She Was Pretty

Hye Jin, once a pretty and wealthy girl, has grown into an adult with frizzy hair and freckles, while her childhood sweetheart Ji Seok has transformed from a chubby boy into a handsome man. When Ji Seok reaches out to reconnect after 15 years, Hye Jin, embarrassed by her appearance, asks her beautiful best friend Ha Ri to meet him in her place. Ji Seok, unaware of the switch, believes Ha Ri is Hye Jin.

Hye Jin starts a new job as a temporary employee at Most, a fashion magazine, where she unexpectedly encounters her childhood friend Ji Seok — now the intimidating deputy editor-in-chief. Ji Seok, not recognizing the disheveled Hye Jin as the girl he once knew, treats her harshly as her boss. Meanwhile, Ha Ri continues to meet Ji Seok, deepening the misunderstanding.

Ji Seok, known as the 'Devil' at Most magazine, clashes repeatedly with Hye Jin, who struggles to keep up with the demanding work environment. Ha Ri's meetings with Ji Seok grow more frequent, and she begins to develop real feelings for him. Hye Jin remains unaware that the man she is butting heads with at work is actually her childhood friend.

Hye Jin slowly begins to suspect that her cold boss Ji Seok might be connected to her past, noticing familiar habits and mannerisms. Ha Ri, now deeply involved in the deception, wrestles with her growing feelings for Ji Seok and her guilt toward Hye Jin. Shin Hyuk, a quirky and free-spirited senior editor at Most, begins to show a warm interest in Hye Jin.

Hye Jin confirms that her boss Ji Seok is indeed her childhood sweetheart, but he still does not recognize her. Ji Seok continues to meet Ha Ri believing she is Hye Jin, and his feelings for her deepen. Hye Jin, torn between revealing the truth and protecting Ha Ri, struggles with the increasingly complicated situation.

Ji Seok begins to notice Hye Jin more at work, sensing something strangely familiar about her without being able to place it. Ha Ri's guilt intensifies as her feelings for Ji Seok grow stronger, making the deception harder to maintain. Shin Hyuk continues to be Hye Jin's unexpected ally at the workplace, cheering her up during difficult moments.

Ji Seok's feelings for the woman he believes to be Hye Jin (Ha Ri) deepen, and he begins to openly pursue her. Hye Jin works hard at Most and earns a degree of recognition, but she is increasingly hurt watching Ji Seok fall for her best friend under a false identity. Shin Hyuk, who seems to know more than he lets on, grows closer to Hye Jin.

Ji Seok takes Ha Ri on a meaningful trip, creating romantic memories that further bind him to the false Hye Jin. The real Hye Jin painfully watches the situation spiral out of control, feeling both heartbreak and guilt. Hints about Shin Hyuk's mysterious true identity begin to surface, suggesting he may have a hidden connection to Most magazine.

Ji Seok begins to have deeper doubts about the woman he has been meeting, noticing inconsistencies in her story. Ha Ri finally confesses the truth to Ji Seok, revealing that she is not Hye Jin and that the real Hye Jin has been working alongside him all along. Ji Seok is left shocked and devastated by the revelation.

Ji Seok confronts the truth that Hye Jin, his hardworking and spirited colleague, is the girl he has been searching for all along. He struggles to process the betrayal while also grappling with a growing awareness of his real feelings. Hye Jin is overwhelmed with guilt and does not know how to face either Ji Seok or Ha Ri.

Ji Seok distances himself from both Hye Jin and Ha Ri as he processes his conflicted emotions, creating a tense atmosphere at Most. Hye Jin throws herself into her work to cope with the emotional fallout, beginning to truly shine in her role at the magazine. Shin Hyuk's true identity as the son of the company's owner is revealed, adding a new layer of complexity.

Ji Seok begins to see Hye Jin with fresh eyes, recognizing her sincerity, hard work, and the warmth he once loved in his childhood friend. Their interactions slowly shift from tense to tender as he starts to open his heart to her. Shin Hyuk, aware of his own feelings for Hye Jin, quietly steps back, supporting her happiness despite his heartache.

Ji Seok and Hye Jin grow undeniably closer, and Ji Seok begins to earnestly pursue her with sincerity and care. The couple share meaningful moments that echo their childhood connection, healing old wounds. However, external pressures at Most magazine, including potential layoffs and a demanding new project, threaten to overshadow their budding romance.

Ji Seok and Hye Jin officially become a couple, bringing joy after a long period of heartache and confusion. Ha Ri, dealing with her own heartbreak, works to rebuild her friendship with Hye Jin, taking steps toward genuine reconciliation. Behind the scenes, power struggles at Most magazine intensify, putting Ji Seok's position and the team's future in jeopardy.

Ji Seok faces a major crisis at Most magazine and makes a significant personal sacrifice to protect the team he has come to care about. Hye Jin proves her growth by standing strong both professionally and personally during the turbulent period. Shin Hyuk makes his final quiet gesture of letting go, showing his deep affection for Hye Jin in a bittersweet farewell.

The final episode wraps up the storylines with Ji Seok and Hye Jin solidifying their relationship and looking toward a bright future together. Most magazine overcomes its crisis, and the team celebrates their hard-won success. Ha Ri and Hye Jin fully restore their deep friendship, and all the characters find resolution and happiness in a warm, satisfying conclusion.