If you are looking for a lighthearted show you can enjoy with a bowl of popcorn in the evening, this romantic comedy is just for you! She Was Pretty is a 2015 drama starring Hwang Jung-Eum in the titular role, alongside Park Seo-Joon (Hwarang, Fight for My Way). This drama had me laughing out loud in every episode!
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The Plot
A once beautiful girl who lost contact with her childhood love finally finds a job as an intern in the editorial department of a fashion magazine, The Most. To her surprise, her boss is her childhood friend! To make matters even more awkward, he only remembers her pretty appearance and doesn’t recognize her.
Too embarrassed to reveal the truth, she hides her true identity while scrambling to keep up with her new job. So begins She Was Pretty, with a wonderful supporting cast and all the classic K-Drama moments from umbrella scenes and piggyback rides, to bromance (Shin-Hyuk pushes all of Sung-Joon’s buttons, and trust me, it’s fantastic) with a pinch of mistaken identities and mystery to boot!
The Characters
Hye- Jin – Despite her circumstances, she clings to her dream of one day being a children’s author. Things get complicated when her new job is more than she bargained for. Will Hye-Jin find courage and show The Most she’s more than just a clumsy intern?
Sung-Joon – Hye-Jin’s childhood friend who was often bullied by his peers. While he grows up to be handsome and successful, it also seems like his kindness has disappeared. Will he ever realize the friend he so missed all these years is even closer than he thinks?
Ha-Ri – Hye-Jin’s best friend and roommate. Hye-Jin admires her best friend’s confidence which leads to Ha-Ri pretending to be Hye-Jin and finding unexpected love. What will happen when her identity is revealed?
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Shin-Hyuk – Hye-Jin’s first friend at The Most and a man guaranteed to give you Second Lead Syndrome like never before! Looking past Hye-Jin’s appearance, his teasing and infectious grin reveal a sensitive heart. Will Hye-Jin stay true to her first love or take a chance with her new co-worker?
Overall Thoughts
This romantic comedy is the perfect escape after a long day. The accidental situations Hye-Jin finds herself in will bring a smile to your face. Despite all the trials she encounters, this story is ultimately about her finding the way to her dream of being a writer. You’ll be rooting for her all the way.
There are some frustrating elements to this show, however. If Hye-Jin had been honest from the beginning, it would’ve eliminated a lot of problems! Sung-Joon’s rudeness can be pretty annoying at times, too.
That said, at the heart of this lovable drama are some great lessons about kindness and beauty in a world that is so often quick to judge.
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Where to Watch: She is Pretty is available on Viki and DVD (though it is expensive).
Content Note: PG – I don’t recall anything too worrisome about this fun comedy.
What did you think about the identity mix-up and hilarity that ensued in She Was Pretty?
Photo Credit: MBC and Viki
