Netflix's series 'Mask Girl' is becoming a topic of discussion due to its series of audacious and at times, discomforting elements. Among the characters, Nana depicts a character known as 'Kim Momi B', who after undergoing extensive facial plastic surgery and living a glamorous life as a showgirl, ends up imprisoned, leading to a dynamic storyline. Despite her limited screen time, the presence of violence and sensuality is distinctly evident.

Released on August 18, 'Mask Girl' traces the life story of Kim Momi, an ordinary office worker with appearance complexes. By night, she conceals her face with a mask and becomes an internet broadcast BJ (streamer), getting entangled in unforeseen incidents.

The character of Kim Momi is portrayed by three actresses, Lee Han-Byul, Nana, and Ko Hyun-Jung, each depicting her as an internet BJ, showgirl, and prison inmate respectively in different time frames.

While 'Mask Girl' is based on a webcomic of the same name, the adaptation as a 7-episode drama series has resulted in significant deviations from the original in terms of plot progression, relationships, and incidents. However, the overarching theme of distorted desires and self-loathing remains intact. The webcomic was controversial in its time, and the drama, while perhaps toned down, remains radical, to the point where it might not have been possible outside of OTT platforms.

Yet, this 'radical' approach may be discomforting for some viewers. Many might stop watching because all characters seem extreme and evoke unease. The Kim Momi portrayed by Nana is seen committing gruesome acts such as brutally murdering an obsessive male admirer (played by Ahn Jae-Hong), spending 30 million won on a face reconstruction, and then living as a showgirl.

Despite committing the crime of murder, her situation restricts her from seeking medical treatment when injured. She even resorts to killing another character, Choi Bu-Yong (played by Lee Jun-Young), with a dog leash after he assaults her fellow showgirl, Kim Chun-Ae. In addition, she leaves her baby with the child's grandmother, without ever marrying or revealing the father. However, through the dialogue of Kim Chun-Ae, there are hints pointing to Mr. Joo, possibly the same man Momi killed.

After receiving a life sentence, the discomfort continues in prison. The drama graphically portrays scenes like strip searches, including an explicit shot of Nana's backside. While it's likely a body double was used, the repeated explicit scenes raise the question of their necessity.

Inside the prison, Nana's character ensures that no one bullies her, going to lengths of repeatedly assaulting the dominant figures in the prison. The depiction is so intense that it feels as if survival mandates stepping on, hitting, and breaking others.

Throughout 'Mask Girl', a lingering feeling of unease persists. While the direction and the actors' performances are commendable, the excessive discomfort means the series will likely polarize opinions. Nana's audacious performance, while striking, leaves the viewer with memories of only the most sensational elements after the credits roll.

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