Household name Kim Hye-soo returns to TV screens for first time in three years as hard-hitting investigative reporter
"Unmasked," which follows the journey of investigative TV producers seeking justice through hard-hitting reporting, is poised to offer a poignant reflection on Korean society while realistically portraying challenges faced in the demanding field.
The 12-part series delves into the life of investigative program producer So-ryong (Kim Hye-soo) as she is joined by her new teammate Han-do (Jung Sung-il). Together, they tackle an array of mysteries, exposing corruption and confronting societal issues with unflinching determination.
For Kim, a thespian celebrated for her performances in a slew of iconic Korean hits such as "Signal," "Tazza: The High Rollers" and "The Thieves," her choice to headline "Unmasked" marks her first TV venture since 2022’s lauded "Under the Queen's Umbrella." According to Kim, the decision to join the series stemmed from the show's deft tonal balance — a blend of levity and gravitas rarely seen in Korean television.
“When I first encountered this project, it was during the latter part of filming 'Under the Queen's Umbrella.' At that time, the works I was being offered tended to be heavier and more serious,” Kim reflected during a press conference on Wednesday in Yeouido, Seoul.
“Although 'Unmasked' clearly deals with serious social issues and criminal cases, its overall tone and manner felt lighter. That’s what initially caught my attention. The more I watched, the more I appreciated its engaging story, clear message, wit, cleverness and sense of authenticity,” she said.
"Unmasked" stands out as one of few Korean series to explore the lives of investigative program producers. To authentically capture their experiences, Kim said she actively sought insights and references from current producers working in the field.
“I wanted to find out how they actually work, what kind of preparations they make for their vehicles, and what they typically wear. I especially researched female producers,” Kim said.
Kim revealed that much of the wardrobe featured in the series consists of actual clothing borrowed from investigative program producers, which lent a tactile veracity to her portrayal.
“This research provided many ideas that were reflected in the script or helped us make adjustments during filming,” she noted. "Not all of the wardrobe, but a significant portion of what appears on screen comes directly from people working in the field.”
"Unmasked" weaves in cases reminiscent of real-life events in Korea, including incidents involving cults. Addressing the incorporation of these true-to-life elements, director Yoo Seon-dong shared that his goal was to handle the subject matter with fairness and sensitivity.
"Regarding the dramatic elements and motives, the writer thoughtfully restructured and fictionalized them with great care," Yoo remarked.
“As the director, my primary focus when working with the script was to approach the portrayal of such cases with fairness and objectivity. I was constantly mindful that these stories must never be handled in a sensational or exploitative manner,” he added.
"Unmasked" premieres on Disney+ on Jan. 15.
