'Masquerade' - Kingdom in the hands of a layman for 15 days

Source: Festive Films
Masquerade is a historical drama that draws from an entry in the royal annals that states, “Matters that need be concealed shall not be recorded in the daily government gazette,” and recreates 15 days in Gwanghae’s rule that were erased from the official records.



The idea that there was another man acting in the king's place to explain the suddenly, radically different declarations of the king is the premise of this movie. This April, 15 lost days in Gwanghae’s reign come to life on the big screen, starring Lee Byun-hun (G.I. Joe: Retaliation) as the charismatic monarch and the sympathetic commoner in his first period drama. Find out more about Masquerade!

During that time, he concerned himself with the well-being of the lowest ranking servants in the court and lamented the hardship that compelled his subjects to voluntarily become slaves and prostitutes. Concerned more about the people than protecting his throne, he was the king that the Kingdom of Joseon only dreamt of.

In the Diaries of Gwanghae dated from February of the 8th year of his reign, the following entry can be found: "Matters that need to be concealed shall not be recorded in the daily government gazette." And records totaling 15 days were permanently removed from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty.

The idea for Masquerade was developed from the question of what might have happened during those missing 15 days. -- designated by Gwanghae’s 1616 journal entry, "One must not record that which he wishes to hide."

A commoner pretending to be king is the basis for a great deal of fun in Masquerade when marketplace comedy performer Ha-seon has to play the king without being caught. From the moment he wakes up in the royal bedchamber until bedtime, Ha-seon must act the monarch down to the smallest detail. The process ends up being perilous nightmare for the royal secretary that masterminded the whole thing, but for viewers it's great comedy.

As Ha-seon starts making his own voice heard, the film takes a fresh turn. Unlike the real Gwanghae, who worried only about safeguarding his life and throne, Ha-seon instinctively understands what's best for the nation. Although he agreed to play king for money, the commoner makes a more majestic king than any that existed, basing decisions on common sense and humanism. By portraying the ideal sovereign that was so desperately needed at the time through a man with the least power in the class system, the story provides a catharsis of sorts for a modern generation also yearning for true leadership.

RYOO Seung-ryong left an impression as the legendary Casanova in the comedy All About My Wife and here takes on the role of kingmaker Heo Gyun—the mastermind that executes the doppelganger plot. Based on a real historical figure, Heo is a loyal servant who is genuinely concerned for the monarch and the country. RYOO breathes life into the concerned strategist and plays a vital role in maintaining the tension of the drama throughout the movie.

HAN Hyo-joo established her status as one of the industry’s most prominent young female actors with her leading role in the movie Always and the popular TV series 'Dong Yi' and 'Brilliant Legacy'. Han fills the screen with her majestic presence as a queen who is loved by two kings.

Rounding out the players, JANG Gwang, chilling as the pedophiliac headmaster in Silenced, transforms himself into a gentle and kind soul in this movie. Kim In-kwon, famous for his colorful characters in movies such as Haeundae and My Way, becomes the King's personal guard, Captain Do, and a source of tension. Rising teen star of last year's retro hit Sunny, SHIM Eun-kyung, takes on the role of king's taster and servant girl, Sawol. And KIM Myung-gon, one of Korea's greatest actors of the 1980s and ’90s, returns after a 12-year hiatus with a special appearance as Park Chung-seo, the head of a powerful political faction that holds the King in check.