I usually pick Korean dramas based on the cast, but Mask Girl was a total wildcard. No prior knowledge of promotion, writer, director, or actors – just a random discovery on Netflix that became a one-sitting obsession. The initial impression? A lighthearted office drama, perhaps a blend of My Liberation Notes, She Was Pretty, and True Beauty. I’d expect a quirky office worker struggling with unconventional beauty standards. To cope, she creates an online persona – “Mask Girl” – a masked singer with a captivating voice. But beneath the catchy tunes lies a hidden dream of stardom, crushed by societal expectations. Here’s where the “slice of life” facade crumbles. The Netflix description, with its “Thriller” tag, was a dead giveaway of something deeper. Curiosity piqued, I hit play, and there goes another sleepless night.
Mask Girl might be the most unhinged K-drama of 2023. Each scene keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what protagonist Mo-mi will do next. The story unfolds at a breakneck pace, with key events happening off screen. What truly elevates the experience is the phenomenal acting. Three actresses portray Mo-mi at different life stages, each capturing her essence perfectly.
Lee Han-byeol shines as the insecure Mo-mi, the original “Mask Girl” hiding behind a mask to find acceptance online. Her dreams are shattered by a single tragic night, leaving her with nothing but a thirst for justice.
Nana takes over as the jaded Mo-mi. Plastic surgery grants her the coveted beauty, but freedom remains elusive. The constant fear of exposure casts a shadow over her success as a bar singer. Nana’s arc is particularly thrilling, with an unexpected twist involving her friend. “Pretty privilege” doesn’t guarantee a smooth life – a truth the show cleverly explores.
The final act introduces Go Hyun-jung as the rock-bottom Mo-mi. Years spent in prison have hardened her resolve. Freedom becomes her sole obsession. Here, she confronts her nemesis, Kim Kyung-ja (Yeom Hye-ran), a mother consumed by grief for her deceased son. The narrative masterfully explores the complexities of grief, contrasting a mother seeking justice for her son’s mistreatment with another yearning for lost time with her own child.
Despite the unsettling emotions it evokes, Mask Girl is an undeniably captivating drama. The character development, world-building, and thrilling plot kept me glued to the screen. It’s a show that defies categorization, offering a powerful exploration of identity, societal pressures, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
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