both, at first glance, appear to have the same cliche plot: an average, unpopular girl being given a makeover so that many other people would like her.
Yet there is something about both these dramas that touches you. Makes you mesmerized in spite of yourself. Miss Korea is unexpectedly gritty, showing the more distasteful sides of the pageant without pulling any punches. The characters, even the supporting ones, have much chemistry and are fascinatingly acted.
Meanwhile, Nobuta wo Produce is a heart-warming story about a shy, isolated high school girl coming to her own and getting confidence. While it doesn't have any romance, the friendship she has with the two boys are one of the most touching I have ever seen. Both dramas can't be missed and while they are both extremely different in tone, their similarities might be just enough to make you like the other.
Miss Korea (2013)
Similars
Both dramas deal with the production of beauty products. The stories' conflict revolves around deceit, disloyalty greed etc ,the good and bad that will up one cosmetic product over another for the ultimate glory and power of the winning group.
Both dramas have the same director, screen writer and lead actor, so while watching you might get the same feeling.
But that's not it. Both dramas don't focus on the romance directly. In "Pasta" it is about working in a restaurant, while in "Miss Korea" it is about working out to be Miss Korea and managing a cosmetic company.
Beside the lead actor, Lee Sun Gyun, actors Lee Sung Min and Choi Jae Hwan also acted in both dramas as supporting roles.
the both dramas are about miss korea competition and they show training and preparations for participants.
Thematically, the stories in MK and The King of Dramas were very similar. A boy who has wronged a girl in the past now needs her help to save himself and his dreams, while also trying to help her fulfill her own dreams. Trust issues abound, but they both pull you into their struggles and have you cheering at the TV for every win they get.
The way Yoona's street is shot reminded me a lot of Miss Korea. Both dramas have great written characters and development throughout the entire show. I also believe that both of these shows are underrated gems that don't look all that interesting on paper but leaves you satisfied all the way through to its conclusion.