Episode 1 of "True Beauty" unfolds with our protagonist introspection on her perceived unattractiveness and lack of coolness compared to her schoolmates, confessing how she's bullied over her appearance. As she navigates the hallway of her school, destiny intervenes in the form of a stumble, prompting a kind-hearted boy to lend her a hand. Amid this fleeting moment, he discerns her affection for a band named Heavy Metal City. Driven by a spark of hope, she approaches him later, tentatively inviting him to a Heavy Metal City concert. To her disappointment, her overture is politely declined.
Tragedy resurfaces as Jugyeong, our protagonist, finds herself ensnared in a vicious cycle of bullying masterminded by Semi, a vengeful girl whose wrath stems from Jugyeong's audacious act of asking out her boyfriend. In a malevolent plot, Semi, aided by her accomplice, deliberately smears Jugyeong's face with lip gloss and circulation the demeaning photograph across social media platforms, with the intention of publicly羞辱 her and establishing a grim precedent. However, an unexpected turn of events sees Jugyeong inadvertently injuring Semi, resulting in both being summoned to the counselor's office. There, Jugyeong is presented with the option of transferring to an art school, a proposition warmly embraced by the counselor but immediately dismissed by Jugyeong with defiance.
Back at home, Jugyeong flicks through the art school pamphlet, her resolve weakening. Just when despair seems to close in, a cryptic text message arrives, bearing a video of Selena, a makeup artist, transforming someone into a vision of beauty. Selena's assuring words echo through the video, promising that Jugyeong too can embody radiance. Inspired, Jugyeong follows Selena's meticulous makeup tutorial, convinced that cosmetics hold the key to turning her life around.
With a renewed sense of self, Jugyeong ventures into her new school, greeted warmly by Chaerin and Sua, two girls from the art department. She introduces herself amidst a buzz of gossipy texts flying between students, whispering about the new face in their midst. Jugyeong reveals to the audience that she spent her winter break immersing herself in Selena's tutorials, her newfound look catalyzing a surge in popularity.
When Chaerin and Sua casually mention dumplings, it triggers a nostalgic flood from Jugyeong's past, leaving her torn between truth and deception. Fortuitously, Ahn and Kang interrupt her reverie, leading her away. As Jugyeong follows them, the tension between her old and new life teeters on a knife's edge, with every step echoing the struggles and triumphs she's endured.
Later, at the quaint Burger Cat restaurant, two boys engage in a conversation about Jugyeong, mentioning to another male companion named Seojun that she attends his school. Seojun responds with a dismissive shake of his head, asserting that he doesn't recognize her name and harbors no interest in her. The narrative then shifts back to Jugyeong, who is meticulously washing off her makeup in the bathroom of her home.
Exiting the restroom, Jugyeong accidentally bumps into her brother, who proceeds to make crude remarks about her appearance and snap an unflattering photo of her. With a sigh, Jugyeong steps out of the house, grumbling about how her hard-earned money is being squandered on food—primarily for her brother, Juyong.
As Jugyeong embarks on her journey, she happens upon an enchanting bookstore, its inviting allure compelling her to step inside. Her gaze is immediately captivated by a shelf adorned with an enticing array of horror comics. It is precisely at this captivating moment that Suho Lee, a boy exuding an undeniable charm, enters the premises and finds his own eyes locked onto the very same book. In the privacy of her thoughts, Jugyeong deems Suho to be an exceptionally handsome gentleman, a stark and refreshing contrast to her brother's coarse demeanor.
Grabbing the book, Suho claims dibs, stating that he saw it first. But Jugyeong, undeterred, grabs his arm before he can leave. She argues that she was the first to lay eyes on the comic and challenges Suho to answer a question about it to prove his fandom. Suho, confident, answers correctly and retaliates by posing a question to Jugyeong. This sets off a lively, questionnaire-style debate between the two, with Jugyeong ultimately emerging as the loser.
The next day at school, Jugyeong reunites with Chaerin and Sua, noticing Suho in the vicinity and quickly concealing her face. Chaerin and Sua fill in Jugyeong on Suho's background, revealing that he's a new transfer student. They gossip about how, despite his terrible personality, the art department finds him incredibly handsome.
Switching scenes to Jugyeong's classroom, she finds herself pondering if Lee recognized her from their bookstore encounter. Suddenly, one of the girls宣布 that Jugyeong has been nominated as a candidate for the Sebom High Goddess competition. Another girl elaborates on the perks that await the winner, painting a vivid picture of the prestige and rewards that come with the title.
Her friends encourage her, whispering that within her lies the untapped power to vanquish Sujin, who has reigned supreme as the goddess for years. This revelation leaves Chaerin and Sua discontent, while Jugyeong harbors a desire to compete in the Performance Contest instead. Her companions grasp her aspiration, and Sua, too, expresses her wish to join the fray.
Returning to her abode, Jugyeong finds solace in a comic, its protagonist mirroring her own journey. Intrigued, she ventures to the bookstore but crosses paths with Suho once more, as fate would have it. He reaches for the very book that caught her eye, prompting her to hastily depart, wary of entangling herself in another of their awkward encounters. However, Suho notices a forgotten item slipping from her grasp and retrieves it.
Later, at a restaurant, Jugyeong's mood is soured by the unexpected presence of Suho, accompanied by Sua, Jimin, and herself. Sua's curiosity piqued, she inquiries about Jugyeong's prior encounter with Suho. Jugyeong, flustered, hurriedly assures Sua of their past ignorance, a claim Suho himself dismisses, urging Sua to cease her inquisitions.
Despite promising Sua an outing together, Jugyeong abruptly excuses herself, her mind racing with thoughts of confession. Amidst her turmoil, she realizes her earbud is missing, and as the melody of Heavy Metal City echoes through one lone speaker, Suho approaches her at the bus stop, her missing earbud dangling from his hand, recognizing the tune instantly. He inquires if she is the same young woman from the bookstore, his gaze piercing through the twilight.
The episode concludes with Jugyeong's eyes locked on Suho, a tapestry of emotions woven into the silence that binds them.
