To the Beautiful You (2012) | Filming Locations & Guide

Story

Synopsis

A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.

To the Beautiful You is a Korean comedy-drama that explores the complexities of love and self-acceptance. The narrative centers on the poignant metaphor of lipstick, illustrating how people often hold onto relationships that no longer bring them joy or beauty, much like a lipstick that no longer suits them. The story delves into the struggles of letting go of love that has faded and encourages embracing change, suggesting that true beauty lies in the courage to discard what no longer enhances one's life.

Through its relatable themes and heartfelt moments, To the Beautiful You invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships and the choices they make, highlighting that love, much like a cosmetic choice, should uplift and inspire rather than weigh one down. The series presents a humorous yet profound examination of romance, encouraging characters and viewers alike to seek out connections that genuinely resonate with their true selves.

Why To the Beautiful You resonates with audiences

There’s something refreshingly relatable about To the Beautiful You. This series dives into the messy waters of love and self-acceptance, and it does so with a light-hearted touch that doesn’t undermine its emotional depth. At its core, the show uses lipstick as a metaphor, exploring how people cling to relationships that don’t quite fit anymore, much like an old lipstick shade that's lost its charm. It’s a clever angle that makes you reflect on your own connections while keeping the tone approachable.

Sulli takes center stage as Goo Jae-hee, a character whose journey is at the heart of the drama. She embodies the struggles of someone navigating love and identity in an often overwhelming world. Minho, as Kang Tae-joon, delivers a performance filled with charisma and charm. Their chemistry crackles, capturing the audience's attention as they traverse the complexities of their feelings. Meanwhile, Lee Hyun-woo's Cha Eun-gyeol brings a nuanced portrayal of friendship that adds another layer to the emotional tapestry of the series.

The humor throughout the show is also worth mentioning. There are moments that bring genuine laughter, helping to balance out the more serious themes of letting go and embracing change. This drama doesn’t shy away from the absurdities of young love or the awkwardness of growing up, and it’s those authentic moments that resonate well with the audience.

What sets this drama apart is its underlying message: love shouldn't just be about holding on, but about finding connections that uplift and inspire. It's a theme that can speak to anyone who has ever had to reevaluate their relationships. The series creates a mood that feels simultaneously nostalgic and hopeful, perfect for viewers who enjoy light-hearted comedies with emotional substance.

However, it’s important to mention that this show might not be for everyone. Those who prefer intense plot twists or overly dramatic storylines might find the pacing a bit slow at times. But for viewers who appreciate a more reflective take on romance, this drama is sure to land well. It invites you to watch characters grapple with their choices, all while wrapping you up in a warm, comforting story that feels both familiar and invigorating.

In a landscape filled with high-stakes dramas, To the Beautiful You allows for a moment of breathing space. It’s fun, it’s touching, and ultimately, it encourages viewers to embrace their true selves. Whether you’re a fan of coming-of-age tales or simply looking for something with heart, this series has plenty to offer.

Final verdict: a lighthearted watch for a cozy afternoon

To the Beautiful You is a charming blend of comedy and drama that navigates the intricacies of love and self-acceptance. With its focus on the metaphor of lipstick, the series cleverly tackles the struggle of holding onto relationships that no longer spark joy, urging viewers to embrace change and let go of what doesn’t enhance their lives.

What I appreciated most about this drama is its relatability. Characters like Goo Jae-hee, played by Sulli, and Kang Tae-joon, portrayed by Minho, embody the journey of finding genuine connections and learning to embrace one's true self. Their struggles resonate with many, even if the narratives sometimes veer into predictable territory. The supporting cast, including Lee Hyun-woo as Cha Eun-gyeol and Kang Ha-neul as Min Hyeon-jae, brings additional depth, enriching the experience with their own mini-arcs. However, the show occasionally lacks a sense of urgency, and some viewers might find the pacing a bit slow, especially in the middle episodes.

This drama is perfect for those who enjoy lighthearted romantic comedies and are looking for something that doesn’t require too much emotional investment. With a solid TMDB rating of 6.813 out of 10 and 16 episodes, it’s a delightful option for a cozy afternoon binge. In the end, To the Beautiful You lingers in your mind as a gentle reminder that love, like lipstick, should uplift rather than weigh down your spirit.

Filming locations

Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.

01
Jeju Camellia Hill
제주 카멜리아힐
166 Byeongak-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province제주특별자치도 서귀포시 안덕면 병악로 166
Jeju Camellia Hill is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful camellia flowers and scenic walking paths. It features various themed gardens and photo zones, making it a great spot for families and couples.
Jeju Camellia Hill is said to have over 500 varieties of camellias, including the largest camellia flower in the world, and there are approximately 6,000 camellia trees.
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02
Dasan Ecological Park
다산생태공원
Dasan-ro 767, Joan-myeon, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do경기 남양주시 조안면 다산로 767
This park is a beautiful area where visitors can explore nature and learn about the legacy of Jeong Yak-yong.
Among the Eight Scenic Spots of Namyangju, this place known as 'Jeong Yak-yong Historic Site' is recognized as the foremost.
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03
Namhansanseong Museum
남한산성박물관
812 Namhansanseong-ro, Namhansanseong-myeon, Gwangju, Gyeonggi경기 광주시 남한산성면 남한산성로 812
The museum provides insights into the history and culture of the Namhansanseong fortress, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Passing right in front of the main gate of the Namyangju City Museum.
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04
Seohogongwon
서호공원
436-1 Hwaseo-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do경기 수원시 팔달구 화서동 436-1
Seohogongwon is a spacious park in Suwon that offers a refreshing environment for citizens and their families. It is a great place for walks and enjoying the beautiful flowers in spring.
Seohogongwon, where Suwon's Chukman Festival is located, offers Suwon citizens and nearby residents a place for walks, along with a refreshing breeze and an expansive open space. It is also a place where children and dogs can run freely.
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Discovery

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Details

Production

Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.

Country

South Korea

Original language

Korean

Episode runtime

65 min

Spoken languages

Korean

Production companies

SM Culture & Contents

Directors: Jeon Gi-Sang

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.

Goo Jae-hee
Sulli설리
Kang Tae-joon
Minho민호
Cha Eun-gyeol
Lee Hyun-woo이현우
Min Hyeon-jae
Kang Ha-neul강하늘
Seol Han Na
Kim Ji-won김지원
Song Jong Min
Hwang Kwang-hee황광희
Ha Seung-ri
Seo Jun-young서준영
Jo Young-man
Yoo Min-kyu
Na Cheol-soo
Kim Ian
Hwang Gye-bong
Lee Han-wi이한위
Hong Da-hae
Nam Ji-hyun남지현
Daniel Dawson
Julien Kang줄리엔 강
Min Hyeon-jae's sister
Kim Yoo-bin
Hong Bo-Hee
Jung Hye-sung정혜성
Kang Geun-wook
Sunwoo Jae-duk선우재덕
Kang Tae-joon (young)
Kang Chan-hee강찬희

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Sullias Goo Jae-hee

설리

1994-03-29 · Busan, South Korea

Choi Jin-ri, known professionally as Sulli, was a multifaceted South Korean singer, songwriter, actress, and model, born on March 29, 1994. She began her career as a child actress, capturing attention with her role as the young Princess Seonhwa of Silla in the 2005 SBS drama Ballad of Seodong. Following this initial success, she participated in various television series and films, including the romantic comedy To the Beautiful You in 2012, which solidified her acting credentials and earned her multiple awards. In 2009, Sulli debuted as a member of the girl group f(x), which quickly gained popularity, achieving critical acclaim and commercial success. The group became internationally recognized, notably as the first K-pop act to perform at SXSW. After leaving f(x) in 2015 to focus on her acting career, Sulli ventured into modeling and became a prominent figure in Korean popular culture, known for her outspoken nature and bold choices. She returned to music in 2018 with a feature on Dean's single "Dayfly" and released her solo debut album Goblin in June 2019, shortly before her untimely passing on October 14, 2019. Sulli's impact on the industry remains significant, as she is remembered for her talent and unique personality.

Notable credits on this site

Hotel Del Luna
2019

Minhoas Kang Tae-joon

민호

1991-12-09 · Incheon, South Korea

Choi Min-ho, widely known as Minho, is a prominent South Korean singer, songwriter, rapper, and actor, currently under the management of SM Entertainment. He was born on December 9, 1991, and he debuted as a member of the highly successful boy band SHINee in May 2008. The group quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the best-selling artists in South Korea. Minho ventured into acting in November 2010 with a role in KBS2's drama special "Pianist." His acting career has flourished since then, with notable appearances in television series such as "Salamander Guru and The Shadows," "To the Beautiful You," "Medical Top Team," "My First Time," and "Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth." In addition to his television work, he made his film debut in 2016 with the movie "Canola." As a solo artist, Minho has released several digital singles, including "I'm Home" in 2019 and "Heartbreak" in 2021. His musical journey continued with the release of his debut solo EP, "Chase," in 2022, showcasing his versatility as both a performer and a musician.

Lee Hyun-wooas Cha Eun-gyeol

이현우

1993-03-23 · Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Lee Hyun-woo is a talented South Korean actor born on March 23, 1993. He has gained recognition for his performances in notable films, particularly his roles in the blockbusters "Secretly Greatly" (2013) and "Northern Limit Line" (2015). His work in these films has showcased his ability to engage audiences and has solidified his status in the South Korean film industry. With a career that reflects both versatility and depth, Lee Hyun-woo continues to captivate viewers with his compelling portrayals across various genres. His contributions to film not only highlight his acting skills but also demonstrate his commitment to the craft. As he progresses in his career, audiences eagerly anticipate his future projects and the new characters he will bring to life on screen.

Notable credits on this site

The Great Queen Seondeok
2009

Kang Ha-neulas Min Hyeon-jae

강하늘

1990-02-21 · Busan, South Korea

Kang Ha-neul, born Kim Ha-neul on February 21, 1990, is a prominent South Korean actor celebrated for his diverse roles in both television and film. He first garnered attention through the acclaimed television dramas "Misaeng: Incomplete Life" in 2014 and "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" in 2016. His performance in "When the Camellia Blooms" (2019) received critical acclaim, earning him the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor. Kang continues to expand his international presence, notably with his roles in the widely popular series "Squid Game," set to air its second and third seasons in 2024 and 2025. Known as a prolific Chungmu-ro actor, he has also made significant contributions to film, appearing in titles such as "Twenty" (2015), "Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet" (2016), "New Trial" (2017), "Midnight Runners" (2017), "Forgotten" (2017), "Love Reset" (2023), and "Yadang: The Snitch" (2025). Kang Ha-neul's dynamic performances continue to captivate audiences, solidifying his status as one of South Korea's leading actors.

Notable credits on this site

Squid Game
2021

Kim Ji-wonas Seol Han Na

김지원

1992-10-19 · Seoul, South Korea

Kim Ji-won is a prominent South Korean actress born on October 19, 1992. She first gained attention through her role in the 2012 television series To the Beautiful You. However, it was her performances in popular dramas such as The Heirs in 2013 and Descendants of the Sun in 2016 that solidified her place in the entertainment industry. Both series, penned by renowned screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, showcased her talent and charisma, making her a household name. Over the years, Kim Ji-won has continued to impress audiences with leading roles in a variety of successful dramas. Her portrayal in Fight for My Way (2017) further established her versatility as an actress. She also starred in the epic fantasy series Arthdal Chronicles (2019) and more recently in My Liberation Notes (2022) and Queen of Tears (2024), the latter becoming tvN's highest-rated series at the time. Through these performances, Kim Ji-won has emerged as a significant figure in the Hallyu wave, gaining both national and international acclaim.

Notable credits on this site

Streaming

Where to watch

Availability is grouped by country and provider type.

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Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

Ep 1Episode 1
2012-08-15 · 65 min
As the series opens, Kang Tae Joon wins a gold medal and sets a world record as he leaps to victory during the high jump finals of the 2010 Youth Olympics. Gu Jae Hee cuts her hair and arrives at Genie High under the guise of a male transfer student.
Ep 2Episode 2
2012-08-16 · 65 min
Tae-Joon faces scrutiny as his father, Director Jang, and a nosy reporter become suspicious that he may be faking his injury. After Doc discovers that Jae-Hee is a woman and threatens to have her expelled, she reveals that the real motivation behind her deception is to help Tae-Joon high jump again.
Ep 3Episode 3
2012-08-22 · 65 min
After a nosy reporter captures a picture of a kiss shared between Tae-Joon and Jae-Hee, news of the kiss spreads through the school like wildfire. Jae-Hee attempts to save Tae-Joon's rapidly deteriorating reputation by claiming that a kiss is a customary friendly greeting in the United States.
Ep 4Episode 4
2012-08-23 · 65 min
After Jae-Hee is abducted by a strange hyung, a suspicious Tae-Joon saves the day when the Hyung attempts to rape her. When Tae-Joon overhears a heated argument between Jae-Hee and her visiting oppa (brother), he becomes upset and demands that she leave.
Ep 5Episode 5
2012-08-29 · 65 min
When Tae-Joon opens Jae-Hee's laptop, he finds a video presentation that she has addressed to Coach Holton describing Tae-Joon as her inspiration and requesting his help with Tae-Joon. After seeing the presentation, Tae-Joon tells Director Jang that he has found a reason to start training again.
Ep 6Episode 6
2012-08-30 · 65 min
Tae-Joon is visibly nervous as he prepares to attempt a high jump but gains confidence and makes the jump after seeing Jae-Hee. When Seungri approaches Jae-Hee to perform as a girl at the Miss Genie contest, she initially refuses but later agrees to perform only if he helps Tae-Joon get back on the Athletics Team.
Ep 7Episode 7
2012-09-05 · 65 min
While searching for the necklace that Tae-Joon was wearing when he saved her from drowning, Jae-Hee is tricked into entering a building that is scheduled to be demolished the next day. Meanwhile, after having the necklace wrapped during a shopping trip with Da-Hae, Eun-Gul looks for Jae-Hee to present her with the gift.
Ep 8Episode 8
2012-09-06 · 65 min
It's Jae Hee's birthday and Eun Gyul buys her some seaweed soup. Tae Joon gets a call from Ha Na and goes to celebrate her birthday early, which saddens Jae Hee because she wanted to celebrate with him.
Ep 9Episode 9
2012-09-12 · 65 min
Sparks fly between Tae Joon and Jae Hee after Tae Joon considers training in Canada, just before a strange man kidnaps Jae Hee. Meanwhile, Johnny begins to doubt that Jae Hee is a boy.
Ep 10Episode 10
2012-09-13 · 65 min
When Reporter Yang interviews Tae-Joon about his high jumping career she inquires as to why he would turn down an offer by the notorious Coach Holton to train with him in Canada. Tae-Joon sacrifices his good boy image to stop Jae-Hee's feminine items from being discovered during a surprise room inspection.
Ep 11Episode 11
2012-09-19 · 65 min
During an argument with Hanna, she confronts Tae-Joon about knowing that Jae-Hee is a girl and gives him an ultimatum; he must either date her or kick her out. After a meeting with Jae-Hee, Hanna is distracted during gymnastics practice and makes a mistake that may cost her career.
Ep 12Episode 12
2012-09-20 · 65 min
During a training session, Tae-Joon is able to high jump past the 2.28m mark; Coach Baek praises him for being back in peak shape and suggests that he will be a shoo-in for the Olympics. Jae-Hee visits Hannah in the hospital and the two share a moment.
Ep 13Episode 13
2012-09-26 · 65 min
Jae-Hee is worried after Jong-Min reads her fortune and pulls the death card but Eun-Gyul assures her that the reading was faulty. Jae-Hee catches Hyun-Jae attempting to harm Tae-Joon, first by attempting to secretly bludgeon him with a flower pot and then by cutting the brakes on Tae-Joon's bicycle.
Ep 14Episode 14
2012-09-27 · 65 min
Tae Joon refuses to see his sick father and he asks Jae Hee to go away. Eun Gyul makes a shocking discovery about Jae Hee after he enters her room.
Ep 15Episode 15
2012-10-03 · 65 min
Chan Eun Gyul is shocked to know that his best friend is a girl. Tae joon isn't shocked at all. But now their is a rumor that there is a girl at there school. Eun Gyul is trying one last time to win jae hee over.
Ep 16Episode 16
2012-10-04 · 65 min
Jae Hee continues to support Tae Joon with his training, but makes a difficult decision that Tae Joon does not find out about until Eun Gyul tells him. A message from Eun Gyul helps Jae Hee catch up with everyone and a special visitor surprises her in California.