The SBS melodrama "Mask" continued its climactic spiral with an action-packed episode on July 23. "Mask" falls within a genre of Korean drama known as makjang, a type of series or plot element which reels in viewers with over-the-top storylines. The phrase, "that's so makjang" is often spoken by characters in dramas like "Angry Mom" and is used to illustrate ridiculous or seemingly impossible circumstances. With "Mask," audiences are challenged to embrace the otherworldly nature of this genre, where the world appears to be crumbling around the protagonists.
Episode 18 of the series includes death, arson, attempted murder by fire or drowning, and additional attempts at blackmail. As the episode unfolds, viewers must heavily rely on suspension of disbelief, as the lines between good and evil are clearly delineated.
Audiences are encouraged to believe that Byun Ji Sook (Soo Ae) is wholeheartedly innocent, even after assuming the identity of the deceased heiress, Seo Eun Ha. Choi Min Woo (Joo Ji Hoon) is both innocuous and love-struck, whose blindness for the faults of humanity allows him to follow the vacation plans of his sister (Yoo In Young) and brother-in-law (Yeon Jung Hoon).
The fact that Min Woo and Ji Sook willingly traveled to an isolated cabin with their deadly in-laws is the most unrealistic aspect of "Mask."
Screenwriter Choi Ho Chul previously upped the ante of makjang with the 2013 drama, "Secret Love." In "Secret Love," Ji Sung and Hwang Jung Eum embark on an ill-fated relationship that is fraught with accusations of murder, attempts to blackmail and kidnapping. Ironically, audiences continue to discuss the product placement in the series of T.G.I Friday's as one of the least believable aspects of "Secret Love."
While Hwang Jung Eum received a bakery at the end of "Secret Love," the Angel in Us cafe is conveniently waiting for Ji Sook.
Perhaps, "Mask" will conclude with a happy ending for Ji Sook and Min Woo, even if Ji Sook admits to here in-laws that she assumed another woman's identity.
What are your thoughts on the over-the-top nature of "Mask?" Do you like watching K-Dramas that are so melodramatic? Comment below.
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing editor for KDramastars. She is also a contributing writer for KpopStarz, MTV Iggy, Viki and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing, she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).
