CAST: Nana, Ahn Jae-hong, Ko Hyun-jung and Yeom Hye-ran
DIRECTOR: Kim Yong Hoon
Netflix has just unveiled its latest K-Drama offering, “Mask Girl,” an adaptation of a webtoon bearing the same title. The show has garnered considerable anticipation among the domestic audience, thanks in part to its well-regarded cast. With such pre-release buzz, concerns about acting quality are unlikely to deter your engagement with the series. But does “Mask Girl” justify investing 7 hours of your time? Keep reading to find out.
The inaugural episode introduces us to Kim Mo Mi, a regular office employee by day and an online sensation by night, where she takes on the persona of a live broadcast superstar. Adorned with a metallic mask and an array of wigs, she captivates her online followers. Flashbacks to her youth unveil the roots of her fervent desire for attention, even from anonymous internet users. From a young age, she was repeatedly told she was unfit for anything due to her appearance.
Even when masked, showcasing an enviable physique and impressive dance skills, she effortlessly garners financial support in the form of “heart pangs” – donations from her online viewers.
Mo Mi grapples with the ache of unrequited affection as she witnesses her office crush, Mr. Park, engaging in an affair with the young and attractive Lee Ah Reum. In the aftermath of this heartache, Mo Mi turns to alcohol and, in her inebriated state, activates her live stream, ultimately exposing herself on camera.
Her actions result in a ban from the platform due to violating its rules, plunging her back into a state of desolation and isolation without her devoted followers.
Among her dedicated fans is Ju Oh Nam, who coincidentally holds a higher position than Mo Mi at their workplace. A self-professed otaku, Ju Oh Nam’s social interactions with women in real life are limited. His daily companions include sex dolls, anime, and live-stream content. Mo Mi’s broadcasts become a source of solace for him, and he becomes increasingly fixated on her.
At a pivotal juncture, the pieces of the puzzle align for Ju Oh Nam as he deduces that Mo Mi is the elusive Mask Girl. Seeking affirmation and connection, Mo Mi embarks on a date with one of her viewers, leading her to a motel encounter with him. This marks a sudden shift in the K-Drama’s trajectory as it veers into the realm of crime and mystery, initiated by Mo Mi’s altercation with the man.
Amid their struggle, he attempts a sexual assault on her, leading to a frantic altercation that inadvertently results in him striking his head against a side table. Overwhelmed by panic, Mo Mi urgently reaches out to Ju Oh Nam for assistance. Driven by his profound affection for her, Ju Oh Nam takes a drastic step, killing the man and meticulously disposing of the body.
While we won’t divulge all the details, episode two concludes with an unexpected turn. Ju Oh Nam confronts Mo Mi following her resignation from the company following the murder. The situation escalates, resulting in Mo Mi resorting to stabbing Ju Oh Nam as he attempts to initiate intimate contact.
A significant aspect that ignites our curiosity is the presence of three distinct actresses portraying Mo Mi. Lee Han Byul portrays Mo Mi in the initial two episodes, followed by Nana’s portrayal. As the drama unfolds, Go Hyun Jung takes on the role of Mo Mi in her concluding stages.
Motivated by her aspirations to become a performer, Mo Mi opts for plastic surgery to fulfill her dreams. Despite Ju Oh Nam’s efforts to dissuade her due to her deep-seated insecurities about her appearance, she proceeds with the procedure.
One of the standout elements of the premiere episode is Ahn Jae Hong’s exceptional portrayal. His depiction of Ju Oh Nam is flawlessly on point, effectively embodying the character of an awkward otaku. His rendition of “Happy Birthday” alongside his life-sized doll truly convinces viewers.
Lee Han Byul also delivers an impressive performance, capturing the essence of a self-conscious woman in her 30s yearning for recognition. It’s almost astonishing to believe that Mask Girl marks her debut work.
This isn’t merely your run-of-the-mill narrative about a girl grappling with low self-esteem. It defies the conventions of a typical romance-focused K-Drama. Mask Girl is poised to offer a cascade of unexpected turns, maintaining an atmosphere of dry and dark-hearted humor while weaving an intricate web of suspense. With a total of seven episodes, the show unquestionably warrants your time, especially if you’re open to a blend of gore, humor, and gripping anticipation.
