Welcome back dear fellow binge-watchers and K-Drama enthusiasts, we have got another Webtoon adaptation hitting Netflix in 2023 that's got everyone talking. It is called Mask Girl, and if you are wondering what this series is all about, who it is perfect for, and whether it is worth your screen time, you are in the right place. Just a heads up, though: we will be spilling some early episode secrets, so spoiler alert! So, grab some snacks, and join us as we unmask Mask Girl, a creation from Kim Younghoon, inspired by the webcomic genius Mae Mi. It's going to be a wild ride!

The opening scene of Mask Girl thrusts viewers into a performance not meant for younger audiences: a young woman preparing to grace the stage with a provocative dance routine at a talent show, followed by a nostalgic trip back a couple of decades. Our protagonist, Kim Momi, portrayed by the talented Lee Hanbyul, possessed a lifelong passion for dance and an innate ability to captivate audiences from a tender age. She appeared to be blessed with the kind of talent that births stars. However, as she advanced in years, she confronted a barrage of unkind critiques, including some biting words from her very own mother. These remarks essentially suggested that she did not fit the mold of a performer because, regrettably, she did not possess the conventional beauty associated with the entertainment industry. A sobering realization indeed.

The current reality for 27-year-old Kim Momi unfolds in a rather mundane manner. She is entrenched in a job in the accounting world, a position she considers as dull and unfulfilling. But her passion for dance remains an unquenchable flame, one that refuses to be extinguished. To sate this hunger, she takes to the virtual stage, where she becomes the "Mask Girl." Behind the anonymity of her mask, she engages in erotic performances during online live streams, amusing a substantial following of fervent fans. The allure of this secret identity lies in the mystery through concealing her true self.

However, the story is far from confined to the portrayal of a double life. Instead, it commences here, unfolding in ways that defy prediction. It delves deep into a battle with suppressed emotions—jealousy, fear, and an unrelenting desire to conform. For Momi, it is the relentless pursuit of conforming to societal beauty standards and capturing the attention of her crush, much like her female colleagues do effortlessly. The burning question becomes: to what lengths will she go to achieve this? How much pain and prolonged suffering can one endure before innocence is shattered, driving them to unpredictable, perhaps even cruel, actions? These are the intriguing facets that Mask Girl navigates.

In order to showcase the complexity of Kim Momi's character, Mask Girl enlists the talents of three remarkable actresses who portray her at various stages of her life—Lee Hanbyul, Nana, and Go Hyunjung. The series begins with an, at first, stereotypical and almost predictable journey, by delving into the battle against bullying, the daunting face of discrimination, the gradual accumulation of newfound confidence, and the contrasting realms of life online and offline. Yet, it takes a dramatic and somewhat dark turn right by the end of the first episode, steering the plot toward the realm of a crime series, tinged with a distinct thriller vibe that is truly unnerving at times!

This transformative shift unveils a captivating exploration of private investigations and the relentless quest for answers to enigmatic mysteries, introducing new central figures that add layers of complexity to the plot. Among these shadowy figures, stalkers emerge as a particularly chilling presence, further deepening the intrigue and suspense of the series. 

Indeed, the entertaining side of Mask Girl resides in its capacity to defy categorization, continuously keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The series offers a vast and ever-evolving landscape of themes, navigating through diverse topics and incorporating unexpected plot twists that defy conventional expectations. Its ability to seamlessly transition from one genre to another will definitely keep you engaged throughout the entire series, making for an unpredictable and riveting viewing experience.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that Mask Girl ventures into a wide spectrum of triggering topics and addresses them with unflinching candor. As a result, the series deserves an R-rating, making it a challenging watch for some viewers. The narrative delves into themes such as unexpected murders, crime investigations, issues related to sexual assault, misogyny, attempted rape, instances of assault, explicit violent scenes, and domestic abuse.

Edited by Cara M.