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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.

This paper examines how The Picture Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde marks a critical turn in which he critiques late-Victorian upper-class privilege and moral immunity. While previous scholarship has predominantly analyzed the novel as a moral allegory or aesthetic treatise, this study employs cultural materialism as a theoretical framework to demonstrate how Wilde uses Dorian’s isolation of his portrait and subsequent hedonistic experimentation as symbolic representations of the aristocracy’s ability to shield him from moral and social consequences. Wilde’s text reveals how the English aristocracy could embody ideals of beauty and reap princely treatment while committing debauchery without reproach. Through Culler’s close reading method toward this novel, especially chapters eight and nine, this analysis reveals how Dorian’s act of hiding the portrait symbolizes social denial, while his obsessive aesthetic consumption reflects the practices of the leisure class. This shows that Wilde hints Dorian’s social circle accepts his sensual life simply because his appearance remains unmarred–a commentary on class privilege. By examining the specific textual elements and historical context of—especially—chapters eight and nine of this novel, this study contributes to the understanding of how Wilde’s novel serves as both a product of and commentary on the class structures and moral hypocrisy of late-Victorian England.

This study explores women’s experiences of discrimination in the workplace due to beauty privilege. This study uses a qualitative approach with in-depth interview techniques, participant observation, and questionnaires to uncover forms of discrimination. This phenomenon creates injustice and has negative impacts on individuals who do not meet beauty standards, such as feelings of inferiority, alienation, and limited career opportunities. This study recommends the importance of awareness and more inclusive policies to reduce appearance-based discrimination in the workplace. The findings show that beauty privilege often provides advantages for individuals who are considered physically attractive, but also creates psychological stress for those who do not meet certain beauty standards.