Pretty Man, originally a webtoon by Kye Young Chon, has gained a massive following due to its intriguing story and relatable characters. The story revolves around an attractive but narcissistic young man named Dokgo Ma-Te and his journey to success, love, and personal growth. Fans of the webtoon were excited to see it brought to life through a TV adaptation directed by Young Ah Yoo, which has since garnered praise and viewership from around the world.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive book summary, dive into the TV series, and explore interesting aspects of both the book and the show.
A Comprehensive Book Summary
Pretty Man follows the life of Dokgo Ma-Te, a young man blessed with extraordinary good looks but cursed with a selfish personality. After his mother’s death, Ma-Te discovers that he has a wealthy father who left them years ago. Wanting to seek revenge on his father and claim his rightful inheritance, Ma-Te embarks on a journey of self-improvement and success. Along the way, he meets Kim Bo-Tong, a quirky girl who falls in love with him despite his flaws, and Hong Yoo-Ra, a cunning woman who helps him navigate the treacherous world of the rich and powerful.
Throughout the story, Ma-Te encounters various challenges and obstacles that test his character, intelligence, and morality. As he matures, he learns the importance of love, friendship, and family, gradually shedding his narcissistic tendencies. In the end, Ma-Te discovers the truth about his father, his past, and himself, ultimately finding happiness and success in love and life.
Exploring Young Ah Yoo’s Intriguing TV Adaptation
The TV adaptation of Pretty Man, directed by Young Ah Yoo, brings the captivating story and memorable characters of the webtoon to life. Starring Jang Keun-Suk as Dokgo Ma-Te and IU as Kim Bo-Tong, the series stays true to the source material while adding its unique flair and charm. The show’s colorful visuals, engaging soundtrack, and superb performances by its cast make it an enjoyable watch for fans of the webtoon and newcomers alike.
One notable aspect of the TV adaptation is its attention to detail, ensuring that the show remains faithful to the webtoon’s original story and feel. The character development is well-executed, allowing viewers to witness Ma-Te’s transformation from a selfish individual to a caring, selfless person. The chemistry between Jang Keun-Suk and IU is undeniable, making their on-screen relationship even more endearing.
Pretty Man: A Parent’s Guide
Pretty Man is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, family, friendship, and personal growth. While the webtoon and TV series are generally suitable for teenagers and adults, parents should be aware of some mature content, such as mild violence, suggestive scenes, and occasional strong language. However, these elements are not excessive and do not detract from the story’s overall message and values.
Parents can use Pretty Man as a springboard for discussions with their children about the importance of self-improvement, empathy, and understanding the consequences of one’s actions. Additionally, the story emphasizes the value of family, which can be a great topic for families to bond over while watching the show together.
When and Where: Timeline and Locations
The webtoon and TV series of Pretty Man are set in contemporary South Korea, primarily taking place in the bustling city of Seoul. The story follows the characters as they navigate various locations, from luxurious mansions and upscale neighborhoods to modest apartments and traditional markets.
The TV adaptation showcases many real-life locations in Seoul, giving viewers an authentic feel of the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Some notable filming locations include the picturesque Namsan Park, the bustling Myeongdong shopping district, and the serene Han River.
Who’s Who: Main Characters and Guest Stars
The main characters of Pretty Man are:
- Dokgo Ma-Te (played by Jang Keun-Suk) – The titular “Pretty Man” who learns valuable life lessons on his journey to success.
In addition to the main cast, the TV series also features several notable guest stars, including Lee Jang-Woo as David Choi, a kind-hearted and charming man who becomes Bo-Tong’s close friend, and Kim Bo-Yeon as Ma-Te’s estranged mother, who plays a crucial role in his journey to find his father.
Memorable Quotes from Pretty Man
Throughout the webtoon and TV series, there are numerous memorable quotes that resonate with fans. Some of the most notable ones include:
- “A pretty face can open doors, but only a pretty heart can keep them open.” – Dokgo Ma-Te
Soundtrack Highlights
The soundtrack of Pretty Man is an essential aspect of the TV series, featuring a mix of upbeat pop tunes, heartfelt ballads, and instrumental tracks that perfectly complement the story’s various moods and moments. Some standout tracks include:
- “Beautiful Day” by Jang Keun-Suk – A catchy, feel-good song that captures Ma-Te’s journey to self-improvement.
Curiosities and Fun Facts
- Pretty Man is based on a popular webtoon by Kye Young Chon, which was first published in 2009.
Tips for Cosplay: Dress Like Your Favorite Characters
Dressing up as your favorite Pretty Man characters can be a fun and creative way to express your love for the webtoon and TV series. Here are some tips to help you emulate their distinct styles:
- Dokgo Ma-Te – Ma-Te is known for his fashionable and sophisticated wardrobe, often sporting tailored suits, sleek dress shoes, and trendy accessories. To cosplay as Ma-Te, invest in a well-fitted suit or blazer, a stylish button-down shirt, and a pair of dress shoes. Don’t forget to perfect his signature hairstyle and smoldering gaze!
Kye Young Chon: A Brief Biography and Works
Kye Young Chon is a South Korean webtoon artist best known for her works Pretty Man and Unplugged Boy. Born in 1970, she made her debut as a webtoon artist in 1996 with her work “Palace of Dreams.” Since then, she has produced several popular webtoons that showcase her unique storytelling and artistic style. In addition to Pretty Man, her other notable works include:
- Unplugged Boy – A romantic comedy about a high school student who falls in love with a mysterious, music-loving girl.
Remake, Sequel, and Spin-Off Possibilities
Given the success of the Pretty Man webtoon and TV adaptation, fans have been eagerly anticipating the possibility of a remake, sequel, or spin-off. While there have been no official announcements regarding these projects, the enduring popularity of Pretty Man suggests that there is potential for further exploration of its story and characters.
A sequel could continue the story of Dokgo Ma-Te and Kim Bo-Tong as they navigate the challenges of their newfound success and happiness. Alternatively, a spin-off could focus on the lives of the secondary characters, such as David Choi or Hong Yoo-Ra, providing a fresh perspective on the world of Pretty Man.
Other Media by Young Ah Yoo
In addition to the TV adaptation of Pretty Man, director Young Ah Yoo has also worked on several other popular Korean dramas and films. Some of her notable works include:
- “Queen of Housewives” (2009) – A comedy-drama about the lives of three housewives who navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and ambition.
Similar Media to Pretty Man and Love Alarm
If you enjoyed Pretty Man and are looking for similar stories that explore themes of love, personal growth, and the complexities of human relationships, here are some recommendations:
- Love Alarm – A popular Korean drama based on a webtoon, which tells the story of a high school girl who navigates the challenges of love and friendship in a world where a mobile app can detect romantic feelings.
Other Works by Kye Young Chon
In addition to Pretty Man, Kye Young Chon has created several other webtoons that showcase her unique storytelling and artistic talents. Some of her other works include:
- Do Whatever You Want – A drama that follows the lives of four high school friends as they navigate love, friendship, and personal growth.
Book Club Questions for Pretty Man
- How does Dokgo Ma-Te’s character evolve throughout the story? What events or experiences contribute to his growth?
Video Games Inspired by Pretty Man
While there are no official video games based on Pretty Man, fans can enjoy similar experiences by playing games that feature engaging storylines, relatable characters, and themes of love and personal growth. Some popular titles include:
- Mystic Messenger – An interactive mobile game that allows players to develop relationships with various characters through text messages, phone calls, and emails.
Travel Guide: Visiting Pretty Man Filming Locations
For fans who wish to immerse themselves in the world of Pretty Man, a visit to the show’s filming locations in Seoul, South Korea, is an exciting and memorable experience. Some of the most iconic sites include:
- Namsan Park – A scenic park located in central Seoul, which offers stunning views of the city and serves as a backdrop for several scenes in the TV series.
Ranking the Best Episodes and Seasons
With its engaging story, memorable characters, and captivating visuals, every episode of Pretty Man offers something special for viewers to enjoy. However, some standout episodes include:
- Episode 1 – The pilot episode introduces viewers to the world of Pretty Man, setting the stage for Ma-Te’s journey and his relationships with Bo-Tong and Yoo-Ra.
Conclusion
Pretty Man is a captivating story that has resonated with fans around the world, thanks to its relatable characters, engaging plot, and universal themes of love, personal growth, and the complexities of human relationships. Whether you’re a fan of the webtoon, the TV adaptation, or both, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this charming and heartwarming story.
