The global K-beauty phenomenon has found its latest spotlight on the hit Korean reality show “Makeup only” a high-stakes trick survival series that has exploded in popularity since its debut.
Released on October 3, the original show Coupang Play rose to the top spot on the platform’s trending list, recording a staggering 665% increase in viewership (a 7.65x increase) in just two weeks.
“Makeup only” brings together Korea’s top makeup artists to compete through bold creativity, artistry and technical prowess that represent the power and innovation of K-beauty on an international scale.
Hosted by Lee Hyo-ri, the show marks her first solo role as an MC in nearly two years, following 2023’s music talk show KBS2. “Seasons: Lee Hyo-ri’s Red Carpet.”
While “Red carpet” finished with a modest 1.5% of votes, “Makeup only” completely flipped the narrative by silencing initial skepticism and demonstrating Lee Hyo-ri’s enduring star power.
“Lee Hyo-ri as MC of a makeup show? Perfect casting,” one viewer wrote on social media. Others admitted they were surprised: “After the 0% ratings drop, this is a huge comeback.”
Episode 1 began with a stunning introduction to the contestants, including celebrity makeup artists for stars such as Han Ye-seul and Kim Tae-hee, and popular beauty YouTubers such as SSIN (1.42 million subscribers) and Calary Girl (Office A).
The judges include Jung Saem-mool, Seo-ok, Risabae and Lee Jin-soo, forming a jury of Korea’s most respected beauty figures.
Each episode features mission-based eliminations, challenging performers to impress the judges with unique and emotionally resonant looks. Some contestants earned praise for their creative flair and precision, while others fell behind due to time management or lack of detail that heightened the dramatic tension of the show’s signature survival.
The upcoming third round promises to be the most intense of the show, despite being a team mission inspired by K-pop stages. The artists will collaborate to design performance makeup for TWS and STAYC, fusing technical skill with the aesthetics of idol performances.
The turning point? The rule is brutal: the winning team survives, the losing team is eliminated.
The teaser preview already shows emotional breakdowns and tearful moments between the contestants, signaling a high-stakes showdown that viewers are eagerly awaiting.
After the release of episodes 4 and 5 on October 10, “Makeup only” achieved a 4.6 viewership rating on Coupang Play and quickly became the platform’s most-watched title.
Fans have flooded online communities with enthusiastic reactions:
- It looks like the artistic version of Culinary Class Wars, fascinating and exciting.
- Watching their passion and teamwork gives me shivers.
- The creativity is incredible, I didn’t realize makeup could be so moving.
Many praised the show’s balance of artistry, competition, and emotional storytelling, calling it “a masterpiece that redefines K-beauty TV.”
With its unique blend of high production value, exciting storytelling and international appeal, “Makeup only” is more than just a reality show, it’s a showcase of K-Beauty’s global influence and the artistry that drives it.
Sources: TV Report, Coupang Play
