To the Beautiful You: A Mix of Sports, Love, and All Things Youthful!

When you think of a K-drama that has the trope of cross-dressing, To the Beautiful You might not be the first one that comes to your mind. Even though it had two of the most loved and celebrated idols of that time, this 2012 youthful TV series has somehow been shoved under the carpet. 

I watched it six years back and TBH, some of the episodes felt a little dragged to me. Moreover, I did not even want to finish watching this drama and, at some point in time, was going to stop watching it midway, thinking it was mediocrity at its best. 

However, I thank my stars for sticking through. Because when this one ended, I could feel all warm and seventeen again! 

So, whether you’re here for the swoon-worthy romance, the inspiring sports sequences, or the quirky moments that come with gender-bender dramas, To the Beautiful You has it all. 

To the Beautiful You 

Drama Name	To the Beautiful You
Other Names	Areumdawoon Geodaeege, For You in Full Blossom
Adapted From	Hana Kimi
Native Name	아름다운 그대에게
Directed by	Jeon Ki Sang
Original Network	SBS
Type	Drama (16 Episodes)
Aired	Aug 15, 2012 – Oct 4, 2012
Duration	1 hr 5 minutes per episode (approx.)
Genre	Romance, Comedy, High School, Gender-bender
Stars	Choi Minho, Sulli, Kim Ji Won, Kan Ha Neul

If you’re a fan of K-dramas that effortlessly blend romance, comedy, and the thrill of youthful ambitions, To the Beautiful You is a show you can’t miss. 

This drama takes you straight into the lively world of Genie High School, where dreams soar as high as the hurdles on the track field. 

Set in a prestigious sports academy, the story follows Goo Jae-hee (Sulli), a determined girl who disguises herself as a boy to support her idol, Kang Tae-Joon (Choi Minho), a talented high jumper struggling to regain his confidence after an injury. 

What unfolds is a delightful mix of awkward encounters, heartfelt friendships, and a slow-burning romance that keeps you hooked. 

What makes To the Beautiful You stand out is how it captures the ups and downs of youth. It’s not just about a girl infiltrating a boys’ school. It’s about chasing dreams, finding oneself, and forming connections that truly matter. 

Furthermore, the sports element adds a refreshing twist to the typical high school romance, as the characters face not only emotional challenges but also the physical and mental trials of competitive sports. 

Beyond the laughter and lighthearted moments, the drama resonates with anyone who has ever struggled with self-doubt or felt inspired to step out of their comfort zone for something—or someone—they believe in. 

Whether it’s Kang Tae-joon’s journey to overcome his fears or Goo Jae-hee’s unwavering support for him, the story is a relatable reminder of how resilience and love can shape us. 

Cast Members: Who Acted in the Drama?  

Actor	Character	Type
Sulli	Goo Jae Hee	Main Cast
Choi Minho	Kang Tae Joon	Main Cast
Lee Hyun Woo	Cha Eun Gyeol	Main Cast
Kang Ha-Neul	Min Hyeon Jae	Supporting Cast
Kim Ji-won	Seol Han-na	Supporting Cast
Ki Tae-young	Jang Min-woo	Supporting Cast
Hwang Kwang-hee	Song Jong-min	Supporting Cast
Kang Ha-neul	Min Hyeon-Jae	Supporting Cast
Lee Ah-Hyun	Jang Sil-jang	Supporting Cast
Seo Joon-young	Ha Seung-ri	Supporting Cast
Kim Woo Bin	John Kim	Cameo
EXO	EXO	Cameo

The Plot 

To the Beautiful You brings together an unforgettable cast of characters in a story filled with youthful charm and heartfelt moments. 

At the center of it all is Goo Jae-hee, a spirited and determined girl with an unusual mission. Born to Korean parents, she hails from California (she moved there at the age of 5). Inspired by her idol, Tae-Joon, she decides to transfer to his all-boys school to support him. 

The catch? She has to disguise herself as a boy to fit in—a decision that leads to a series of hilarious and touching moments. She decides to cut her hair short, bind her chest very tight, and even forge all her records to fly to Korea with a new identity. 

Tae-Joon, on the other hand, is dealing with his own battles. Once a star athlete, self-doubt and the pressure to perform now weighs him down. Additionally, his aloof and brooding nature masks a kind heart, making his journey of rediscovery both inspiring and relatable. 

Then there’s Cha Eun-gyeol (Lee Hyun-woo), the lovable and cheerful soccer player who becomes Jae-hee’s closest friend. His infectious energy and lighthearted demeanor add warmth to the story. However, his growing feelings for Jae-hee (while she pretends to be a guy) complicate matters in unexpected ways. 

Additionally, this sports-centered backdrop not only adds excitement but also serves as a metaphor for the challenges of life—whether it’s overcoming personal setbacks, building trust, or finding the courage to be true to oneself. 

Themes of friendship, identity, and perseverance run deep throughout the story. As the characters navigate their personal struggles and form meaningful connections, viewers are reminded of the importance of resilience and self-belief. 

Exploring Key Themes 

Now that the overall plot of the drama is out of the way, let me tell you about three key themes of this one. 

While there are several sub-themes that play in the background, I will be primarily talking about three: Sports and Determination, Romance and Youth, and Identity and Friendship. So, without further ado, let us just get on with it! 

Sports and Determination 

One of the most striking themes in To the Beautiful You is the power of determination brought to life through Kang Tae-joon’s journey as a high jumper. Once at the top of his game, Tae-joon’s confidence takes a hit after a career-threatening injury. 

His struggle to reclaim his spot in the world of athletics is not just about physical recovery—it’s about finding the inner strength to overcome self-doubt. 

Portrayed by SHINEE’s Minho (who is pretty athletic in real life), his journey inspires viewers to keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem stacked against them. 

Additionally, the sports element adds depth, showcasing the grit and resilience that one needs to chase one’s dreams. 

Romance and Youth 

Secondly, at its core, To the Beautiful You is also a celebration of youth and romance. The love story between Goo Jae-hee and Kang Tae-Joon is sweet and refreshing. It captures the innocence and awkwardness of first love. 

But the drama doesn’t just stop at romance. It delves into personal growth and self-discovery. 

As the characters face challenges, they learn valuable lessons about trust, loyalty, and the importance of supporting one another. Moreover, it’s a reminder that youth isn’t just about love—it’s also about finding oneself amid life’s uncertainties. 

Identity and Friendship 

Another standout theme is identity and friendship, explored through Goo Jae-hee’s cross-dressing plot. 

Now, the trope of a girl cross-dressing and pretending to be a guy is not new when it comes to K-dramas. 

We have seen it in Coffee Prince (2007) and even in Secret Garden (2010). And this is a trope that I really enjoy watching because of the endless possibilities that it can bring to a drama. Needless to say, To the Beautiful You did not disappoint me! 

By disguising herself as a boy, Jae-hee takes a bold step to follow her heart, but it also leads to moments of self-reflection. 

Her actions spark meaningful conversations about gender roles, self-expression, and the importance of being true to oneself. 

Along the way, her friendships—especially with Cha Eun-gyeol—highlight the value of genuine connections, regardless of appearances. 

“To The Beautiful You”: The Good Parts 

At first glance (for the first two episodes), you will not think much about this drama. However, To the Beautiful You starts picking up pace after the third episode. With the two leads having to stay together in the dorm room, everything starts getting a little more exciting. 

Here are a few things that set this K-drama apart from others: 

High Production Value and Visuals 

Firstly, let’s talk about the visuals—To the Beautiful You is an absolute treat for the eyes! Every scene is beautifully shot, from the thrilling high jump competitions to the cozy dorm moments. 

The attention to detail in the sports sequences is incredible—you can almost feel the tension and excitement of the events. 

And don’t even get me started on the school setting! The sprawling fields, vibrant classrooms, and scenic campus create the perfect backdrop for the story. It gives off those youthful and energetic vibes we all love in a good high school drama. 

Strong Performance by Sulli and Minho 

Now, let’s give credit where it’s due—Sulli and Minho completely nailed their roles. 

Sulli as Goo Jae-hee is just so relatable. She beautifully captures Jae-hee’s mix of courage and vulnerability, making us root for her every step of the way. 

And Minho as Kang Tae-joon? He’s the brooding yet kind-hearted hero we didn’t know we needed. Additionally, the way he portrays Tae-joon’s internal struggles and slow transformation is so genuine that it feels like we’re right there with him. 

Their chemistry? On point. Watching their journey together is like watching two puzzle pieces fall into place—it’s heartwarming and satisfying. 

Comparison to Other Gender-Bender Dramas 

Finally, if you’re a fan of gender-bender dramas, you probably know the classics like You’re Beautiful or Coffee Prince. While those are iconic in their own way, To the Beautiful You brings something fresh to the table. 

It combines the humor and chaos of mistaken identities with the grit and determination of sports. Sure, there’s plenty of romance and comedy, but it’s the focus on personal growth and perseverance that really makes this drama shine. 

In other words, it’s like getting the best of both worlds—a heartwarming love story with an inspiring message about chasing your dreams. 

“To The Beautiful You”: What Could Have Been Better? 

Now, this is where it gets a little tricky. But, hear me out when I say this: there are a lot of areas where I personally feel the drama could have done much better. I will talk about two of them: 

OSTs and Soundtrack 

With such a star studded drama, I honestly expected something more when it comes to the soundtrack of the drama. However, that was not the case. 

The main soundtrack, “Butterfly” was a little peppy and appropriate for the genre. Additionally, Onew from SHINEE did a pretty good job with “In Your Eyes,” the only ballad in the drama. 

However, apart from these two, I don’t think the other soundtracks did justice to the show. And guess what I’m saying that? Well, its because the music producers of To The Beautiful You have previously worked on several other successful projects including City Hunters. 

More of Supporting Cast 

This is really something I wish TTBY had done better. I mean, just look at the cast! Some of them are literally the best actors in Korean film and drama industry at present. 

For example, there’s Kim Ji Won and Kang Ha Neul (I honestly thank my stars for bringing him to my notice in TTBY.) They could have done so much better if the producers did not try to be so rigid with the plot of the real manga! 

Fun Trivia  

• Kim Tae-Yong, a former national high jumper and coach, trained actor Minho in the sport. 

• Koo Jae-Hee (Sulli) and Kang Tae-Joon (Minho) reenact a well-known scene from the SBS drama series “Secret Garden” starring Ha Ji-Won and Hyun-Bin in episode 8. The two protagonists in the scene are doing sit-ups while maintaining eye contact. 

• “To The Beautiful You” is based on the manga series “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e” by Hisaya Nakajo, which was published by Hakusensha from 1996 to 2004. SM Entertainment declared in 2011 that they had purchased the manga’s rights. 

• In real life, Sulli cropped her hair to play her part in the drama. She was well-known for her long hair, femininity, and membership in the girl group f(x). 

Where to Watch To the Beautiful You 

Platform	Availability	Details
Netflix	Paid Subscription	Paid Subscription
Viki	Free (with ads) / Paid Plan	Free with ads or upgrade for an ad-free experience
Kocowa	Paid Subscription	Offers high-quality streaming with multiple subtitle options
YouTube	Pay-per-episode or Free Clips	Some full episodes may require payment. Check for regional access

Dramas Similar to To The Beautiful You 

If you loved To the Beautiful You, you’re in for a treat because there are plenty of K-dramas with similar vibes! 

Start with You’re Beautiful, a fun gender-bender drama about a girl disguising herself as her twin brother to join a boy band—it’s packed with music, comedy, and romance. 

Next, there’s Coffee Prince, a classic story of mistaken identity and heartfelt love. 

For another youth-focused drama, try Dream High, where aspiring artists navigate their way through a performing arts school. 

Lastly, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo offers the perfect mix of sports, friendship, and an adorable love story! 

My Takeaway 

All in all, I feel To The Beautiful You is a great watch for those of you who are looking for something light. It is a great blend of comedy, romance, and passion. 

However, I also think that there was so much of lost potential in the drama and its actors. At some point of time, I was having a feeling that this is a drama that is run by SM Entertainment (with actors and singers from the agency.) 

While it is true that I loved the acting, there were times when I felt things were a little forced. For instance, when Goo Jae Hee went to the gymnasium when Tae Joon was practicing. The way she said that she was not selected because she lacked femininity, I truly found that a little annoying TBH. 

What do you think? 

Please let me know which other drama would you want me to review. And yes, do let me know what you think about To The Beautiful You in the comments below!