While often problematic and imposing unnecessary beauty standards, the ugly duckling trope, which almost always involves some kind of glow-up, is a compelling concept.
Even more so because with the transformation in appearance comes the change in self-image. And we all love ourselves a quiet, spineless protagonist who finally finds the strength to stand up for herself, overcome other people's opinions, and demand what she wants.
If that's what makes you tick, here are seven great K-dramas that make the most of the trope.
Birth of a Beauty (2014)
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa
Sa Geum-ran is a soft, quiet woman whose in-laws treat her terribly and whose husband cheats on her and then divorces her. Devastated, she gets into an accident and while everyone thinks she is dead, she survives and decides to take revenge. With the help of a plastic surgeon, Geum-ran undergoes a huge transformation and reappears in the life of her former family, unrecognized by them.
Gangnam Beauty (2018)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki
After years of being bullied, Kang Mi-rae decides to have plastic surgery, which does make her look beautiful but doesn't fix her inner insecurities. Soon, the protagonist realizes that it is her self-esteem that needs to be rebuilt and gets down to business
She Was Pretty (2015)
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Roku
Kim Hye-jin used to be a beautiful, wealthy, and smart girl in high school. But life has hit her hard and she has lost everything, including her beauty (or so she thinks). When she has to meet her first love, Hye-jin asks her gorgeous friend to pose as her. Little does she know that this is not the last meeting and that her first love will become her boss.
Another Miss Oh (2016)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Viki, Roku, Tubi, VIX
Oh Hae-young has been sure all her life that she is not a catch, having grown up around a popular girl with the same name but a much richer family and attractive looks. But when the confusion of names leads to an unfortunate incident, Hae-young realizes that she has to stop living in the shadow of her namesake.
True Beauty (2020)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Viki
Ever since she was young, Lim Ju-kyung has had a complex about her appearance and has been bullied for it. When she transfers to a new school, Ju-kyung uses the wonders of makeup to enhance her beauty and finally become popular. But will she be able to keep her 'ugly' self a secret?
My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Roku, Kocowa
Kim Sam-soon is a talented baker embarrassed by her looks and old-fashioned first name. When her cheating boyfriend dumps her and her boss fires her on Christmas Eve, Sam-soon decides to start a new life. But it turns out that it's not her looks that need changing.
Coffee Prince (2007)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa
Go Eun-chan looks tomboyish and is often mistaken for a boy. That's why she's hired to pose as the gay partner of a rich heir, and then to work in his coffee shop, where only attractive men are employed. As the feelings between Eun-chan and her boss grow, he starts to question his sexuality and she thinks about changing her appearance.