Bridal Mask (English title) Gaksital

This program features smart actions of a nameless Korean hero during the Japanese colonial rule in the 1930s, who punished the villains ruthlessly, giving hope and consolation to the Koreans. The story follows a man named Lee Kang-to, a Korean police officer commissioned by the Japanese Police to betray his own country and aid the Japanese in the annihilation of the Korean rebellion. During his mission, he encounters a notorious masked man who dons a traditional Korean bridal mask to fight for Korea's independence by assassinating Japanese key officers. As the detective's hunt for "Gaksital" ("Bridal Mask") unravels, his eyes are slowly opened to the treacherous deeds he has committed towards his own countrymen.

His father was a nobleman, possessing power and wealth, but he devoted himself and his fortune to the independence movement. His father was then killed. After the death of Lee Kang-To's father, Lee Kang-To and his mother supported his older brother Lee Kang-San, who was smart enough to enter the top university. Lee Kang-San also took part in the independence movement. He was then arrested and became an invalid to due severe beatings. Lee Kang-To, sick of the independence movement, now wants to become successful no matter what. He then becomes a detective. The drama ran from  May 30, 2012 - September 6, 2012 for 28 episodes.
2012 KBS Drama Awards - December 31, 2012
Excellent Actor (drama) (Joo Won)
Popularity Actor Award (Joo Won)
Best New Actress (Jin Se-Yeon)

Best Supporting Actor (Park Gi-Woong)
Well written, wonderful casting..each episode kept me riveted. When a period piece is done so well that it has me researching more about that period of history then I rate it high. Bridal Mask did not fail to send me checking out various historical figures mentioned in the drama as well as reading more about the period of Korean/Japanese history.

The cast is just perfect, I couldn't imagine anyone else but Park Ki-Woong for Shunji's role as I couldn't imagine anyone else but Joo Won to play Kang-To. How do I rate this drama? BINGO! This drama is now in my top ten with 5 stars.

Bridal Mask Teaser


Joo Won Singing in club scene

KBS Awards Opening