Why fans love the 3 K

Much like other aspects of Korean popular culture, K-drama has garnered a substantial international fan base lately – thanks in part to Netflix.

In its latest chart-topping series Mask Girl, released on August 18, three actresses take on the persona of its lead character, Kim Mo-mi. The show introduces three unique talents: Lee Han-byeol, Im Jin-ah aka Nana and Go Hyun-jung, who bring the fictional character to life. Fans have already reportedly praised the casting choices for how closely the actresses resemble their character’s counterparts in the webtoon.

So what do we know about these South Korean actresses? (Warning: plot spoilers ahead!)

The series marks actress Lee Han-byeol’s debut, where the character Kim starts off as an ordinary office worker with an online alter-ego, Mask Girl.

At 31, Lee is a relatively late bloomer when it comes to acting. According to an interview with Harper’s Bazaar South Korea, she had no interest in acting until her late 20s. Fans praised the budding actress’ uncanny resemblance to the webtoon’s protagonist.

Little else is known about the actress. She’s so new to the entertainment scene that she doesn’t even have a public Instagram account. But considering Netflix’s track record in catapulting actors to international fame, fans are likely to see a lot more of Lee.

Her versatile fashion style has also led her to work with major names in luxury fashion. She’s been spotted in everything from maximalist looks from Versace to dramatic designs from Alexander McQueen. Most recently, she was seen flaunting a monogrammed look from Dolce & Gabbana on Instagram, where she has well over four million followers.

When Kim’s crimes finally catch up with her, the character is sent to prison. This persona is played by Go Hyun-jung, 1989’s runner-up for Miss Korea.

Go’s story is one of perseverance. In arguably one of the greatest comeback stories in the South Korean entertainment industry, she returned to acting in 2003 following her high-profile divorce and focused on honing her craft, taking pay cuts in order to challenge herself in art-house roles. She eventually became one of the highest-paid actresses in the 2010s and cemented her reputation as one of the most versatile actresses in South Korea.

She also had a stint in fashion and launched the now-defunct apparel brand Atti.k in 2014.