Diksha Arya
Netflix’s ‘Mask Girl’ is a South Korean thriller series based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by Mae-mi and Hee-se. It follows the story of Kim Mo-mi (Go Hyun-Jung), an office worker who is insecure about her looks and has a secret life of a masked internet personality. However, a chain of ill-fated, unexpected events overtakes her life.
Directed by Kim Young-hoon, the South Korean show follows themes of revenge, identity, and the depths of human emotions. For fans of thrillers and dark comedies, this compelling narrative explores human nature’s complexities. If you like this dark, twisted tale that keeps you guessing until the very end and wants to keep that high going, here is a compilation to check out.
8. Signal (2016)
Through ‘Signal,’ director Kim Won-Seok takes you on the journey of two detectives from different periods who use a mysterious walkie-talkie to communicate. Together, they solve cases and change the course of history, uncovering the interconnectivity of past and present. The storyline also delves into the themes of justice, fate, and the impact of human decisions. While this show leans more toward supernatural and crime-solving elements, both ‘Signal’ and ‘Mask Girl’ are stories about the consequences of one’s choices. Moreover, they explore the concept of cause and effect and have interconnected narratives of different characters.
7. My Name (2021)
In ‘My Name,’ Yoon Ji-woo, a woman grieving her father’s death, infiltrates a drug cartel responsible for the same. With her thirst for revenge, she assumes a new identity and fights to uncover the truth. This show, directed by Kim Jin-min, tells the story of betrayals, personal sacrifices, and shifting allegiances while delving into the price of vengeance.
Similar to how ‘Mask Girl’ explores the idea of taking on a secret persona for persona gain, ‘My Name’ follows a protagonist who takes on a new identity to pursue justice. It is a gripping choice for anyone captivated by the stories of transformation and undercover operations.
6. Save Me (2017)
‘Save Me’ is a South Korean TV series revolving around friends trying to help a girl trapped in a religious cult. While trying to rescue her amidst escalating tension and danger, they dig up disturbing secrets about the cult’s leader. Entangled in a web of deception and corruption, they try to face their personal demands and navigate moral dilemmas.
Directed by Kim Sung-soo, the show is a story of survival, redemption, and the human spirit. Just as ‘Mask Girl’ explores the dark aspects of human nature, ‘Save Me’ also delves into the sinister world of control and manipulation. Through their tense and unpredictable narratives, they draw the audience in and leave them wanting more.
5. Extracurricular (2020)
Directed by Kim Jin-min, ‘Extracurricular‘ revolves around Oh Ji-soo, a high school student living a double life as a criminal mastermind. He continues to engage in illicit activities to support his family, but his life takes a drastic turn when he finds himself in dangerous territory. The South Korean series probes into the psychological toll of his double, blurring the lines between right and wrong and survival in the world of crime.
‘Mask Girl’ and ‘Extracurricular’ are stories about characters with dual existences, exploring personal struggles and human nature. We get an insight into the psychology of the protagonists and the effects of their choices. For viewers fascinated by the stories of morally complex characters, ‘Extracurricular’ is a show that will definitely not disappoint.
4. Revenge (2011-2015)
‘Revenge’ tells the story of Emily Thorne, a young woman who is hellbent on seeking vengeance against the Graysons, a wealthy and influential family who wronged her father years ago. She takes on a new identity and infiltrates the Hamptons community to exact her vengeance. With a plan to bring her enemies down, she weaves an intricate web of schemes and manipulation.
However, as Emily moves forward with this path, her new life takes a psychological toll on her. The show’s creator, Mike Kelley, has created this suspenseful story that focuses on revenge, identity, and hidden motivations, just like ‘Mask Girl.’ Furthermore, both shows’ protagonists desire to rewrite their narratives and are willing to do anything to achieve their goals.
3. Nip/Tuck (2003-2010)
Created by Ryan Murphy, ‘Nip/Tuck’ is a medical drama series that follows the life of two plastic surgeons, Dr. Sean McNamara and Dr. Christian Troy, as they navigate the glamor and darkness of the cosmetic surgery industry. Set in Miami, it gives insights into their professional and personal lives while delving into their complicated relationships and ethical dilemmas.
Like ‘Mask Girl,’ ‘Nip/Tuck’ also is an insightful take on the complexities of appearance and identity while confronting the lines between inner struggles and external transformation. In addition, both shows offer a mix of dark humor and drama. If you love a tale of unexpected consequences and following themes of personal reinvention, ‘Nip/Tuck’ is a must-watch.
2. Birth of a Beauty (2014-2015)
‘Birth of a Beauty’ is a South Korean drama series about Sa Geum-ran, an overweight woman with a cheating husband who meets Han Tae-hee, a wealthy heir with his own demons. He offers her a transformative opportunity, where she emerges as the stunning Sara through extensive plastic surgery and some training. Together, they take revenge on Geum-ran’s former husband and his family.
The show’s directors, Lee Chang-Min and Park Sun-ho have crafted this story of revenge, hidden agendas, and blossoming romance. Both ‘Mask Girl’ and ‘Birth of a Beauty’ explore themes of retribution and physical change while exploring the protagonist’s journey toward self-discovery. For those who appreciate the tale of second chances and triumphant comebacks, this show should be on their watchlist.
1. Shadow Beauty (2021)
Through ‘Shadow Beauty,’ the audience gets a look into the life of Koo Ae Jin, a girl who is bullied for her appearance. But no one knows she leads a double life on Social Media as Genie. With heavily photoshopped pictures, she amasses a social following of over 770,000 and gets sponsorship offers. However, this world of deceit starts crumbling soon as she has to deal with the consequences of altering her identity.
Bang Soo-In, the show’s director, has intersected the themes of power and vulnerability and drawn a fine line between illusion and reality.‘Shadow Beauty’ and ‘Mask Girl’ are shows that immerse their audience in a world where physical transformations lead to unraveling mysteries. They highlight the tension between external facades and inner motivations and analyze the complexities of self-identity. On top of it, ‘Shadow Beauty’ offers a blend of the suspense, intrigue, and psychological aspects of transformation.
Read More: Mask Girl Ending, Explained
