Courtesy of Netflix
In a poignant exploration of the intricacies of human behavior, the Netflix drama series "Mask Girl" weaves a tale of tragedy and irony, delving into the catastrophic consequences of flawed choices made by its characters. According to the director, the show serves as a canvas to scrutinize the multifaceted nature of humanity.
Adapted from the eponymous webtoon penned by writer Maemi and illustrator Hee Se, "Mask Girl" introduces viewers to Kim Mo-mi, an office worker who grapples with insecurities about her appearance. She dons a masked online persona, striving to fulfill her aspiration of stepping into the limelight.
As her journey unfolds, a series of unfortunate events propel her to undergo plastic surgery to conceal her identity, setting the stage for an epic narrative encompassing three distinct phases of her life. This narrative is portrayed by a trio of actors: newcomer Lee Han-byeol depicts Mo-mi before her transformation, singer-actor Nana portrays her post-surgery, and veteran Go Hyun-jung embodies her after decades spent behind bars.
"Mask Girl" rapidly claimed the No. 2 position on Netflix's non-English TV show chart within its first week of release, garnering 2.8 million views within three days of its debut.
Director-writer Kim Yong-ho expounded on the series' multifaceted thematic exploration, noting that while it confronts the issue of "lookism" prevalent in Korean society, it simultaneously delves into the intricate facets of human nature via the diverse narratives of its characters.
Beyond its commentary on appearance, Kim elucidated, "The underlying theme dealt with a more universal theme of duality and duplexity of human nature. I think how beauty is perceived may vary depending on different perspectives."
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| ▲ Courtesy of Netflix |
Though Mo-mi is at the narrative's core, the series dedicates episodes to other pivotal characters such as Ju Oh-Nam (Ahn Jae-hong), a co-worker ensnared in a murder case, and Kim Kyung-ja (Yeom Hye-ran), his mother plotting a complex revenge strategy. This multi-perspective approach seeks to reveal the transformations of characters intertwined with Mo-mi's journey.
With each portrayal embodying a distinct phase of her life, finding the right actors presented a significant challenge. Newcomer Lee Han-byeol, selected from a pool of 1,000 applicants, underwent rigorous physical and dance training. Meanwhile, Go Hyun-jung, primarily known for lead roles, embraced the multifaceted role to embrace a novel acting experience.
"I wanted them to feel like both one person and different characters. So I decided to cast three actors for the character," Kim elaborated, illuminating his approach to depicting Mo-mi's evolution.
Known for his work on the 2020 crime thriller "Beasts Clawing at Straws," Kim's creative focus on intricate human behavior reflects his affinity for stories that unflinchingly explore the interplay between good and evil within individuals.
"As I am also a person of ambiguity, I take interest in these kinds of characters," Kim concluded, revealing the personal resonance that drives his storytelling choices. "Mask Girl" invites audiences to peer into a world where characters' choices intertwine with their destinies, offering a mirror into the intricate interplay of light and darkness within human nature.
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