K-Beauty Showdown: 'Just Makeup' Finale to Crown Winner with $300,000 Prize

The highly anticipated finale of 'Just Makeup,' hosted by renowned singer Lee Hyori, is set to reveal the winner of the grand prize of 300 million KRW (approximately $300,000).

Coupang Play's reality show 'Just Makeup' is a massive makeup survival competition featuring top makeup artists from Korea and beyond, showcasing their unique styles in a fierce battle. In the explosive ninth episode, artist Son Tail secured a spot in the finals with an awe-inspiring performance in the 'Ka-madhenu' mission, inspired by artist Go Sang-woo.

The competition intensified with a challenging mission based on a passage from Cha In-pyo's novel 'Mermaid Hunting,' where contestants had to create their own interpretation of the symbolic 'Mother Mermaid' through makeup. O Dolce Vita impressed with a striking black smoky look adorned with water droplet-like parts, earning the final spot in the finals.

With Son Tail, O Dolce Vita, and Paris Golden Hands confirmed as the final contenders, the ultimate showdown for the K-Beauty legend title is set. The top 3 contestants reflected on their journey and shared their heartfelt thoughts ahead of the final round.

“I still can't believe I'm standing at the end of the stage I've always dreamed of. Thanks to everyone who supported me, I can stand on the final stage with the makeup I love. I'm just overwhelmed and grateful, and I'll pour my heart into it until the end.”

“Through 'Just Makeup,' I rediscovered why I started makeup. It's not just about making someone look pretty; it's about engraving emotions and stories on a face, which is art to me. During my time as O Dolce Vita, I became more convinced that makeup is the art of visualizing emotions. I learned that the heart must move before the technique, and I experienced moments where that heart transformed into true art at my fingertips. This journey helped me reconnect with the artist within me. Being in the top 3 is not the end but the beginning of more stories to tell. I'm truly grateful to all the participants and those who remembered me.”

“I'm thrilled to be in the top 3 with such amazing artists. It was a time where I could express my philosophy and worldview as a makeup artist through my work. Showing those works to many people was truly meaningful and will remain significant to me. I'm ready. I think there's just one last step left, and I'll do my best to show everything I've built.”

The grand finale mission theme is 'DREAMS,' where each contestant must create a photo shoot based on their own 'dream.' Beyond simple beauty expression, the challenge is to visually embody ideals, identity, and artistic worldview through makeup. The final mission's results will grace the cover of the December issue of Harper's Bazaar, offering not just a win but a chance to make a mark on the global stage, capturing everyone's attention.

Veteran actresses Kim Young-ok, Ban Hyo-jung, and Jung Hye-sun, known for their seasoned performances, will model for the final mission, surprising everyone. Son Tail is paired with Kim Young-ok, Paris Golden Hands with Ban Hyo-jung, and O Dolce Vita with Jung Hye-sun. The narrative of 'Dreams' created by these legendary actors and the top 3 promises a true finale where art and emotion intersect, heightening expectations.

'Just Makeup' has topped viewer satisfaction ratings for entertainment content (source: Consumer Insight) and maintained its position as Coupang Play's most popular show for five consecutive weeks. According to FlixPatrol, an overseas OTT ranking site, it entered the top 10 popular shows in seven countries and holds an IMDb rating of 8.5. As interest in the winner reaches its peak, the question remains: who will rewrite the history of K-Beauty?

Coupang Play's 'Just Makeup' will air its final episode today, November 7th, at 8 PM.

Se-A Kim, Ten Asia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr