Expectations can shape how we perceive a story, and sometimes a show is not what it initially seems. This is the case with Unmasked, the Disney+ drama led by Kim Hye-soo. Marketed as an investigative thriller about journalism and the pursuit of truth, the series instead shines more as an office drama, delving into workplace struggles, career frustrations, and personal redemption.
While Unmasked retains its investigative premise, the execution is chaotic. The storytelling is often cluttered, with episodic mysteries that fail to deliver the gripping tension expected from a procedural drama. Instead of following a determined journalist, Oh So-ryong (Kim Hye-soo), as she takes down corrupt forces through her news program Trigger, viewers are met with erratic tonal shifts, excessive melodrama, and shocking moments of violence that feel misplaced.
Some plot points border on unsettling, such as the case of a murdered child with their eyes gouged out or a string of abused animals. Most controversial, however, is the show’s reference to the 1995 Sampoong Department Store collapse, South Korea’s deadliest peacetime disaster. The fictionalized version, the “Sun Plaza Mall” collapse, is revealed to be deeply tied to So-ryong’s past. She is the daughter of a bus driver who was unfairly blamed for the tragedy, while the baby born on that fateful day is now an intern on her team. This revelation, though potentially emotional, is handled in a way that feels forced rather than meaningful.
Despite its missteps, the show’s office drama elements offer some redeeming qualities. The Trigger newsroom is filled with ambition, conflict, and political maneuvering, which prove more compelling than the crime investigations. Han Do (Jung Sung-il) is the reluctant producer whose privilege allows him to coast through challenges, while Kang Gi-ho (Joo Jong-hyuk), a dedicated junior producer, struggles due to his unimpressive academic background. Gi-ho, arguably the most relatable character, fights against an industry that overlooks talent in favor of prestige. His frustration and self-doubt add depth to the workplace dynamics.
As Unmasked reaches its final stretch, its scattered narrative is beginning to coalesce. The long-running case of Cha Seong-wook, an actor who vanished 20 years ago, is linked to network boss Koo Hyeong-tae (Shin Jung-keun), hinting at deeper corruption. Whether the series can bring all its elements together remains to be seen, but for now, it remains a drama torn between its aspirations and its execution.
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