True Beauty – Season 1 Episode 9 Recap & Review

Game of Truth

Episode 9 of True Beauty begins with Jugyeong running after Sua. She, Sua, and Chaerin arrive at a classroom to confront Sujin. Two of Sujin’s friends confront Sua, Chaerin, and Jugyeong about the Sebom Goddess Competition’s previous mission. Sua tells the girls that Sujin stole Jugyeong’s outfit for that mission. 

Sujin arrives and tells Sua that she didn’t copy Jugyeong’s outfit. Before Sua causes more of a scene, Jugyeong pulls her aside. Later, Sua continues rambling. She argues that Sujin stole Jugyeong’s outfit. Sua tells Chaerin and Jugyeong to visit her place later to discuss a combat plan. 

She says they can also turn this outing into a pajama party. Jugyeong refuses to go. She doesn’t want Sua and Chaerin to know what she looks like without makeup. Later, Jugyeong reflects on her previous decision. After Jugyeong bumps into Seojun, she calls Suho, asking him to meet her at the park. 

Jugyeong asks Suho for advice. She wants to tell Sua and Chaerin the truth about her appearance but doesn’t know how to approach this situation. Suho tells Jugyeong that Sua and Chaerin will still like her even if Jugyeong doesn’t have makeup on. He argues his friendship with her is proof enough. 

Jugyeong texts Sua, letting her know she’s changed her mind and will attend her pajama party. She arrives and Sua drops a few pajamas on the ground. Chaerin and Sua ask Jugyeong to share details about her relationship with Suho. Sua and Chaerin persuade Jugyeong to call Suho and Seojun. 

They want to confirm if the boys harbor deeper feelings for Jugyeong. Sua grabs Jugyeong’s phone and texts Suho. She wants Suho to attend her home, otherwise, Jugyeong will no longer be friends with him. Seojun and Suho arrive. The former knew something was up and tried leaving. 

Sua convinces Seojun to stay. Seojun and Suho put on some animal pajamas. Sua takes several photos of them, Jugyeong, Chaerin, and herself. After that, Sua insists they play the truth game. She spins the game’s bottle and it lands on Suho. Suho must reveal his “ideal type.” 

He reveals he likes people who are authentic and honest. Seojun’s next and he reveals he likes cute people. He argues with Sua and asks her about her “ideal type.” Sua says she likes handsome people. Then, Sua switches the question. The bottle lands on Seojun and Sua asks him if he has a crush on someone. 

Seojun says he does but doesn’t specify who he has a crush on. Sua changes the question. This time the person must reveal a secret they’re hiding from everyone. The bottle lands on Jugyeong. Suho reads the room and finds a way to depart Sua’s place with Seojun. 

Sua and Chaerin speculate that Jugyeong’s in a love triangle. Jugyeong confronts the girls about her secret and asks them to wait. Jugyeong returns to Sua’s living room and reveals her “ugly” side to the girls. She apologizes for not informing them about her hidden side. 

Sua and Chaerin cry, telling Jugyeong they like her for herself, not because she looks pretty. The girls hug it out. Meanwhile, Sujin checks her phone. Sujin notices many folks are gossiping about the previous mission. Some folks argue it’s possible Sujin stole Jugyeong’s original attire. 

Moreover, Sujin realizes that Jugyeong has more votes in the competition. Sujin wonders what makes Jugyeong so special. Then, someone sends Sujin a video clip of Jugyeong getting bullied. The episode ends with Sujin smirking.

The Episode Review

In this episode, Jugyeong reveals her “ugly” side to her friends. Seeing Sua and Chaerin shower Jugyeong with support is touching. However, one can’t help but feel disconnected from this trio’s supposed connection. Many fans may feel disappointed that the story didn’t tackle this idea sooner and some may not like how the author handled it. 

Also, the “bully” dilemma the previous episode set up wasn’t tackled until the end of this chapter. This is disappointing! Many would’ve preferred episode 9 to focus on Sujin’s clothing theft debacle more. Delving into Jugyeong’s former bully’s new infamous scheme would’ve been fantastic too.  It would have made sense narratively.

Instead, we receive an underwhelming “face reveal” themed episode. Fortunately, the humor in this one will satisfy some audiences. From goofy character reactions to amusing banter, some fans will chuckle at Sua, Seojun, and the others’ responses.

But besides that, this episode was a letdown. Hopefully, the next chapter delves into the external obstacle episode 9’s finale alludes to.