Where to Stream She Was Pretty: Your Guide to Watching This Beloved K-Drama

She Was Pretty (2015) isn’t just another romantic comedy; it’s an endearing mix of romance, comedy, and self-discovery. Starring Hwang Jung-eum, Park Seo-joon, Go Joon-hee, and Choi Si-won, the series gained massive popularity both in South Korea and internationally. The drama ran for 16 episodes on MBC, captivating viewers with its quirky storyline, relatable characters, and moments of unexpected depth.

A Quick Dive into the Storyline

The storyline centers on Kim Hye-jin (Hwang Jung-eum), a once-beautiful girl from a wealthy family whose life took a turn after her family's fortune vanished. She grew up into a young woman who, instead of her youthful “perfect” looks, now has curly hair and freckles, along with a heart full of compassion. Ji Sung-joon (Park Seo-joon), on the other hand, was once a shy and awkward child, but grew into a handsome, successful editor with a reserved personality.

When Sung-joon returns to Korea and seeks to reconnect with his first love, Hye-jin, she panics, fearing her appearance might disappoint him. In an impulsive move, she convinces her beautiful best friend, Ha-ri (Go Joon-hee), to meet Sung-joon pretending to be her. However, fate has other plans. Sung-joon becomes Hye-jin's new boss at The Most magazine, leading to a cascade of misunderstandings and hilariously heartwarming moments. As Sung-joon begins to notice the kindness and charm beneath Hye-jin’s exterior, he realizes that love may not be as superficial as he once thought. Meanwhile, Hye-jin’s colleague, Kim Shin-hyuk (Choi Si-won), brings humor and heartfelt affection into the story as he falls for her authentic self.

The Cast: A Stellar Ensemble of Talent

1. Hwang Jung-eum as Kim Hye-jin: Known for her impeccable comic timing and expressive acting, Hwang Jung-eum truly shines as Hye-jin. She brings Hye-jin’s awkward yet lovable personality to life and endears herself to viewers, who empathize with her insecurities and root for her happiness.
2. Park Seo-joon as Ji Sung-joon: Park Seo-joon’s nuanced performance captures Sung-joon’s transformation from a socially awkward boy to a dashing editor. Despite his initial coldness, Sung-joon’s vulnerability and lingering affection for his childhood friend add depth to his character.
3. Go Joon-hee as Min Ha-ri: The charismatic best friend, Ha-ri, played by Go Joon-hee, brings both glamour and inner conflict to the story. Although Ha-ri’s role in the love triangle is heart-wrenching, her character’s genuine loyalty to Hye-jin is something fans admired throughout the series.
4. Choi Si-won as Kim Shin-hyuk: The series would be incomplete without Choi Si-won’s portrayal of Shin-hyuk, a quirky editor with a mysterious double life as the famous writer “Ten.” His playful energy and unwavering support for Hye-jin make him one of the most memorable characters.

Key Themes: Beauty, Identity, and Redemption

Beauty Beyond the Surface: She Was Pretty plays with the idea that appearances can be deceiving. Hye-jin, who once had society’s ideal “pretty face,” learns that beauty is subjective and fleeting. The series challenges superficial notions of beauty, focusing instead on kindness, integrity, and authenticity.

Self-Discovery and Transformation: Sung-joon and Hye-jin’s journeys highlight the importance of self-acceptance. Sung-joon’s outward transformation parallels his inner growth as he learns to value a person’s character over their appearance. For Hye-jin, the journey is about rediscovering her self-worth, both in her career and her personal life.

Friendship and Forgiveness: The friendship between Hye-jin and Ha-ri adds layers to the storyline. Although Ha-ri’s deception could have damaged their relationship, the strength of their friendship ultimately prevails. Ha-ri’s character arc also underscores the importance of honesty and the courage to face one’s mistakes.

Unique Aspects of the Production

The drama reunited Hwang Jung-eum and Park Seo-joon, who had previously starred together in Kill Me, Heal Me, as well as Hwang Jung-eum and Go Joon-hee, who had appeared together in Can You Hear My Heart? Their chemistry and comfort with one another translated beautifully on-screen. The production team also emphasized visual storytelling with the transformation of Hye-jin’s look and Sung-joon’s stylish wardrobe, creating an aesthetic appeal fitting for a fashion magazine setting.

The Cultural Impact and Legacy of She Was Pretty

She Was Pretty struck a chord with audiences not just in South Korea but also internationally, especially in China. The show’s universal themes of love, self-acceptance, and friendship made it relatable, and the unique storyline kept viewers engaged till the end. The peak rating of 18.4% reflects its domestic popularity, while its international success showcases its cross-cultural appeal.

Moreover, the show sparked conversations about societal pressures to look a certain way, encouraging fans to appreciate inner beauty. With relatable and endearing characters, She Was Pretty left an indelible mark on the romantic comedy genre and remains a beloved series in the K-drama world.

Why She Was Pretty is a Must-Watch

1. Strong Character Development: The series doesn’t rush its characters’ growth, allowing viewers to see the layers behind each personality. Sung-joon’s gradual warming up to Hye-jin and her journey to self-acceptance are both touching and believable.
2. Memorable Comedy and Romance: The hilarious mix-ups and witty banter, especially involving Shin-hyuk, add a refreshing layer to the romantic drama. The humor is never forced, making the comedic moments natural and genuinely funny.
3. Inspiring Life Lessons: She Was Pretty reminds viewers to embrace their authentic selves and reject superficial judgments. It champions resilience, self-love, and the importance of meaningful relationships, making it more than just a love story.

She Was Pretty stands out as a drama that offers more than laughs and romance. It is a tale of transformation, redemption, and acceptance that resonates with people across different walks of life. With its brilliant cast, heartwarming story, and important life lessons, She Was Pretty is an unforgettable journey for anyone seeking a feel-good watch.

1. What is the main theme of She Was Pretty?
   • The drama explores themes of beauty, identity, and self-acceptance, showing how true beauty shines from within.
2. Is She Was Pretty based on a true story?
   • Yes, it’s inspired by real-life events, making its storyline all the more relatable and heartfelt.
3. Who stars in She Was Pretty?
   • The lead roles are played by Hwang Jung-eum, Park Seo-joon, Go Joon-hee, and Choi Si-won.
4. Did Hwang Jung-eum and Park Seo-joon work together before?
   • Yes, they previously starred together in the hit drama Kill Me, Heal Me, which helped build their on-screen chemistry.
5. Why did Kim Hye-jin ask her friend Ha-ri to impersonate her?
   • Hye-jin felt insecure about her changed appearance and didn’t want to ruin Sung-joon’s idealized image of her.
6. What is the connection between Ji Sung-joon and Kim Hye-jin?
   • They were childhood friends who shared a close bond before their appearances and fortunes reversed.
7. How did the series perform internationally?
   • She Was Pretty was incredibly popular not only in Korea but also in China and across Asia, becoming a major hit.
8. Is Shin-hyuk’s character based on someone real?
   • While Shin-hyuk (played by Choi Si-won) is a fictional character, his humor and mysterious dual life added depth, making him a fan favorite.
9. What role does Ha-ri play in Hye-jin’s life?
   • Ha-ri is Hye-jin’s best friend and a key part of her support system, though her romantic interest in Sung-joon adds some tension.
10. Does Sung-joon eventually recognize Hye-jin as his first love?
    • Yes, as he spends more time with Hye-jin at The Most magazine, he starts to see her true self, which reminds him of his childhood friend.
11. How did She Was Pretty impact Choi Si-won’s acting career?
    • Si-won’s role as Shin-hyuk became one of his most beloved performances, praised for his humor and the depth he brought to the character.
12. What’s the biggest takeaway from She Was Pretty?
    • The show highlights the importance of inner beauty, kindness, and self-acceptance over superficial appearances.
13. Did the drama win any awards?
    • She Was Pretty received nominations and praise, especially for the lead actors' performances and chemistry.
14. What are the funniest moments in the series?
    • Shin-hyuk’s antics, Hye-jin’s clumsiness, and the misunderstandings between Sung-joon and Ha-ri add a comedic layer to the drama.
15. Where can I watch She Was Pretty?
    • She Was Pretty is available on several streaming platforms, including Viki and KOCOWA, in various regions.