Disguises come aplenty in the Netflix original K-drama Mask Girl, but underneath them are stars who shine in their performances. Believe it or not, one particular actress is even appearing on the TV screen for the first time ever—we’re talking about the rookie to watch out for, Lee Han Byeol!
The actress makes her TV debut in the much-buzzed Korean thriller, as she fills the role of the first face of the main character Kim Mo Mi. To know more about the lauded star behind the character, here are 10 quick things you need to know about Lee Han Byeol.
1. Lee Han Byeol is a Pisces.
Han Byeol was born on March 18, 1992 in South Korea.
2. Lee Han Byeol is represented by Ace Factory.
The up-and-coming actress is now signed with the Korean agency Ace Factory. This makes her labelmates with esteemed actors in the scene, including Yoo Jaemyung (Itaewon Class, Vincenzo), Jang Seung Jo (The Good Detective, Familiar Wife), Lee Joon Hyuk (Stranger, Dark Hole), and more!
3. Lee Han Byeol made her TV acting debut in “Mask Girl.”
Among a thousand prospective actresses, the budding star was able to bag the Netflix show’s titular role as the first Kim Mo Mi. And an even more impressive feat, Mask Girl marks Han Byeol’s first TV show credit!
In a previous interview, director Kim Yong Hoon explained that he had “a strong feeling” that Han Byeol was “perfect” for the role, noting the actress’ charm and intelligence. The show’s filmmaker didn’t want to rely on special cosmetics to establish Mo Mi’s character, he said.
During the show’s press conference, Han Byeol expressed that she did feel pressured after officially being cast. “I had the thought that I had to do well, so I thought ‘I can do it.’ But I am grateful that the director trusted me and chose me,” she said.
“I feel like I don't know how [debuting] feels. Until I came, I was very nervous and worried. Still, although it's been a long time since I saw the director today, and I'm with my seniors, I feel great comfort. It gives me strength.”
4. Lee Han Byeol only pursued acting in her late 20s.
With her acting chops as crystal-clear evidence, Han Byeol proves that it’s never too late for an artist to chase after their aspirations. In her feature with Harper Bazaar’s Korea, the new star revealed that, unlike most big names in the industry, she didn’t take an acting-related major for her undergraduate studies. Han Byeol had only decided to pursue acting in earnest in her late 20s, and even appeared in short films before her big break in Mask Girl.
5. Lee Han Byeol trained with a YG Entertainment choreographer for her role in “Mask Girl.”
In the Netflix drama, Han Byeol plays an office worker by day, and a cam girl by night. Given the amount of performances that Mo Mi puts on once the sun sets, dance skills seemed like a must–so trust that Han Byeol had her fill of them!
In the show’s commentary, director Kim Yong Hoon discussed the dance training Han Byeol had to go through for the show. This involved the actress training under a choreographer from K-pop giant YG Entertainment. Han Byeol revealed that it took some time for her to get comfortable dancing in a “sultry” manner. The hardest track to dance to, according to her? “Dance in the Rhythm” by the Korean Madonna, Kim Wan Sun!
6. Lee Han Byeol was nicknamed “Mo Mi A” by one of her co-stars.
After bagging the role, Han Byeol was soon acquainted with some of her co-stars in the show. This included Go Hyun Jung, the actress who would eventually play Kim Mo Mi in her later years as a prisoner. During their first meeting, Hyun Jung nicknamed her “Mo Mi A,” as the role is played by four actresses throughout the show!
"When I first met Go Hyun Jung, she said, ‘Are you Mo Mi A? I'm C!’ and hugged me. I was worried, but when I saw her smiling brightly while calling out the character's name, the three actors made it together.”
7. Lee Han Byeol revealed she had encountered “hurtful moments” because of her appearance.
The drama delves into the dark consequences that plague South Korea’s societal beauty standards, and according to an interview, Han Byeol is no stranger to them. The actress revealed that she, too, had her share of “hurtful moments” due to people’s perception of her. However, Han Byeol remains undeterred by comments like these.
“Such an experience didn’t lead me to dislike my own appearance, and I have no problem with taking on the role of a physically unattractive character,” she said.
8. Lee Han Byeol received rave reviews for her performance in “Mask Girl.”
However, after the release of Mask Girl, the internet is filled to the brim with praise for the burgeoning actress. Netizens across social media channels have lauded the performance of Han Byeol as the first iteration of Mo Mi, with most in disbelief that the drama is her first TV acting credit.
9. Lee Han Byeol is a photography enthusiast.
Following the drama’s premiere, Han Byeol’s social media presence is slowly growing. Her new followers will likely notice her penchant for the arts on her social media platforms, as her Instagram page documents her visits to art galleries, alongside artistically-angled shots. Her bio also links to the profile @vbgstxx, which features idyllic shots of scenes around South Korea.
10. You can follow Lee Han Byeol on Instagram.
Get up-to-date on the budding actress by tapping “follow” on Han Byeol’s Instagram page!
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
