‘Perfect Glow’ takes K-beauty to New York in bold reality challenge
Park Min-young takes part in an online press event for tvN’s “Perfect Glow,” Thursday. / Courtesy of tvN
TvN is launching a new reality show that follows Korean beauty professionals as they attempt to introduce K-beauty techniques to clients in New York.
The network held an online press conference Thursday for “Perfect Glow,” with cast members Park Min-young, Ra Mi-ran, Joo Jong-hyuk, hair stylist Cha Hong, beauty creators Leo J and Pony, and producer Kim Sang-ah in attendance.
The show follows Park, Ra, joined by top Korean hair and makeup experts, as they open a Korean-style beauty salon in Manhattan and present K-beauty to local customers.
Park said she was unsure at first whether she was the right fit for a reality program. “When I first received the offer, my reaction was, ‘Why me?’ I had never done a reality show,” she said. “But I decided to take the challenge and experienced complete chaos. Even now my tongue still twists sometimes. But I became more comfortable with English, and viewers will see everyone’s growth from beginning to end.”
Ra also said she hesitated before accepting the offer. “I’ve shown relaxed sides of myself through travel programs, but this time it is a K-beauty project,” she said. “The production team said not to feel pressured, but I did. I wondered whether I might become a burden, so it took time to decide.”
Park said she studied skincare consulting and tried to present a new styling concept every day. “My goal was to hear clients say, ‘I want you to do my hair,’ or ‘I want you to do my makeup,’” she said. “So even when the schedule was packed, I tried to stay fully prepared from head to toe.”
Joo described the preparation process as intense. “I went to Cha Hong’s salon and washed the staff members’ hair. I heard many complaints and harsh critiques. I was scolded to the point of tears,” he said. “I trained in a very strict environment.”
Poster for tvN's "Perfect Glow" / Courtesy of tvN
The beauty professionals shared their impressions of working with the cast. Cha Hong praised Joo as “a true angel,” saying he always tried to help with shampooing and cleaning. “He is like a cute puppy. He is generous and dedicated. I prayed that such a good person thrives as an actor,” he said.
Leo J expressed gratitude toward Park, recalling moments when she looked after him on set. “Since it was my first entertainment show, I was extremely nervous. I even had indigestion and my skin reacted. Park Min-young showed up with a basket full of medicine — everything from toothbrushes to disinfectants,” he said.
“Perfect Glow” premieres Saturday on tvN.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.