The Emperor – Owner of the Mask
July 2, 2025
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👑 The Emperor: Owner of the Mask — Power, Secrets, and the Price of the Crown
Seoul, 2025 — The Emperor: Owner of the Mask is a gripping historical romance and political thriller that explores the heavy burdens of royalty, identity, and sacrifice in the Joseon era. Full of betrayal, hidden truths, and forbidden love, the series follows the secret life of a young crown prince born behind a mask—both literal and symbolic.
🛡️ Plot Summary
Crown Prince Yi Sun has worn a golden mask since childhood, hiding not only his face but also a dangerous secret that could shake the foundation of the throne. Raised in isolation and trained in statecraft and swordsmanship, he is unaware of the true power that controls his kingdom: a secret society known as the Pyunsoo Group, which manipulates the royal court from the shadows.
When the prince ventures out into the common world for the first time, he discovers corruption, injustice—and love—in the form of Ga-eun, a strong-willed woman whose family was destroyed by the very forces that raised him. As he fights to reclaim control of his kingdom and identity, Yi Sun must decide whether to rule behind the mask… or destroy it forever.
🌸 Characters
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Yi Sun (The Masked Emperor) – A brilliant but conflicted prince torn between duty and truth.
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Ga-eun – A healer’s daughter who becomes the prince’s anchor and moral compass.
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Lee Hwan – A commoner who impersonates the prince to protect him, only to face moral dilemmas of his own.
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Dae Mok – The cold and ruthless leader of the Pyunsoo Group, the true puppeteer behind the throne.
🎥 Themes & Style
The Emperor: Owner of the Mask is richly stylized, blending traditional court intrigue with emotional storytelling. The series delves into themes of power vs. humanity, truth vs. illusion, and the loneliness of leadership. Each scene is framed with lavish sets, traditional Korean hanbok, and poetic symbolism, from falling petals to masks that conceal more than just faces.
💬 Reception
The drama received acclaim for its compelling performances and its unique blend of action, mystery, and romance. It struck a balance between historical authenticity and fictional storytelling, appealing to fans of both Moon Embracing the Sun and The Crowned Clown.
📺 Series Details
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Title: The Emperor: Owner of the Mask
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Genre: Historical, Romance, Political Thriller
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Language: Korean (with subtitles available in multiple languages)
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Episodes: 40 (approx. 30 minutes each)
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Available on: Netflix, Viki, KBS
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Originally aired: 2017 (fictionally re-released or renewed in 2025 for global audiences)