Coupang Play variety show ramped up the survival tension to a peak through episodes 4 and 5, released on the 10th (Fri). In this episode, the 1:1 deathmatch mirror battle was the viewing highlight. The fierce makeup competition in which only one person survives kept viewers glued to their screens. The contestants implemented concepts such as Roxic, drag, K-POP, GLAM grunge and others on stage, showcasing an overwhelming scale that expanded beyond simple beauty into art and performance. Every time pass and elimination alternated, exclamations and regrets burst out, and warm scenes of contestants encouraging each other even amid rivalries were added, making this episode remain a showcase of the essence of K-beauty survival.

Coupang Play variety show is a massive makeup survival where makeup artists who represent K-beauty not only in Korea but globally compete fiercely with their own distinct styles. The second round was a 1:1 deathmatch mirror battle: 15 makeup themes were presented, and if an artist randomly selected by MC Lee Hyori chose a theme, another contestant could challenge by seeing the theme or the artist. Fifteen pairs of identical twin models appeared for each theme, and the two contestants competed by interpreting the same theme in their own ways.

red horse, the Paris golden hands vs. the glitter magician

In the red horse mission, the two contestants showed distinct interpretations. The Paris golden hands drew inspiration from writer Baek Seong-min's work 'Red Horse' and realized the image of a commanding general riding a red horse through makeup to complete an intense mood. In contrast, the glitter magician used the motif of a general who went to the battlefield and presented a glamorous makeup that evoked the "god of victory," capturing attention.

fusion orientalism, the view-min girl vs. the beauty big sister

In the fusion orientalism mission, original interpretations continued. The view-min girl built on the restrained beauty of Korean tradition and added Y2K trendy sensibility to complete a contemporary "Y2K oriental" makeup. Opposing her, the beauty big sister presented "the future sculpted by the light of the East," embedding warm Eastern sensibility within a cold metallic texture to deepen the stage.

sports pictorial, Cheongdam master vs. the swag maker

In the sports pictorial mission, health and individuality stood out. Cheongdam master used red blush as a focal point to express healthiness and dynamism, completing the "sunburn sports" makeup. Opposing that, the swag maker reflected the intense image of a badminton smash in the eye makeup with "metal smashing," maximizing sporty energy.

Roxic, the beauty heiress vs. Itaewon second-floor queen

In the Roxic mission, contrasting personalities were highlighted. The beauty heiress mixed Roxic mood with a ballet core look to present a "ballerina who loved Roxic" makeup that captured siren-like allure. Opposing her, the Itaewon second-floor queen left a strong impression on stage with an "Ama" concept expressing rough yet elegant beauty.

90's high teen, the detail ghost vs. O Dolce Vita

In the 1990s high-teen mission, a stage that reinterpreted retro sensibility in a modern way unfolded. The detail ghost presented "Finkle reboot" makeup, reinterpreting the style of 1990s high-teen star Fin.K.L in today's sensibility. Opposing that, O Dolce Vita revived the era's emotions with "90's teen soul," conveying the period's sentiment that forced people to suppress sadness, delivering a unique resonance.

futurism, neverdead queen vs. the pure witch

In the futurism mission, contrasting interpretations of the future filled the stage. Neverdead queen presented makeup titled "Fragments of humanity, fading emotion," depicting future humans without emotion like robots and evoking a cold tension. In contrast, the pure witch drew inspiration from changes that could be brought by a butterfly's wingbeat and embodied the "butterfly effect," delicately capturing an unpredictable future.

GLAM grunge, first man vs. Seongsu-dong prince

In the GLAM grunge mission, a decadent yet free mood stood out. First man presented "dirty sexy" makeup that captured the languid, decadent daily life of a man who is a clubber at night and a mechanic by day. Opposing him, Seongsu-dong prince dominated the stage with "5 a.m.," a grunge expression of the disheveled moment after a glamorous party at dawn.

Barbie concept, Yesul's hall vs. the short-form king

In the Barbie mission, differing interpretations caught the eye. Yesul's hall presented "plastic girl," expressing a Barbie who cannot become human and is sad, while the short-form king implemented "the process of loving myself," capturing the excitement of a Barbie preparing for a date.

color concept, luxury collector vs. Busan smoky girl

In the color mission, the charm of color stood out. The luxury collector used pastel tones to create a fairy-like face called "the fairy of color," and Busan smoky girl used intense hues to capture the sunset at Gwangalli beach with "unforgettable Gwangalli, the sunset at the beach."

bohemian concept, royal family vs. the big sister with bold style

In the bohemian mission, interpretations of freedom and romance faced off. Royal family expressed a free sensibility by throwing irregular makeup into a regulated society with the "protection chic look," and the big sister with bold style presented "protection blossom," capturing an atmosphere that blooms brightly like a flower.

natural concept, Son Tale vs. New York master

In the natural mission, luxury and sophistication coexisted. Son Tale presented "actress on the red carpet," expressing the radiance of an actress on the red carpet, and New York master showcased "natural luxe," portraying an urban, elegant career woman.

drag concept, beauty tube veteran vs. Mactist

In the drag mission, original interpretations of identity continued. Beauty tube veteran reinterpreted drag culture not as a drag queen but as a drag king with "not a drag queen but a drag king," and Mactist expressed "Face Me Like a Queen," projecting the desire to win onto the drag queen.

Coupang Play variety show once again drew explosive praise through episodes 4 and 5. From the massive scale befitting a large survival show, MC Lee Hyori's fluent hosting, the judges' fair evaluations, to the artistic stages presented by the 30 qualifiers — even amid the intensity of the 1:1 deathmatch mirror battles where only one person survives, the show delivered human emotion and left a strong impression on viewers.

Immediately after episodes 4 and 5 were released, viewer reactions were as explosive as the elevated round format, saying things like "The judging criteria, judges' comments, and the visibility of all contestants seem balanced and good," "the contestants, judges, and MC are all so charming," "it feels like an art version of Culinary Class Wars," and "I find myself more immersed with each episode."

Coupang Play variety show , which has drawn ever more exciting developments and explosive reactions as episodes progress, can be seen every Friday at 8 p.m. on Coupang Play. <
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