The Beauty Inside

The Beauty Inside is a South Korean romantic comedy-drama film directed by Han Suk-won. The movie is loosely based on a Japanese film of the same name and also serves as a remake of the 2012 American television series, also called 'The Beauty Inside,' which aired for one season. The story revolves around Woo-jin, a talented furniture designer by profession who suffers from a rare condition. In Woo-jin's case, he wakes up in a different body every day. Due to his condition, he is unable to maintain relationships with others, as he cannot predict or control his daily transformations. Woo-jin, however, longs for human connection, friendship, and love, making him more endearing to the audience. Woo-jin gets an unexpected opportunity to meet a beautiful woman named Yi-soo, through a project at his work. Yi-soo is an art director who shares Woo-jin's interest in design and art. Their encounter leads to an instant connection, and despite their vastly different personalities, the two start developing a strong bond. However, Woo-jin struggles to establish a relationship with Yi-soo, as every day brings about a new and unfamiliar body. Woo-jin's situation makes it nearly impossible for him to recall memories and details about his daily experiences, making long-term connections nearly impossible. In a twist, Woo-jin makes an effort to see Yi-soo in every body he wakes up in. He meets her again and again, but each time, he finds himself in a different body. Woo-jin must navigate this unique reality while trying to win Yi-soo's heart. Along the way, Woo-jin befriends a group of people who know about his condition. They aid him in keeping track of his transformations, using social media to locate Woo-jin in his new body and help him reconnect with Yi-soo. The audience is often left uncertain about Woo-jin's daily identity due to constant changes in body. As the story unfolds, the focus shifts from Woo-jin struggling with his rare condition to him developing a genuine connection with Yi-soo and the people around him. Through his love story with Yi-soo, Woo-jin comes to terms with his circumstances, gradually learning to cope with the uncertainty surrounding his day-to-day experiences. In one of the pivotal scenes, Woo-jin is able to spend the night with Yi-soo in the same body. Although Woo-jin initially fears that Yi-soo might never see him in the same body again, the night's intimacy brings about a deeper connection between the two. Woo-jin finally finds a moment of happiness and love, even though his condition makes it impossible for such moments to last. Ultimately, The Beauty Inside highlights the importance of human connection, the beauty of love, and the resiliency of the human spirit. The movie takes its viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions, navigating Woo-jin's emotional struggles alongside him. Along the way, Woo-jin forms unbreakable bonds with others and eventually finds a sense of belonging, even in the midst of his unique condition. Throughout the movie, the director explores various themes of life, including self-discovery, friendship, and love in all its complexities. The Beauty Inside, in the end, leaves the audience with a message of hope and the understanding that true beauty lies not in appearance, but in how we interact and connect with others. Despite facing a life-changing condition, Woo-jin holds on to his love and connection with Yi-soo and the people who surround him, proving that our resilience and determination allow us to find solace and purpose in even the darkest of circumstances.