfound poise. Her fresh look helps her embrace her determination to live the time she has left.
Topics
