5 Shocking Ways The Japanese Remake Of 'My ID Is Gangnam Beauty' Dives Deeper Into Beauty Standards

The highly anticipated Japanese adaptation of the beloved Korean webtoon, *My ID is Gangnam Beauty*, has officially aired, bringing a fresh, recent perspective on the global conversation about beauty standards and self-acceptance. The J-Drama, titled *Watashi wa Seikei Bijin* (私は整形美人), which translates to "I am a Plastic Surgery Beauty," debuted in early 2025 and immediately became a talking point for fans across Asia. This new version, with its localized setting and cast, offers a unique lens through which to examine cosmetic surgery culture, shifting the focus from Seoul's Gangnam district to the nuanced pressures faced by young people in modern Japan as of today, December 12, 2025. The Japanese remake successfully captures the original story's emotional core—the journey of a young woman who seeks a new life through surgery only to find that true happiness is not skin deep. With a tight, 10-episode run on a major network, the series delivered a concise and impactful narrative, proving that the themes of self-worth and societal judgment are truly universal, transcending cultural borders from Korea and Thailand (which also has a remake) straight into the heart of Japanese television.

Watashi wa Seikei Bijin (I am a Plastic Surgery Beauty) - Full Cast & Production Profile

The success of any adaptation hinges on its cast, and the Japanese version brought together a talented ensemble to portray the iconic characters originally made famous by Im Soo-hyang and Cha Eun-woo. This section provides a detailed look at the main actors and the key production details for the J-Drama, which aired in 2025.

Core Cast Biography and Character Equivalents

• Ishii Anna as Mirei Katagiri: Ishii Anna steps into the lead role, the equivalent of the original's Kang Mi-rae. Mirei is a young woman who undergoes extensive plastic surgery to escape the trauma of being bullied for her appearance. Anna's portrayal was praised for capturing the character's lingering insecurity and journey toward finding inner confidence.
• Honda Kyoya as Kei Sakaguchi: Taking on the role of the aloof yet kind male lead, originally Do Kyung-seok, Honda Kyoya plays Kei Sakaguchi. Kei is the only person who recognizes Mirei from her past and, crucially, judges people based on their character, not their looks. Honda Kyoya is a rising star in the J-Drama scene.
• Kubota Sayu as Honami Enomoto: The drama’s antagonist, the "naturally beautiful" character who hides a manipulative personality (the Hyun Soo-a equivalent), is played by Kubota Sayu. Her character, Honami Enomoto, is central to the drama’s exploration of what constitutes "true beauty" and the hypocrisy of judging others.
• Nagatsuma Reo as Yu Mukai: Nagatsuma Reo plays Yu Mukai, a key supporting role often compared to Yeon Woo-young. Yu Mukai is a warm, friendly senior who develops feelings for Mirei, adding complexity to the romantic dynamics.
• Tanaka Misato as Shiraishi Masami: A supporting character who helps flesh out the university setting.
• Morishita Yoshiyuki: Another key supporting actor, adding depth to the narrative’s university and family setting.

Production and Release Details

• Japanese Title: 私は整形美人 (*Watashi wa Seikei Bijin*)
• English Title: I am a Plastic Surgery Beauty
• Original Work: Webtoon *My ID is Gangnam Beauty* by Gi Maeng-gi
• Format: Renzoku Drama (Japanese Serial Drama)
• Network: Fuji TV
• Episodes: 10 Episodes
• Air Date: January 17, 2025 – February 14, 2025
• Genre: Love Comedy, School, Drama

The fact that the series was a short, 10-episode run on Fuji TV is a significant difference from the 16-episode format of the original K-Drama, suggesting a faster pace and a more focused narrative delivery, which many reviewers noted was a positive change.

The 5 Shocking Ways the J-Drama Adaptation Stands Out

While the core plot remains faithful to the original webtoon and the popular K-Drama, *Watashi wa Seikei Bijin* is far from a simple copy. The adaptation makes several key changes to localize the story, resulting in a series that is both familiar and unexpectedly fresh. Reviewers and fans have pointed out specific elements where the Japanese version arguably "dives deeper" into the themes of appearance and self-esteem.

1. A More Compressed and Intense Narrative Arc

Unlike the Korean version, which had 16 episodes, the Japanese adaptation was streamlined into just 10 episodes. This shorter format forces the story to move at a quicker, more intense pace. Key plot points, such as the initial bullying, Mirei’s transition to university, and her confrontations with the manipulative Honami Enomoto, feel more immediate and less drawn out. This pacing change was lauded by some fans who felt the original K-Drama occasionally dragged, making the J-Drama feel more natural and better paced.

2. Localized Focus on Japanese Aesthetic Standards

The original title, *Gangnam Beauty*, is a direct reference to South Korea's cosmetic surgery epicenter. The Japanese title, *Watashi wa Seikei Bijin*, is a more direct and less geographically specific statement, shifting the focus to the individual’s identity. The drama subtly explores the unique pressures of the Japanese beauty industry, where the emphasis is often on achieving a "natural" or "cute" look (*kawaii* culture) rather than the more dramatic transformations sometimes associated with Korean surgery. The series uses the university setting to highlight the intense scrutiny young Japanese women face regarding their fashion and appearance.

3. Deeper Exploration of Self-Esteem and Inner Conflict

The reviews for *Watashi wa Seikei Bijin* frequently praise the drama for its nuanced portrayal of the struggle between outward appearances and the pursuit of inner beauty. The Japanese version appears to spend significant time on Mirei Katagiri’s internal monologue, allowing the audience to truly connect with her anxieties, even after her successful transformation. The drama’s central message—that self-worth is deeper than skin deep—is delivered with a fresh emotional weight, resonating with a new generation of viewers grappling with social media perfectionism.

4. The Casting of Honda Kyoya as the Male Lead

Honda Kyoya's portrayal of Kei Sakaguchi received considerable attention. While Cha Eun-woo’s Do Kyung-seok was known for his stoic, almost impossibly handsome demeanor, Honda Kyoya brings a slightly different energy. His character is still the cold, observant genius, but the Japanese version reportedly gives him more subtle moments of vulnerability, further developing the character’s struggle with his own family trauma and his quiet, unwavering support for Mirei. This subtle shift in the male lead’s character arc adds a new layer of emotional depth to the central romance.

5. A Focus on Strong Secondary Female Characters

One review noted that the Japanese remake provided a "bounty of interesting secondary characters, including the many strong women." While the original had memorable supporting roles, the J-Drama appears to have invested more in the backstories and development of Mirei’s female friends and classmates. This expanded focus helps to broaden the narrative’s scope, showing how the culture of judging based on looks affects not just the lead, but the entire social ecosystem of the university. This enriched supporting cast provides more compelling counterpoints to the main conflict, making the world of *Watashi wa Seikei Bijin* feel more layered and realistic.

Why Watashi wa Seikei Bijin is a Must-Watch 2025 J-Drama

The release of *Watashi wa Seikei Bijin* in early 2025 cemented the story’s status as a global phenomenon, moving beyond its Korean roots to become a true pan-Asian hit. The J-Drama successfully manages the delicate balance of honoring the original webtoon’s themes while injecting its own cultural and stylistic sensibilities. For fans of the original K-Drama, watching the Japanese version provides a fascinating case study in adaptation—seeing how the same core story can be told with different emotional beats and visual aesthetics. The drama’s high production value and the strong performances by Ishii Anna and Honda Kyoya make it a standout title in the 2025 J-Drama lineup. If you are interested in topical dramas that tackle complex societal issues like cosmetic surgery, self-acceptance, and the harsh reality of modern beauty standards, *Watashi wa Seikei Bijin* is an essential addition to your watchlist. Its concise 10-episode format makes it an easy and rewarding binge, offering a fresh, current, and deeply moving take on a beloved classic.