All the talk about the “Squid Game” masks had me thinking of another mask, and K-Drama, that took over Korea – the “Bridal Mask.”
And by takeover, I mean everybody and their mama was talking about it.
“Bridal Mask,” also known as “Gaksital,” is set in the 1930s during the Japanese occupation of Korea.
Originally a Manwha by Huh Young Man, “Bridal Mask” is the story of a ruthless Japan-sympathizing policeman by day and a Korean freedom fighter by night. Due to the dual nature of this policeman’s life, he wore a bridal mask (also called a gaksital) to hide that he was a Korean freedom fighter to the Japanese officers that he worked for.
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And let me tell you, this mask was perfection! It had the strange Squid Games mix of right and wrong, beauty and grotesque, that just made me want to stare at it. Look closely, and you can see the grain lines cutting into the mask, giving it an almost horror-like appeal (perfect for this time of the year), and yet it was gorgeous.
Though, most importantly, it was also wonderfully used in the K-Drama.
To backtrack, bridal masks are part of Korean culture. They are an item often used for performance and can therefore be purchased easily, especially at that time.
Because of this, no one knew who Gakstal could be. He could literally be anyone, and he played that to his full advantage as he fought the Japanese, in high-flying ways, all the way to episode 28.
Yes, there are 28 episodes of action because once this show gets started, it does not stop.
The Korean officer turned freedom fighter, dueling with the Japanese, is played by Joo Won in a star-making role that shot him from an unknown commodity to the top of the young actor stratosphere.
And guess what, he wasn’t even the first actor they approached for the role. Several actors turned down this role before it landed in Joo Won’s hands, and boy, did he make the best of it.
With a final rating of 27.7%, it is safe to say that Bridal Mask took over the airways of Korea much like Squid Games is doing now. You could not watch any variety show without someone yelling GAKSITAL! MANSAE! and the theme music pumping up the volume. Fun times!
Without giving too much away, I will say that” Bridal Mask” will grip you from the opening episode with the story of a Korean man who had lost his way only to find it again beneath the cover of a mask.
It is thrilling, heartbreaking, heart-wrenching, exciting, and satisfying! That is something that can’t be said for a lot of tv shows, but “Bridal Mask” will leave you satisfied like you just ate a bowl of ice cream while relaxing in a hot bubble bath.
With its excellent costuming, sets, cinematography, musical score, action scenes, pacing, and plot, you will be fixed to your seat and mesmerized by the poetry they are delivering on the screen.
Though be warned, the content is heavy. In writing, they say to put your lead character through the wringer. Well, poor Joo Won is put through the wringer, kicked several times, and hung out to dry – and it is so enticing to watch it all unfold because he gets his payback!
If “Squid Game” had your heart pumping from beginning to end, and you are looking for that same thrill, then you must check out “Bridal Mask.” It will not disappoint!
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