Why Netflix’s New K-Drama “Mask Girl” Director Cast A Rookie Actress For Its Lead Role

Netflix‘s new K-Drama Mask Girl was recently released, and it’s impressed viewers with its phenomenal cast.

Kim Mo-mi (Lee Han-byeol/Go Hyun-jung/Nana), an office worker who is insecure about her looks, becomes a masked internet personality by night — until a chain of unexpected, ill-fated events overtakes her life.

— Wikipedia

“Mask Girl” poster | Netflix

Since casting was announced, readers of the original Naver Webtoon that the K-Drama is adapted from were impressed. They were especially in awe of the casting of rookie actress Lee Han Byeol as pre-surgery Kim Mo Mi.

Kim Mo Mi | Naver Webtoon Lee Han Byeol

Now that the K-Drama has premiered, viewers were even more impressed by Lee Han Byeol. Some can’t believe it’s only her debut role.

Lee Han Byeol actually ate this role up. I'm shocked that it's a debut performance. https://t.co/uHzelmIIG2

— Helay (@helaynelson) August 21, 2023

the girl that played momi in the beginning of mask girl is a rookie actress and thats her first role (?) shes so good omg

— (@saeguks) August 20, 2023

Three talented actresses, Lee Han Byeol, After School‘s Nana, and Go Hyun Jung, portray three stages of Kim Mo Mi’s life: pre-plastic surgery, post-plastic surgery, and middle-aged in prison, respectively. Yet, Han Byeol portrays some of the most traumatic moments, from Mask Girl herself to murder and sexual assault. That’s a lot to take on for a debut role.

| Netflix

So, Mask Girl Director Kim Yong Hoon revealed why he cast the rookie actress for the lead role. He stated he did not want to rely on special makeup to create the character because it could affect one’s acting. So, instead, he chose an actress that was perfect for Kim Mo Mi in all aspects, from appearance to personality.

After the script writing was done, I had another concern about the cast. A thousand profiles were submitted for the audition, but when I saw Han Byeol’s profile, I had a strong feeling that she is perfect for the role. She came for the audition, and I offered her the role because I was struck by just how incredibly charming and intelligent she is.

— Director Kim Yong Hoon

Lee Han Byeol also empathized with her character due to personal experiences. Yet, unlike Kim Mo Mi, these hurtful moments did not lead her to hate her appearance.

Similar to Mo Mi, I’ve encountered hurtful moments related to my appearance. However, such an experience didn’t lead me to dislike my own appearance, and I have no problem with taking on the role of a physically unattractive character. I found genuine enjoyment and a sense of fulfillment throughout the entire filming process.

— Lee Han Byeol

Read more below.

K-Drama “Mask Girl” Viewers Cannot Believe It’s Actress Lee Han Byeol’s Debut Role