Member Reviews

## ✨ Quick Impressions
Volume 5 hits hard with its dramatic time skip and graduation arc. I found myself both thrilled by the fresh direction and a little disoriented by how fast some threads were wrapped up. Overall, it’s an emotional roller‑coaster that leaves you eager for what comes next.

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## 🎨 Art & Atmosphere
- **Stand‑out panels:** Yaongyi’s makeup montages remain jaw‑dropping—each transformation scene feels like its own mini masterpiece.
- **Mood shifts:** The contrast between Jugyeong’s polished, confident look and her vulnerable off‑camera moments is rendered beautifully; you can almost feel her heartbeat in those quieter sketches.
- **Pacing through visuals:** The layout speeds up during the time skip—some sequences feel almost breathless, which underscores the rush of finals and college prep.

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## 👩‍🎓 Character Beats
- **Jugyeong’s growth:** Watching her grapple with life beyond high school rings true. Her excitement over college dreams is infectious, but the cracks in her confidence still peek through—and I loved that nuance.
- **Suho’s evolution:** He’s less in the driver’s seat this time, but his calm support is exactly what Jugyeong needs. Their slow‑burn chemistry gets a welcome moment in the spotlight.
- **Side characters:** Seo‑jun and Hwi‑yeon get just enough page time to remind you why you care about them, though I did miss a few of their signature banter exchanges.

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## 💬 Themes & Takeaways
- **Identity vs. Appearance:** The volume leans hard into the question “Who am I without my makeup?” The answer isn’t fully tidy here—but that open end felt honest rather than frustrating.
- **Transitions & Uncertainty:** Graduation is a perfect metaphor for the unknown, and the story captures that blend of excitement and anxiety especially well.
- **Friendship & Support:** At its heart, this volume is about leaning on others when you’re terrified of what’s next—which made the quieter friendship scenes some of my favorites.

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## ⚖️ What Didn’t Land for Me
- **Abrupt pacing:** The time skip is exciting but also jarring—it rushes past several plot threads (I wanted more school‑festival fallout!).
- **Emotional payoffs:** A couple of big revelations happen off‑screen or in quick panels, so they pack less punch than they might have with a bit more build‑up.

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## 💭 Final Thoughts
Volume 5 of *True Beauty* is a bittersweet turning point—packed with the series’ trademark gorgeous art and heartfelt moments, yet racing forward so quickly that a few emotional beats get short‑changed. If you love seeing Jugyeong face new challenges head‑on (and you crave that satisfying slow‑burn romance), this volume delivers in spades, even as it leaves you hungry for a bit more depth in certain scenes. It’s a thrilling chapter in her journey—one that perfectly sets the stage for Volume 6.

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I thought I had already submitted a review for this one, but I am definitely a fan of this series. It's lighthearted and sweet, but has some real moments about what the expectations are for people in the world when it comes to your looks. I appreciate the growth of the main character, realizing that she might not always need to be completely made up to be accepted. I will absolutely keep reading this series!

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**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**

True Beauty, Vol. 5 by Yaongyi was a great continuation of the previous four volumes of this webtoon. We get multiple relationship developments and some time passes as well. Glad I finally read this one as it was a long wait. The webtoon version of this story definitely feels a bit different than watching the k-drama, but not in a bad way. On the contrary, it makes reading more interesting as I'm never quite sure how the plot points will play out. It seems they definitely did some things differently for the show. If you enjoy this series, there's no reason why you shouldn't continu

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True Beauty means so much to me, and I'm so happy to have been able to read the most recent volume before it was released. Sorry that the review was a bit late. I thought it went through and it didn't. Thank you for the arc.

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Thank you Netgalley for this arc of True Beauty Volume Five. This was my first manga series and I really enjoyed it. I was a very fast paced & entertaining story. I'd recommend this. I rated it 4 stars.

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NOW THIS VOLUME WAS ABSOLUTELY GREAT!!!

If you’re like me and have watched the kdrama adaptation of this you loosely know the progression of events. However, this volume strays a bit from the adaptation and I have to say, thank god for that!! There were so many scenes in this volume that I absolutely think were needed because it helps develop the relationship between Jugyeong and Seojun which we love to see!! In novels and graphic novels alike I think it’s so important to have scenes/chapters where they hangout but there’s things left unsaid between them. In this case, we see that in Seojun’s facial expressions when Jugyeong gets too close to him or brushes up against him in a friendly way.

Then there’s the time skip which happens in the kdrama adaptation as well but in the original work aka the WEBTOON aka this volume Jugyeong self sabotages a bit and actually attends college which is so interesting to see. I hope in the next volume or volumes to come she rediscovers her passion for makeup artistry because that was a nice bit in the previous volumes.

Thank you NetGalley & Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

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I love this series! I first started reading it when it was being released on webtoon, so to see it turned into books makes me so proud. The story is just as good as I remember it being - both realistic and unrealistic at the same time. Relatable characters with real insecurities mixed with the drama of teen romance and hopes and dreams.

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The main reason I requested this book was because I watched and loved the drama adaptation of this web toon. I liked it, it was similar to the drama and it was very easy and fast to read. But, I didn't like the FMC here because she had a very low self-esteem here.

Plus, this is the first web toon I'll ever read and I'll be reading another one, the pictures are beautiful!

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Another interesting and funny entry in this ongoing series. It's refreshing to see characters like and befriend Jugyeong based on her personality and not just her looks. I did remove a star because of a situation that seemed to me like a red flag because of how it almost goes down a path of ignoring the rules of consent. Aside from that I'm interested to see more of these characters!

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The fifth volume of True Beauty by Yaongyi continues to deliver the heartwarming mix of romance, self-discovery, and drama that has made the series so beloved. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn deeper into the life of Jugyeong, who struggles to balance her desire to be loved for who she is with the societal pressures of maintaining her flawless outward appearance.

Volume 5 is packed with emotional depth and character growth. Jugyeong’s relationships—both romantic and platonic—are explored in greater detail, and the love triangle between her, Suho, and Seojun reaches new heights. The tension is palpable, yet it’s balanced by touching moments of vulnerability that remind readers of the humanity behind the characters’ struggles.

What sets this volume apart is its focus on personal empowerment. Jugyeong begins to confront the deeper insecurities that have shaped her journey, leading to powerful moments of self-reflection and courage. Meanwhile, the supporting characters are given their moments to shine, particularly as the dynamics within their group evolve.

Yaongyi’s stunning artwork enhances the storytelling, with expressive character designs and beautifully rendered emotional beats. Every panel captures the nuance of the characters’ feelings, drawing readers further into their world.

True Beauty, Volume 5 is a must-read for fans of the series, offering a perfect blend of drama, humor, and heartfelt moments. It reminds readers that beauty isn’t just skin deep and that self-acceptance is the ultimate transformation.

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This series is so fun when you want a k-drama fix through graphic novels. I definitely think it would be a good fit when it comes to people learning to accept their appearances and covers the important discussion about Korean beauty standards.

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True beauty is a a cliche korean manhwa story, I like how this time we finally see jugyeong and suho confess their feelings to each other and not just another case of extending plot to nothing. At the time where they confessed to e/o, Suho had to fly to Japan. In this volume we see how Seojun and Jugyeong grew up as an adult and got close together.

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I am absolutely obsessed with this series. I read the original webtoon and loved it! I love the characters and the whole will they won't they! I also love the storyline progression and the character development is superb!!!!

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I enjoy following this series and I liked the time jump to them being a bit older so the story can advance more with new experiences. But I expected a bit more to be going on, it feels like this is a bit of a transition/filler section. Although we do see more of Seojun which I love. The love triangle vibes have definitely gotten stronger and I am nervous to see how that plays out with each of their friendships. Overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to the next volume!

Thank you WEBTOON Unscrolled for the DRC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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2.5 stars. I luckily received this book as an ARC from the publisher. I have been struggling with this series for a while. My biggest issue is how insecure she is and how basically everyone makes comments in her body nonstop. The “love triangle” just isn’t working for me. She just leaps around and it seems very surface level. I’d hoped the time skip would solve that but nope. Nothing changed at all besides her drinking way more. I think I have reached my limit as I’m not interested in this anymore. I wouldn’t recommend unless you only want surface level issues. The whole point is you are pretty without makeup yet there has been zero improvement in all 63 chapters.

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Thanks, Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group, for the arc!

Ohmigosh! After the last book, this TRUE BEAUTY book is precisely what I needed! It was like reading the books at the beginning with all the drama, heartache, love, lust, and miscommunication you can shake your fist at! I’m so excited I read it early to see Jugyeong switch from high school to college - it had an excellent time jump. And now, after that cliffhanger of an ending, I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens!!!!

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I love this series! Can’t wait for the next volume to come out! The love triangle continue.

I like the idea of the time jump. That way we can see that they have been friends for a all time. They are older now but I love Seojun and Jugyeong.

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Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for review!

The love triangle continues!

Suho and Jugyeong finally get to go on a date! Their time is well spent, and the reader gets to understand their true feelings for one another. However- Suho gets cold feet, and in the end neither admit their feelings when the time is right. Fast forward to Jugyeong waiting for her movie date with Suho, she's determined to tell him how she feels! But it's Seojun that shows up, and the news is bad. There's been an accident, and now Suho has to fly out to Japan immediately. He takes her to Suho to say their goodbyes, and FINALLY admit their feelings. However, it seems to be a case of right person wrong time, and years pass in a blink of an eye...

Jugyeong and Seojun are closer than ever, living their adult lives. However, can they be more than just friends? A drunken kiss can either be a blessing or a breaking point for the two.

Wow! A lot happened in this fifth installment, episodes 51-63 of the webtoon. I didn't expect a time skip either, to be honest. But alas- I think seeing an adult Jugyeong is just what this series needed. I love that she's a successful influence, but also living the realities of a 21 year old woman who has no idea what she wants to do in life. Excited to continue this series! I'm holding off on the Kdrama until I can finish it. 5/5 stars.

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True Beauty is one of my favorite webtoons!! I love this series and I’m always excited when another one comes out.

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Even though I didn't read the previous works in this series, I found the story enjoyable. I also really liked the artwork and characters. I recommend this for fans of anime and romance.

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