Park Min Young, now 39, moved viewers with a heartfelt revelation about her family life during a recent episode of tvN’s variety show Perfect Glow. The episode, which aired on January 1, delivered powerful emotions as cast members surprised a New York–based mother who had given up beauty care due to a rare, incurable illness with an unexpected K-beauty–inspired glow-up.
Episode 9 marked the final stage of the show’s makeover project, featuring some of the most memorable transformations yet. The first guest was Riley, a personal color consultant working in New York. Having developed an interest in personal color analysis while living in Korea as an exchange student, Riley expressed deep affection for K-beauty. In a fun twist, Ra Mi Ran even received a surprise personal color diagnosis from Riley, discovering she was a “winter cool tone,” prompting laughter as she joked about needing to reorganize her wardrobe.
Makeup artist Pony took charge of Riley’s makeover, carefully crafting a look that complemented her dress perfectly while enhancing her striking features especially her unique, turtle-shell–patterned eyes. Hair stylist Cha Hong praised the result as “legendary,” comparing Riley’s eyes to a doll’s. Riley’s husband Isaac was equally stunned, openly admiring her transformation and filling the studio with a warm, romantic atmosphere.
On the final business day of the makeover project, the first guest was Victoria, a second-year neurosurgery resident in New York. She arrived with her mother Mary Big and three friends, instantly brightening the set. When Victoria and her mother revealed themselves as longtime fans of Park Min Young, an impromptu fan meeting unfolded.
The mother-daughter duo’s story deeply touched everyone. Victoria shared that her decision to become a doctor was inspired by her mother, who suffers from an unexplained neurological illness. Because her mother struggles physically and rarely wears makeup, Victoria initially wanted to give up her own makeover opportunity for her. Her sincerity and love left the cast visibly emotional.
Park Min Young strongly related to the story, revealing, “I’m also best friends with my mom, so I completely understand how you feel.” Her words added another layer of warmth to the moment.
What followed was an unexpected joint makeover for both mother and daughter. Pony transformed Victoria into what looked like a Disney fairytale princess, drawing cheers from the room. Then came Mary Big’s turn. Makeup artist LeoJ carefully balanced her facial features, which had been affected by illness, using delicate techniques such as false lashes to restore symmetry and confidence. When mother and daughter finally looked at each other after the makeover, their shared joy brought tears to everyone present.
Ra Mi Ran was especially moved, wiping away tears as the emotional moment unfolded. When Pony jokingly teased her for being overly sensitive, Ra Mi Ran laughed through tears, insisting she was actually a “thinking type,” adding a lighthearted ending to a deeply touching episode.
The episode not only showcased the power of beauty transformations but also highlighted family love, empathy, and healing made even more poignant by Park Min Young’s candid reflection on her own bond with her mother.
Sources: Daum