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family conflict is portrayed in the film Uang Panai Maha(R)l 2 using Roland Barthes' semiotic framework. The film reflects the social reality of the Bugis-Makassar community, which highly upholds cultural values, particularly regarding arranged marriage, family honor, and the significant role of parents in their children's lives. The main objective of this research is to understand how family conflict is represented through visible and spoken symbols within the film’s narrative. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method by analyzing semiotic elements in several scenes that depict conflict, such as forced marriage, intergenerational differences, and the pressure of tradition against personal desires. The analysis is conducted through the three levels of meaning proposed by Barthes: denotation, connotation, and myth. The results show that Uang Panai Maha(R)l 2 illustrates the tension between traditional values and modern realities, which still occur within family life in Indonesia.

The integration of digital technology in education serves as a strategic solution to enhance learning access, particularly for students in regions with limited educational infrastructure, such as Sorong City, Southwest Papua. This community service program was designed to introduce and provide training to junior high school students in the use of the Thunkable application as a tool for mobile-based learning media. Thunkable is a visual drag-and-drop platform that enables users to design functional mobile applications without the need for prior programming knowledge. The method employed in this activity is based on the Research and Development (R&D) approach using the 4D model, which consists of four stages: Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate. In the Define stage, the needs and digital readiness of the target group were assessed. The Design and Develop stages involved creating a training module and conducting hands-on workshops where students were guided step-by-step to create simple educational apps. In the final Disseminate stage, the outcomes were evaluated and shared for broader use. The results of this initiative revealed high levels of enthusiasm among the participants. Students were actively engaged and demonstrated the ability to independently design simple learning applications by the end of the training. This indicates that the use of Thunkable not only increases students' digital literacy but also enhances their self-directed learning, creativity, and technological confidence. Overall, this activity illustrates the potential of mobile learning tools to support inclusive and adaptive education in remote communities. By equipping students with practical digital skills, it lays the foundation for long-term educational innovation and empowerment. Therefore, the use of Thunkable can be considered an effective and accessible alternative to foster meaningful learning experiences across diverse educational contexts.

The phenomenon of bullying among teenagers is an increasing and complex social problem, not only occurring in everyday life but also widely represented through mass media, one of which is teen drama. One popular media that highlights this issue is My Nerd Girl Season 1, which shows the reality of bullying in its various forms. The main character, Rea, is depicted as a victim of bullying who experiences verbal, emotional, and social pressure from her environment. This representation illustrates that bullying is not just an individual act, but part of a social construction that is full of meaning. This study aims to explore how bullying is presented in the drama My Nerd Girl Season 1 using Roland Barthes's semiotic approach. The analysis focuses on the denotative, connotative, and mythical meanings contained in the visual and narrative symbols in the bullying scenes. The research data in the form of scene clips showing forms of bullying, are then analyzed to reveal the underlying social ideology. The results show that this drama represents bullying in various forms, ranging from verbal, cyber, physical, to social. These bullying acts are presented as a form of power, domination, and group control over individuals. The emerging connotative meanings indicate that bullying is legitimized by adolescent ideologies regarding popularity, physical appearance standards, and social acceptance in the school environment. The myth constructed through the drama's narrative is that symbolic and social violence is often considered normal or even necessary to maintain a certain social status. Thus, My Nerd Girl Season 1 serves not only as entertainment but also as a medium for social reflection that reveals the reality of bullying among adolescents.  

This study aims to analyze natural phenomena through an integrative approach combining the Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and modern science, with a focus on the spiritual and ethical dimensions they contain. Natural events such as rain, lightning, wind, earthquakes, and eclipses are examined thematically by synthesizing scientific explanations and religious understanding based on authentic hadiths. The research adopts a qualitative-descriptive approach using content analysis of relevant hadith texts and contemporary scientific literature. The objective is to explore a deeper understanding of natural phenomena not merely as physical occurrences, but also as signs of Allah’s greatness that convey moral and spiritual messages for humankind. Findings indicate that the hadiths of the Prophet do not only instruct Muslims to respond to natural phenomena through acts of worship—such as supplication, remembrance (dhikr), or eclipse prayers—but also emphasize the human responsibility as stewards (khalifah) on Earth. The hadiths foster awareness of the interconnectedness between humans and the universe, framed within the concepts of monotheism (tawhid) and trust (amanah) to maintain environmental balance. The integration of hadith and science provides a new conceptual framework for developing spiritual-ecological awareness that balances scientific rationality with religious values. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of today’s global environmental crisis, which demands value-based solutions beyond technological innovations. Thus, this study not only enriches the Islamic intellectual tradition but also contributes to environmental preservation efforts through a religious ethical lens. It underlines the importance of fostering such integrative approaches in education, Islamic preaching (dakwah), and environmental policy. By doing so, a more holistic ecological awareness can be cultivated within Muslim communities. In conclusion, aligning scientific understanding with Islamic teachings through the hadith can serve as a meaningful foundation for both personal spiritual growth and collective environmental responsibility in facing the challenges of our time.

This training activity on application development using the Thunkable platform was designed to enhance digital literacy, logical thinking skills, and strengthen the character of adolescents through a Project-Based Learning (PjBL) approach. In today’s digital age, digital literacy is an essential competency, and equipping young people with the ability to create meaningful technology empowers them to be not just users but also creators of impactful digital solutions. The training took place on May 17, 2025, at a member’s house from the GKI Kasih congregation in Perumnas, Sorong. It was attended by 20 participants aged between 12 and 17 years. The choice of a familiar and friendly setting was intended to create a comfortable and collaborative learning environment. The training materials were structured step-by-step, starting with an introduction to the Thunkable platform, user interface (UI) design, navigation logic development using visual block programming, and culminating in group presentations and reflections on the final projects. The project theme chosen for the training was "Prophets as Role Models," aimed at integrating spiritual values and character development into an educational digital application. Through this project, participants not only gained technical skills but also reflected on the moral and inspirational values of prophetic figures in the Christian faith. Evaluation results showed that the training had a significant positive impact. Participants demonstrated increased understanding of app development concepts, were able to explain their project workflows and features, and showed high levels of enthusiasm and creativity throughout the process. Furthermore, character values such as teamwork, responsibility, and a strong learning spirit were fostered. This initiative serves as a concrete example of how technology-based education can be effectively combined with character formation. It also provides a replicable training model for other communities, particularly for church-based youth development programs that aim to nurture digitally literate and morally grounded future generations.

This final project report aims to explain the application of a three-act structure in writing a feature video script entitled "Bamboo Melody: Reviving a Traditional Symphony." The three-act structure is used as a narrative approach that functions to raise the issue of the fading of the angklung's sound philosophy among Generation Z. Each act plays an important role in building a structured and easily understood storyline for the audience. The first act focuses on the introduction of the angklung's philosophical meaning. In this act, the audience is invited to understand more deeply about the cultural values contained in the angklung, especially through the perspective of angklung craftsmen who have a direct relationship with the creation of this traditional musical instrument. The explanations from the craftsmen provide an overview of how the angklung is not only a musical instrument, but also a symbol of a profound philosophy of life. The second act highlights the crisis of cultural regeneration, which is a major challenge in preserving traditions. In this act, the perspective of cultural experts is introduced to provide an analysis of how the younger generation, especially Generation Z, is increasingly alienated from traditional cultural values, including the angklung. Cultural experts explain various factors that cause the angklung and other cultural values to be less familiar to the younger generation, who are more accustomed to global popular culture. The third act demonstrates concrete efforts to preserve angklung culture through testimonies from young angklung players and performances at Saung Angklung Udjo. Through this performance, the audience sees how the angklung remains relevant and can be revived by involving a younger generation that is adaptable to developments in media and technology. The story's conclusion illustrates that cultural regeneration can be achieved through a creative approach and the active involvement of the younger generation, so that the angklung's sound philosophy becomes more than just a discourse but can also contribute to social harmony relevant to the current context.

In the accounting discipline, the choice of data collection method is crucial because it directly impacts the validity and reliability of research results. This study aims to compare data collection methods used in qualitative and quantitative approaches and examine their relevance in the context of contemporary accounting studies. Qualitative approaches emphasize in-depth exploration of accounting phenomena, particularly those related to human behavior, perception, and decision-making processes. Common techniques used in this approach include in-depth interviews, participant observation, and case studies, which enable researchers to understand the social and organizational context behind accounting practices. In contrast, quantitative approaches prioritize collecting numerical data that can be analyzed statistically. These methods typically use instruments such as questionnaires, surveys, and experiments to objectively test pre-formulated hypotheses. Results from quantitative approaches often provide broader generalizations, but can lose the nuances of social context gained from qualitative approaches. A comparison of these two methods reveals that each has its own advantages and limitations. Qualitative approaches excel in understanding processes and meanings, while quantitative approaches are strong in producing generalizable data. Therefore, in practice, accounting researchers often adopt a mixed methods approach to gain a more comprehensive understanding. This study concludes that a thorough understanding of the characteristics of both approaches is crucial for researchers to select appropriate data collection strategies. Thus, research can make a significant contribution to the development of accounting theory and practice in a more comprehensive and meaningful way.

This study aims to examine in depth the effectiveness of the application of the Children Learning in Science (CLIS) learning model in the Natural Science (Science) learning process. The background of this study stems from the problem of low active student participation in class, which is largely caused by difficulties in understanding abstract science concepts. The CLIS model offers a learning approach that emphasizes active student involvement through a series of systematic learning stages. The method used is a literature review with a qualitative descriptive approach. Analysis was conducted on 25 articles from national and international publications. Each article was reviewed based on relevance, research methods, main findings, and the suitability of CLIS application in various science learning contexts. The results of the study indicate that CLIS has proven effective in improving students' understanding of science concepts, developing science process skills such as observation, classification, measurement, and hypothesis testing, and encouraging active student participation during the learning process. In addition, this model is also able to improve critical thinking skills through exploration activities, experiments, group discussions, and reflection on learning outcomes. The CLIS stages, which include exploring students' prior knowledge, introducing new concepts through experiments, strengthening understanding through discussions, and strengthening concepts through reflection, enable students to construct knowledge independently and meaningfully. Based on these findings, CLIS is considered relevant and can be an effective alternative learning model to improve the quality of science learning at various levels of education.

This corpus-based study explores the acquisition patterns of English modal verbs by Indonesian EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners through a comprehensive analysis of learner language data. The study utilizes a specialized learner corpus consisting of 2.5 million words drawn from both written and spoken productions of 450 Indonesian learners, covering various proficiency levels. The research focuses on examining the frequency patterns, semantic distributions, and error types associated with modal verb usage across the learner corpus. The study employs a combination of quantitative corpus linguistic methods and qualitative error analysis to uncover developmental trends and persistent difficulties in acquiring English modals. The findings highlight a significant underuse of epistemic modality, which expresses degrees of certainty, and an overreliance on core modals like "can," "will," and "must." Additionally, learners systematically avoid more complex modal constructions that are semantically nuanced and less frequent in their linguistic output. The analysis also reveals notable cross-linguistic influences from Indonesian, particularly in the areas of politeness marking and the expression of certainty. These interference patterns suggest that Indonesian learners may transfer modal expressions from their native language, leading to specific errors in the usage of English modals. Based on the findings, the study proposes a usage-based pedagogical framework that integrates corpus-informed instruction with explicit semantic mapping of modal meanings. This framework encourages teachers to address modal verb acquisition by emphasizing frequency-based approaches, contrastive semantic analysis, and corpus-driven awareness-raising activities. The research suggests that by focusing on the form-meaning-function relationships of modals in authentic contexts, learners can better understand and produce English modals accurately and appropriately. The findings have significant implications for enhancing modal verb instruction in EFL classrooms, especially for Indonesian learners.

This study aims to describe the role of school management in developing local culture-based education. Local culture-based education is a learning approach that integrates local cultural values as a contextual, relevant, and meaningful learning resource for students. This study used a qualitative approach with a case study method in an elementary school that has successfully implemented local culture comprehensively in various aspects of learning activities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies. The results show that school management plays a strategic role in formulating policies, supporting culture-based learning programs, and establishing partnerships with the community for cultural preservation. The principal, teachers, and education staff actively integrate local cultural elements into the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and the learning environment. Despite facing challenges such as limited resources and lack of training for educators, this school is able to demonstrate a strong and consistent commitment to making local culture the foundation for character and identity formation for students. This study confirms that collaboration between stakeholders is key to success in realizing education rooted in local wisdom. By involving parents and the community, schools can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. These findings demonstrate that community involvement in the educational process not only enriches students' learning experiences but also strengthens their sense of belonging to local culture. This research significantly contributes to the development of educational models that focus not only on academic aspects but also on the development of student character and identity rooted in local cultural values. Through this approach, it is hoped that students will grow into individuals who are not only academically intelligent but also have an awareness and appreciation for their own culture.

This study aims to deeply uncover the learning management tactics implemented by teachers in an effort to improve student learning satisfaction at the elementary school level. Learning satisfaction is an important indicator of the success of the educational process because it is closely related to motivation, active involvement, and student academic outcomes. This study was conducted at SDN 3 Kaliombo, Jepara, using a descriptive qualitative approach. Data collection techniques used included observation of learning activities, interviews with teachers, and documentation in the form of learning notes and class activity plans. The results show that teachers use a variety of innovative and adaptive learning strategies, including a scientific approach, collaborative learning, the use of interactive learning media, and conducive and student-friendly classroom management. The role of teachers is not only as a deliverer of material, but also as a facilitator, motivator, and guide who creates a learning atmosphere that is fun, communicative, and meaningful for students. The tactics used by teachers also consider student characteristics, including their learning styles, levels of understanding, and emotional needs. Active student involvement in the learning process is key to improving their learning satisfaction. This study emphasizes the importance of teachers' role in designing and implementing appropriate learning strategies to support the achievement of educational goals. The implications of these findings suggest that ongoing training for teachers is essential to strengthen their professional capacity in implementing more creative, responsive, and student-oriented learning approaches.

Relations in mathematics are a fundamental concept that describe the connection between two sets. This concept is crucial because it forms the foundation for understanding functions and various other mathematical topics. In everyday life, relations can be found in numerous real-world situations, such as the relationship between teachers and their students, sellers and buyers, or students and their exam scores. By understanding relations, students can see how elements from one set are linked to elements in another set based on specific rules. Unfortunately, many students still find it difficult to grasp the concept of relations because it is often taught in an abstract way, filled with mathematical symbols that are not connected to their real-life experiences. As a result, students may feel that the topic is irrelevant to their lives, leading to a lack of interest and poor comprehension. In fact, if taught contextually and practically, the concept of relations can serve as a key bridge to help students understand functions and their relevance in the real world. This article aims to explain the concept of relations through a more practical and relatable approach. For example, it can be illustrated by connecting students' names with their attendance numbers, or linking foods with their nutritional contents. Through these examples, students can see that relations are not just rigid parts of a math lesson but also reflect meaningful connections in everyday life. In this way, it is expected that students will gain a more comprehensive understanding of relations—not only mathematically but also in terms of practical application and functionality. A solid understanding of relations will make it easier for students to learn advanced concepts such as functions, mappings, and mathematical logic. Therefore, a learning approach that emphasizes contextual understanding is essential, so that students are not merely memorizing formulas but are also capable of applying the concept of relations in real-world situations.

The study of eschatology and logic in Islam represents a significant and intellectually rich area within the broader discourse of ʿAqidah (Islamic creed) and Islamic philosophy. Eschatology, derived from the Greek word eschatos meaning "last," concerns matters of the afterlife, including death, the apocalypse (al-Sāʿah), resurrection (al-Baʿth), judgment (al-Ḥisāb), heaven (Jannah), and hell (Jahannam). These concepts are elaborated extensively in both the Qur'an and the prophetic traditions (ḥadīth). Meanwhile, logic in Islam is not merely a philosophical exercise but serves as an epistemological framework for interpreting divine revelation and deducing legal and theological principles. Islamic logic (al-manṭiq) is rooted in both Greek logical tradition—particularly Aristotelian logic—as well as unique Islamic methodologies that integrate rationality with scriptural fidelity. This research aims to analyze selected verses and prophetic traditions related to eschatology and logic, with the objective of understanding not only their linguistic and theological meanings but also their practical implications for human belief systems and ethical behavior. The study employs an interpretive and analytical method (manhaj taḥlīlī wa tafsīrī), focusing on exegesis (tafsīr) of Qur’anic verses QS. Al-A'raf: 187–188 and QS. Al-An'am: 30, as well as relevant ḥadīths concerning eschatological events and rational thought. These verses were selected due to their direct references to the knowledge of the Hour (ʿilm al-sāʿah) and the human tendency to demand evidence while rejecting spiritual truth. The findings indicate that Islamic eschatology is framed not around speculative prediction but rather spiritual and moral readiness. The Qur'an clearly asserts that knowledge of the exact time of the Day of Judgment belongs solely to Allah (QS. Al-A’raf: 187), highlighting the limitations of human knowledge and emphasizing submission to divine wisdom.

Community-based education is an approach that positions society as an active participant in the educational process, integrating local culture, values, and social dynamics into learning. One such model that reflects these principles is the Wustho educational model, which originates from the Islamic pesantren system. This model offers a balanced integration between religious and general education, emphasizing the role of community and character development as essential elements of student success. This research aims to explore the influence of the Wustho model on students’ academic achievement at SMP PGRI 1 Ciambar, Ciambar Sub-district, Sukabumi Regency. The study involved 150 students across different grade levels, using a qualitative descriptive research approach. Data collection techniques included participatory observation, in-depth interviews with teachers, school leaders, and parents, as well as document analysis of academic performance records.The findings indicate that the implementation of the Wustho model has a positive impact on student achievement, both in academic and behavioral aspects. Students showed improvement in learning motivation, discipline, and active engagement in religious and community-based learning activities.¹ This model also strengthens moral values and spiritual awareness, which in turn enhances students’ holistic learning outcomes.² Moreover, collaboration between schools, families, and community figures plays a crucial role in reinforcing the effectiveness of this educational approach.³ The presence of religious instruction embedded within daily learning experiences helps students to better contextualize academic content in real-life situations.⁴In conclusion, the Wustho educational model offers a meaningful contribution to the development of community-based education practices, especially in rural or religiously active areas. Its focus on moral education, community involvement, and the integration of spiritual and secular knowledge demonstrates its relevance and effectiveness in improving student learning outcomes. It is recommended that similar models be adapted in other educational settings where community values are strongly upheld.

The research examined interactive text as a possible interactive form of pictorial communication for generation z meaningfully engaging on online platforms. By adopting a three-phase methodology towards design, realización and evaluation, the research examines how much movement, responsiveness and user interactivity influences the interpretation of the the communicative message and the emotional. The research uses an interweaving of methodologies. Methodology usability testing, engagement analytics and qualitative indicators, which indicate kinetic text, format variations, and animation responsive were more interesting, easier to understand, and shareable than static texts. Findings suggest participants read as a participant and active, as opposed to passive, which wasn't related to their use of interactions. At last the results deliver positioning for interactive text read as a new thinking strategies for the needs of generation z for authenticity and enable discourse regarding potential opportunities for augmented reality and artificial intelligence-enabled personalization

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the Deep Learning and Differentiated Instruction models in improving junior high school students’ mathematical problem-solving and reasoning abilities. The background of this research stems from the low level of mathematical literacy among Indonesian students, which demands innovative and reflective learning approaches. A quasi-experimental method was used with a Nonequivalent Control Group Design. The sample consisted of two eighth-grade classes at SMP Negeri Satu Atap 01 Ciseeng, each receiving different instructional treatments: one class was taught using the Deep Learning approach, and the other using the Differentiated Instruction approach. The instruments employed included mathematical problem-solving tests, observation sheets, and student perception questionnaires. The data analysis results indicated that the class taught with the Deep Learning model experienced a more significant improvement in mathematical reasoning ability compared to the class using Differentiated Instruction. These findings suggest that Deep Learning-based instruction is more effective in promoting students’ higher-order thinking skills. It encourages deeper engagement with mathematical concepts, fosters critical and analytical thinking, and allows students to construct knowledge through meaningful learning experiences. However, Differentiated Instruction remains relevant in providing learning comfort and addressing diverse student needs, making it beneficial in inclusive classroom settings. The theoretical and practical implications of this research highlight the importance of integrating both depth of thinking (Deep Learning) and flexibility in learning (Differentiation) within mathematics instruction. Such integration could offer a balanced learning environment that supports both cognitive development and emotional engagement, leading to more effective and equitable mathematics education. In conclusion, this study recommends educators and curriculum developers to consider incorporating Deep Learning strategies to enhance students’ mathematical reasoning while maintaining the adaptive and student-centered principles of Differentiated Instruction. Future research could explore hybrid learning models that combine the strengths of both approaches to maximize student outcomes in mathematics learning.

This study explores the meaning of love and courage in the lyrics of Nadin Amizah's song "Taruh". Music serves as a cultural medium that reflects the construction of social reality, and song lyrics often become a space for expressing personal and collective experiences. The song "Taruh" illustrates the emotional complexity present in human relationships, particularly in interpreting the feelings of love intertwined with acts of bravery. This research employs Ferdinand de Saussure's semiotic theory by examining the syntagmatic and paradigmatic relations within the song's lyrics. The descriptive qualitative method is applied, with data obtained through non-participant observation and literature study. The findings indicate that the lyrics of "Taruh" do not portray an idealized version of love; instead, they express a more realistic view of love as something that includes pain, vulnerability, and imperfection. Interestingly, within those imperfections, there is a profound sense of courage—a willingness to endure, to remain, and to accept wounds as a part of emotional life. The syntagmatic analysis highlights how the arrangement of words in each stanza reflects stages of emotional struggle, longing, acceptance, and resilience. On the other hand, the paradigmatic analysis reveals that while alternative words could have been chosen, the selected diction intensifies the emotional nuance without shifting the central message of the narrative. Overall, the song constructs a layered narrative of love, where courage is found not in grand gestures but in silent endurance. This study shows how popular music, through its poetic structure, can communicate complex emotional truths and contribute to deeper cultural understandings of human emotion.

This study aims to improve the critical thinking skills of fourth-grade elementary school students in understanding the concept of fractions through the application of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model. The background of this study focuses on students' still low abilities in: (1) analyzing mathematical problems; (2) planning solution strategies; (3) drawing logical conclusions when working on fraction problems. This study uses the Classroom Action Research (CAR) design model Kemmis & McTaggart which was implemented at SD Negeri 2 Tahunan during the even semester of the 2024/2025 academic year. The research subjects consisted of 23 fourth-grade students who were selected purposively based on the results of the initial diagnosis. Data collection techniques were carried out by triangulation through: (1) formative evaluation tests; (2) participatory observation sheets; (3) learning video documentation; and (4) field notes. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively with a comparative descriptive approach. The results showed that the application of the PBL model was proven to be effective in improving: (1) students' critical thinking skills on average from 39.13 (low category) to 92.61 (very good category); (2) classical completeness from 8.7% to 91.3%; and (3) learning activities became more meaningful. Statistical analysis of paired sample t-test showed a significant difference (t=19.09; p<0.05) between before and after treatment. Other important findings include: (1) an increase in students' questioning skills by 78%; (2) an increase in the ability to provide arguments by 82%; (3) an increase in problem-solving skills by 85%. In addition, there was an increase in the following aspects: (1) group cooperation; (2) self-confidence; and (3) active involvement in class discussions.

This study aims to improve the understanding of macapat songs by applying the Jigsaw cooperative learning approach. Although macapat songs have high moral and intellectual values, students often dislike them because they are considered complex and irrelevant. This study used the McTaggart model consisting of two cycles, combined with the Classroom Action Research (CAR) method. Data were collected through various techniques, including observation, tests, interviews, and note-taking, and then analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results showed that students' understanding of the meaning of macapat songs increased significantly when the Jigsaw model was applied. The learning completion rate increased from 56% to 100%, while the average student score also increased from 72.33 in the pre-cycle to 86.6 in the first cycle. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the Jigsaw approach in improving student understanding. In addition, this method also succeeded in encouraging active student participation, increasing their confidence in class discussions, and fostering respect for the rich local culture. Thus, teaching local Javanese language through the Jigsaw cooperative learning paradigm can be considered an interesting and effective alternative approach. This approach not only helps students understand the material better but also strengthens their social and cultural skills. This research provides an important contribution to the development of more innovative and relevant teaching methods in the context of regional language learning, and encourages teachers to implement strategies that can increase students' interest and understanding of the valuable and diverse local culture. Through the application of this method, it is hoped that students will gain a greater appreciation for their cultural heritage.

The Korean drama True Beauty portrays a vivid reflection of the social reality where beauty standards significantly influence how women are treated in society. This study investigates how these standards lead to discrimination against individuals who do not align with socially constructed ideals of appearance. Specifically, it focuses on the representation of such discrimination in the character of Im Ju Kyung, a high school student who is constantly judged for her natural look. Utilizing a qualitative approach with Roland Barthes' semiotic theory, this research deciphers three levels of meaning—denotative, connotative, and mythological—embedded within selected scenes from episodes 1 and 3. The findings indicate that Ju Kyung encounters six distinct forms of appearance-based discrimination: verbal bullying, physical bullying, non-verbal bullying (such as gestures or facial expressions), social exclusion, beauty privilege (where attractive individuals receive favorable treatment), and internalized social pressure to conform. Each discriminatory act is not only rooted in visual representations but also carries deeper ideological implications—suggesting that physical beauty is a prerequisite for social acceptance and personal value. Although True Beauty critiques the culture of appearance-based discrimination, it simultaneously perpetuates the myth that transformation through makeup or cosmetic procedures is a viable solution to gain acceptance. This duality reflects the complex role of media as both a mirror of societal norms and a tool that reinforces dominant ideologies. In doing so, the drama raises critical questions about the ethical responsibilities of popular culture in shaping perceptions of gender, identity, and worth based on physical appearance. Through this analysis, the study contributes to discussions on media literacy and body politics in contemporary Korean pop culture.