Program Note
As political tensions and palace intrigues push King Gwanghae (Lee Byung Hun) to the brink of paranoia, he secretly installs a body double—Haseon, a witty street performer who bears an uncanny resemblance to him—to face potential threats in his stead. But when the king unexpectedly collapses, Haseon begins to take on the responsibilities of rule. Playing two starkly contrasting roles, the cold ruler and the warm-hearted stand in, Lee Byung Hun delivers a masterful performance that makes the illusion seem real. Though set in the Joseon Dynasty, Masquerade resonates far beyond its historical frame, raising timely questions about leadership and integrity. The film¡¯s thematic weight is amplified by Lee¡¯s dynamic performance: an actor whose face had by then become a kind of dramatic shorthand for complexity and command. With over 12 million admissions, Masquerade remains the highest-grossing film of Lee Byung Hun¡¯s career. (Flora Got PARK)