Origin and release year: South Korea (2023 – Mask Girl)
Korean title: 마스크걸
Starring: Ko Hyun Jung, Nana, Ahn Jae Hong, Yeom Hye Ran, Park Jeong Hwa, Lee Han Byeol, U-KISS Jun, Choi Daniel, Moon Sook, Shin Ye Seo, Kim Min Seo, Han Ja I
Director: Kim Young Hoon
Screenwriter: Mae Mi, Kim Young Hoon
Synopsis: An office worker who is insecure about her looks becomes a masked internet personality by night until a chain of ill-fated events overtakes her life. (Google synopsis)
This drama was dark and twisted, really unveiling the glazed lens over Korea’s society – to say the least. It was gritty and got into the dirtier subject matters riddled in the lives of many.
However, despite it’s slightly (to put it nicely) disturbing nature, it had a powerful message and impact. The story progressed fairly well.
The narrative was laid out in a very linear manner despite us having to put a few pieces of the story together, but it could’ve been slightly more captivating had the timelines been a bit more scattered. Simultaneously, it has some unclear flashback moments. Nonetheless it was satisfying to watch a drama that doesn’t skip out on any of the finer details – which was a huge source of continued intrigue.
Moreover, the casting was spot on. Netflix Korea has been killing the casting game recently and there was no doubt that actors like Ahn Jae Hong and Go Hyun Jung would do the storytelling and delivery justice.
Whilst both actors did a particularly excellent job at their character portrayals. This writer wants to select two standout performers.
Shin Ye Seo did an excellent job as a rookie/rising actress, channeling emotions that even many adult actors find hard to duplicate.
As for Yeom Hye Ran, her performance was the kind to earn standing ovations in a theater setting. She literally gave you chills.
With excellent acting, an intriguing storyline, and a heavy-handed dose of social commentary, the drama is a good watch for when your mindset is feeling strong and you’d like to have it stirred and stimulated.
What did you think of Mask Girl? Let us know in the comments!