The Masquerade

In this South Korean drama, a ruthless businessman, Kim Woo-hyun, who has everything but a conscience, is offered a deal to become the mayor of a city. To achieve his ambitions, he undergoes plastic surgery and assumes the identity of another man who committed suicide, adopting the name Go Soo-yeon. He falls for Suh Eun-ha, a woman he meets during his new life. However, his past and the true identity he has hidden begin to unravel, threatening his new life and the woman he loves.

The Masquerade, also known as 'Princess Man', garnered significant attention for its historical setting and romantic plotlines. While it was praised for its production values and the performances of its lead actors, some critics noted similarities to other historical dramas. It was a commercial success and received numerous awards, particularly for its acting and storyline.

• Praised for its compelling love story set against a dramatic historical backdrop.

• Commended for strong performances by the lead actors, particularly their portrayal of complex characters.

• Noted for its high production quality and detailed historical costumes and sets.

Google audience: Audience reception was generally positive, with many viewers appreciating the romantic elements and the emotional depth of the characters. The historical setting and the dramatic plot twists were frequently highlighted as engaging aspects of the series.

Won numerous awards including Best Drama, Best Actor, and Best Actress at the Korea Drama Awards, and several awards at the MBC Drama Awards.

The drama is loosely inspired by the story of Princess Pyeonggang and her general, On Dal, from a classic Korean folktale, though it significantly alters the narrative and historical context.