Who Plays The Lead Role In My ID Is Gangnam Beauty?

The heart of 'My ID Is Gangnam Beauty' revolves around two central figures who couldn't be more different yet perfectly complementary. Kang Mi-rae, the female lead, is this beautifully complex character who undergoes plastic surgery to escape bullying, only to face new struggles about identity and self-worth. Her journey from insecurity to self-acceptance hits hard—I binge-watched the drama twice just to absorb every nuance of her growth. Then there's Do Kyung-seok, the male lead who sees through societal facades (literally, since he recognizes Mi-rae post-surgery). His quiet confidence and refusal to judge people superficially made me wish more guys were written like this in rom-coms. The supporting cast adds spice too: Hyun Soo-ah, the 'natural beauty' with a manipulative streak, and Woo Jin-young, Kyung-seok's bubbly best friend who lightens the mood. What I love is how each character's flaws are magnified under Korea's beauty standards microscope—it's not just a love story but a commentary on vanity culture. Mi-rae's roommate Na Hye-sung and Kyung-seok's mom (a former beauty queen!) also steal scenes in their own ways. The drama does this brilliant thing where even minor characters like the university sunbaes or Mi-rae's dad contribute to the overarching theme of authenticity. I still catch myself humming the OST while thinking about that scene where Kyung-seok silently hands Mi-rae his jacket during the fireworks—ugh, my heart!

The story of 'My ID Is Gangnam Beauty' revolves around Kang Mi-rae, a college student who undergoes plastic surgery to escape the relentless bullying she faced for her appearance. Starting her new life at university, she hopes to leave her past behind, but her surgically enhanced looks attract a different kind of attention—some fascinated, others judgmental. The drama really digs into how society obsesses over beauty standards, and Mi-rae’s journey is about learning to value herself beyond her appearance. What I love is how the show balances romance with deeper themes. The male lead, Do Kyung-seok, sees through her facade and appreciates her for who she is, not what she looks like. Their relationship grows naturally, and it’s refreshing to see a K-drama tackle self-esteem and identity without relying on clichés. The side characters, like the vain but vulnerable Hyun Soo-ah, add layers to the story, making it more than just a typical campus romance. By the end, it’s clear the message isn’t anti-plastic surgery but about finding confidence on your own terms.