“Unmasked” is a 2025 Korean drama that aired on Disney+ from January 15 to February 19. It had 12 episodes and aired every Wednesday. The show was directed by Yoo Seon-dong and written by Kim Gi-ryang. It’s labeled as an office comedy, but there’s more under the surface.
The story follows a small investigative journalism crew. At the center is their leader, Trigger. So-Ryong is bold, driven by justice, and doesn’t follow the usual rules. Alongside her is a program director, who’s more of a loner and very stubborn. Together, they dig into shady cases, uncover lies, and try to save their program from getting canceled.
From the start, the show mixes humor with real tension. As someone who follows Korean dramas closely, “Unmasked” caught my attention because it’s rare to see K-dramas take on journalism with this much wit and depth. While it stays light on the surface, it clearly pulls inspiration from real scandals and newsroom struggles, especially relevant in today’s misinformation era.
Viewers who enjoyed shows like Hush, Argon, or even parts of Stranger will recognize the similar “journalism vs system” vibe here, but with more chaos and comedy. Every episode brings in new cases, some light and others more intense. It doesn’t pretend to be dark or dramatic all the time. But when it touches on issues like media power, corruption, or abuse, it does so with just enough weight.
The comedy comes from the team’s chaotic teamwork and how different they are from one another. But the plot also keeps building. By the second half, there’s a deeper mystery involving powerful people, coverups, and even a stalker subplot that fans called one of the most intense parts of the series. Many viewers loved how the show handled media ethics.
Cast
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Kim Hye-soo as Oh So-ryong: Kim Hye-soo is a highly respected actress in South Korea, known for her strong and charismatic presence. Before “Unmasked,” she earned widespread acclaim for her roles in:
“Signal” (2016): A critically acclaimed fantasy crime thriller where she played a determined detective, crossing timelines to solve cold cases. This role truly cemented her status as a top actress.
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Jung Sung-il as Han Do: Jung Sung-il has been gaining significant recognition for his impactful supporting roles, and “Unmasked” sees him in a more central position. He’s known for:
“The Glory” (2022-2023): This revenge drama brought him immense popularity for his nuanced portrayal of Ha Do-young, the husband of Park Yeon-Jin , navigating a complex web of deceit. His performance was widely praised.
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Joo Jong-hyuk as Kang Gi-ho: Joo Jong-hyuk is a rising star who has caught attention with his diverse performances. His most iconic role before “Unmasked” is:
“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” (2022): He played Kwon Min-woo, a rival attorney to the main character, often seen as an antagonist but with his own complexities. This role made him a familiar face to many K-drama fans.
Real-World Inspirations
What’s smart is how “Trigger” echoes actual headlines. A few cases seem inspired by real-world incidents, like whistleblowers being silenced or networks protecting their top advertisers. The show never names names, but Korean viewers online made connections to past scandals involving press manipulation and political interference.
It showed how hard it is to speak the truth when there’s pressure from the top. There’s also a hint at how cancel culture can sometimes be useful in exposing hidden crimes.
Viewer Reactions and Final Thoughts on Unmasked
Once the series ended, most viewers had strong thoughts. Some praised the solid ending. It gave closure but still left room for a second season. Fans especially liked how the bad guys got exposed — one being a politician, the other a media boss. There was a big theory going around that the second “Dr. Trigger” was the broadcasting president himself. It wasn’t confirmed, but it was a fun twist.
One viewer said they liked how the show handled the idea of real journalism versus entertainment news. There’s a lot of talk about what happens when the media becomes a tool for lies. That part felt very real and timely. Especially with everything going on in the real world about misinformation.
But not all feedback was glowing. Some people felt like the show was trying to do too much at once. A few cases didn’t get proper endings. One storyline about a girl who killed her father came up twice, but didn’t feel complete. Another plot about a character’s past trauma was wrapped up quickly — in the credits, not even in a full scene. The casting also got mixed reviews. The actors were good, but a lot of fans felt they looked older than the roles they played. This made flashbacks harder to believe. It didn’t ruin the story, but it made parts of it feel less real.
Pacing, Conclusion, and Target Audience
Still, most agreed the weekly episodes had good pacing. There were some fun plotlines, some heavy ones, and a few weird but interesting surprises. The ending tied things up neatly. The team’s journey didn’t feel wasted. And while the final twist wasn’t super shocking, it made sense. It gave fans something to think about if the show ever gets a season two.
Many viewers said they’d be fine if there’s no season two, but they’d still watch it if it happens. The show had just enough mystery left unsolved. But it also felt like it finished the story it started. In the end, “Unmasked” was a smart, funny, and at times chaotic drama about truth, power, and the people who dig for answers. It mixed light office banter with real-world issues. And while not perfect, it gave audiences something fresh.
Who Will Like It?
Who should watch Trigger? If you’re into character-driven stories with a touch of social critique, you’ll enjoy it. It’s especially great for fans of “found family” team dynamics, fast-paced storytelling, or people tired of overly romantic plotlines.
It’s also a good pick if you’re into modern workplace dramas but want something that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re into stories about media, justice, and strange team dynamics, “Unmasked” is worth a try. It’s not your usual drama, and that’s what made it work.
Essential Details About “Unmasked”
- English Title: Unmasked
- Korean Title: Trigger (트리거)
- Director: Yoo Sun-Dong
- Writer: Kim Ki-Ryang
- Released Date: January 15, 2025
- Episode: 12
- Network: Disney+
- Language: Korean
There were a total of 12 episodes for this K-drama series, which were released 2 episodes every Wednesday. The drama ended on February 19, 2025. The show wasn’t a ratings juggernaut in Korea, but international viewers found it easier to access via Disney+, especially in Southeast Asia and North America. That’s helped “Unmasked” gain word-of-mouth traction after airing. If you’re wondering where to watch it, the full season is still available on Disney+ with subtitles in multiple languages.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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