“Unmasked” (트리거/Trigger), which premiered in early 2025 on Disney+, is a Korean crime thriller that dares to push boundaries both in its subject matter and its approach to storytelling. Directed by Yoo Sun-dong (The Uncanny Counter), and starring Kim Hye-soo, Jung Sung-il, and Joo Jong-hyuk, the series stands out for its gritty realism, complex characters, and willingness to tackle topics often considered taboo in mainstream K-dramas.
Premise and Structure
Set in modern-day Seoul, “Unmasked” follows the embattled Trigger investigative journalism team, led by the relentless Oh So-ryong (Kim Hye-soo). After a controversial exposé threatens their jobs, the team’s last chance at redemption is to solve a 20-year-old cold case: the mysterious disappearance of a famous actor. Each episode or arc introduces new unsolved crimes—ranging from cult abuse and animal cruelty to child murders and systemic corruption—while the overarching cold case ties the narrative together.
Unlike most procedural dramas, “Unmasked” leans heavily into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by journalists. The series doesn’t shy away from showing the darker side of society, often highlighting how “normal” people and institutions protect perpetrators, making justice elusive.
Tone and Storytelling
Director Yoo Sun-dong infuses the show with a frantic, distinctive visual style. The tone oscillates between intense suspense, dark humor, and moments of broad physical comedy. This blend keeps the series unpredictable—sometimes the comedy threatens to derail the tension, but the narrative usually regains its footing with grounded, hard-hitting drama.
One of the show’s boldest moves is its willingness to address sexual topics and grotesque crimes that are typically censored or glossed over in Korean television. Some episodes are genuinely disturbing, with storylines involving animal abuse, sexual assault, and child endangerment. These are not dramatized for shock value, but rather serve to critique societal apathy and complicity.
Characters and Performances
- Kim Hye-soo as Oh So-ryong: A fierce, sometimes abrasive team leader, she’s driven to uncover the truth at all costs—even if it means alienating her colleagues or risking her career. Kim Hye-soo brings both gravitas and vulnerability to the role, especially as her character evolves emotionally in later episodes.
- Jung Sung-il as Han Do: The moody, charming new cameraman, whose disdain for adults is balanced by his affection for kids and animals. He injects both humor and tension into the team dynamic, often stealing scenes with his unpredictable energy.
- Joo Jong-hyuk as Kang Gi-ho: The youngest PD, whose naivety and ambition add another layer to the team’s chemistry.
- Supporting cast: Standouts include Choo Ja-hyun and Choi Dae-hoon as siblings whose story arc is pivotal, and Moon Woojin, whose performance is described as bone-chilling.
The cast’s chemistry is frequently cited as a highlight, with even guest stars delivering compelling performances that elevate each case.
Strengths
- Bold, thought-provoking storytelling: The show tackles real-life inspired crimes with unflinching honesty, making each episode gripping and socially relevant.
- Complex, well-acted characters: The leads are flawed but deeply human, and their growth is woven naturally into the episodic structure.
- Visual and tonal variety: The mix of comedy, suspense, and horror keeps the series from feeling formulaic, even if it sometimes risks tonal whiplash.
- Unpredictable cases: The show avoids easy resolutions, often highlighting the systemic failures that allow evil to persist.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent pacing and focus: Some viewers found that the series spent too much time on side cases, at the expense of the main cold case, which could have been more central to the narrative
- Variable suspense: While early episodes are strong, some later cases feel familiar or lack the same level of tension, making the overall thriller aspect less effective for some viewers.
- Potentially triggering content: The show’s graphic depiction of sensitive topics means it’s not for everyone, and binge-watching is not recommended for most viewers.
Final Thoughts
“Unmasked” is a rare K-drama that refuses to play it safe. Its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, paired with stellar performances and a dynamic, unpredictable tone, make it one of the most distinctive crime thrillers in recent years. While not every episode lands perfectly and the pacing can be uneven, the series’ ambition and emotional honesty set it apart. For viewers who crave crime dramas that are as thought-provoking as they are suspenseful—and don’t mind being challenged—Unmasked is essential viewing.
