Watch Miss Korea

Miss Korea is a South Korean drama series that first aired in 2013 and concluded in 2014. It is considered as one of the most popular K-dramas in recent years, starring Lee Yeon-hee and Lee Sun-kyun in the lead roles. The story is set in the year 1997 and revolves around a group of individuals who decided to participate in the Miss Korea competition. The competition was a beauty pageant that has been held annually since 1957. However, the atmosphere of the country at that time was nothing but bleak, with the Asian financial crisis damaging the economy and the sense of national pride.

The protagonist of the story is Oh Ji-young, played by Lee Yeon-hee, who is a former beauty queen and a cosmetics saleswoman. She is not very optimistic about participating in the upcoming Miss Korea competition since she deems herself to be too old and overweight. But her fortunes change when she crosses paths with Hyung-joon, played by Lee Sun-kyun. He is the president of a small but popular cosmetics company who is facing financial difficulties due to intense competition in the market.

Hyung-joon sees an opportunity in the Miss Korea competition and wants to create a new kind of beauty pageant that promotes a more modern and independent image of women. He enlists the help of his friend, Kim Jae-hee, played by Lee Mi-sook, who is a former beauty queen and the owner of a prestigious beauty salon. Together, they convince Ji-young to become their candidate for the Miss Korea title and embark on a journey to transform her into a stunning beauty and overcome the challenges they face along the way.

One of the main themes of the show revolves around the negative stereotypes of beauty pageants that existed in South Korea at that time. The show explores the concept of beauty beyond physical attributes and emphasizes the importance of inner beauty, confidence, and intelligence. It highlights the struggles of women in a society that emphasizes strict beauty standards and the freedom to choose one's own path in life.

The show also touches upon the impact of the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s and how it affected individuals from different walks of life. The characters face various economic and personal challenges, including unemployment, family obligations, and disappointment in love. However, they never give up their hope and work together towards their dream of winning the Miss Korea competition.

The performances of the cast members are top-notch, especially Lee Yeon-hee and Lee Sun-kyun, who have great chemistry on screen. Their characters' relationship evolves over time, with Hyung-joon becoming Ji-young's mentor, inspiration, and love interest. The show also features a strong supporting cast that includes beauty contestants, their families, and other characters, adding depth to the storyline.

The production values of the show are excellent, with vivid and colorful visuals that capture the beauty and charm of South Korea in the 1990s. The music score is equally impressive, featuring popular hits from that era, enhancing the emotional impact of the scenes.

In conclusion, Miss Korea is a must-watch Korean drama that offers a unique blend of romance, comedy, and drama. It offers a fresh perspective on beauty pageants, women's empowerment, and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a heart-warming story that presents a vivid snapshot of South Korea's recent history and its societal norms.