110

A tense stand-off and a promise in Ruler–Master of the Mask’s first teaser

Woohoo, here’s our first look at MBC’s historical drama Ruler–Master of the Mask, starring Yoo Seung-ho (Remember–Son’s War) as a determined crown prince and Kim So-hyun (Bring It On, Ghost) as a woman determined to get revenge on him, who then falls in love with him.

Their encounter in this first teaser is short, but full of tension as they face off across the royal courtyard. Kim So-hyun approaches Yoo Seung-ho, gripping a dagger in her hand, which she pulls from its sheath. She asks, “How could you kill my father?”

Yoo Seung-ho replies that he will find a way to fight and prevail over the organization made up of powerful aristocrats who seek to privatize the water supply (great for them and their profits, terrible for the regular people). As she drops her dagger, she says that she blames him. He replies with the vow, “I will become a real king. My Joseon will be different.”

The plot sounds suspenseful and interesting, but I’m most excited about this lineup: Both started off as outstanding child actors who graduated to adult roles gracefully, and have matured into strong actors capable of carrying great emotion. They’re both experienced in sageuk and do well with the genre and mannerisms; Yoo Seung-ho has played a king at least three times already, and has got that sageuk gravitas down.

Ruler–Master of the Mask doesn’t air for months yet, with a premiere date somewhere in May. On the one hand, I’m bummed about getting all excited about it and then having to wait so long (May is foreeeeeever away), but on the other hand, I’ll never turn down preview goodies. Can’t wait! (…even though I’ll have to. *sadface*)

Via iMBC

RELATED POSTS

Tags: , ,

110

Required fields are marked *

Oohh looks interesting! The So-hyun's costume could be better though.

0
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

Forgot to delete "the" and OMO FIRST! Lol

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I was actually more focused YSH's costume being way too big on him...

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

That too, but the overly poofy skirt bugged me more. I hope the long production time means they can get better costumes.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

yeah, their costumes are too big... They filmed this on the first day of filming which was like 3 days ago so they probably rushed everything to put together for the MBC drama awards

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

You never know they might not include this scene even or it'll be very short

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think the teaser was rushed just for the MBC awards so hopefully it will be better on the drama

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I hope that's the case. And So-hyun and Seung-ho were wearing different costumes in their intros so hopefully the production team has something better up their sleeves.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

They had similar costumes/hanboks aka puffy skirts in the drama Queen Insoo as well. So it can happen that these costumes are the final costumes. But of course they can still change since it's a pre-produced drama and if the response to the costumes is overall negative they can adjust to it.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Is it going to be pre-produced?

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes it is, that's why it will be released on May, i heard the production will wrapped in between april and may

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

KSH is absolutely gorgeous in Goblin, so I can't wait to watch this drama. Honestly the plot sounds generic and kind of boring but with these to as leads I'll watch anything. I hope MBC doesn't let us down. They didn't really have a good year in 2016. when i heard that infinite's L was cast, I kind of lost my anticipation for the drama by a bit.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I absolutely love KSH in historical dramas just cause she looks so freaking pretty in them >/////< And I am sure that even this dress could be a little bit better I am sure that she will be absolutely stunning <3 FIGHTING KIM SO HYUN!!!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

It doesn't seem like an actual scene from the drama at all. I'm not sure if they've even started filming. The teaser just looks like it was hastily put together for the awards. The end product will probably be much better. I agree with @ari that Kim So-hyun looked stunning in Goblin, so hopefully the costumes and whatnot will do her justice in this one. I'm not too hyped because of the premise, but I'll definitely catch this just for the cast.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yeah, they literally started filming the day before the teaser was released, which was like 3 days ago. they better not be going with those big ass costumes for the entire production.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I feel like they rented the costumes in a rush to catch up to MBC Drama Awards. Buy they used a different costume in the other video (the one with Yoo Seungho and Kim Sohyun's personal introductions).

Anyway, KSH slays! Whoever said that KSH doesn't suit sageuk because of her forehead can keep being pressed. She's gorgeous.

I'm so excited!

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Pretty sure no one can say that she can't do sageuks after Goblin... she looks stunning and her acting is so good there.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

wk wk wk ... whats wrong with her forehead anyway ?? she is beautifull.
And yes, shes so stunning on goblin. she has charisma as young queen.
I dont like saeguk but I wish all the best for this drama because I like her ..

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yeah most possible explanation is that MBC rushed to give them costumes, probably use other drama's costumes and since Yoo Seung Ho is quite small in stature compared to other actors, the costume end up too big on him.
They'll have costume fitting so I'm sure the costumes will be fine once the drama aired.

Also what the heck with Kim So Hyun's forehead? She's beautiful as it is.. one can keep saying bad things but she did well in Goblin, as well as in TMETS and her forehead certainly never distract me watching her.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

KSH is probably my favorite of the young child actresses transitioning into adult roles. She looked so amazing in Goblin too!

I'm a tad bit sad that Ruler is Joseon era instead of Goryeo though. The pulled back Joseon hair is so unflattering on a lot of people, whereas I feel like Goryeo hairstyles accentuate KSH's beauty, especially since the fringe she has in Goblin works so well with her forehead shape, something detractors seem to complain about a lot.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I wish i could take the cast of this drama and switch them with cast of The King Loves(the one Im Shi Wan and Yoona) just cause that other drama has a (potentially) more interesting and complex premise that this calibre of actors are capable of delivering, intense and heavy especialy in saeguk.

Now we all know that exciting premise can be wasted and turn out to make for a, at best messy watch and at worst, boring watch.

Conversly, a cliche and seemingly redundant premise can turn out to be fresh and even unique. I've stopped beign prejudiced against seemingly tired and cliche sounding storylines since Falling For Innocence, MDBC, MS.T& NJG, Shopping King Luis e.t.c. Its all in the execution.

Long ass rambling just to say, I hope this show turns out to be good!!

What a courtyard, reminds me of a scene in the movie, Memories Of A Sword.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I find The King's Love premise as another cliché plot and Ruler: Master of the Mask as lesser cliche compared to it.
But I will give it a try because just like what you mentioned, it is all in the directing, acting & execution that will offer us something different.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Is Aqua gonna sponsor the show? Will they show us Joseon-esque mineral water and sparkling water? Is the villains building wells and dams to "own" the water or what? I'm curious how they will privatize water in Joseon.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

LOL at this comment
I'm curious as well. Another question is are the ministers of the court involved in that organization who privatize water? Because you know, In sageuk, ministers are the #1 villain

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm sure the ministers or the noblemen (yangban) will somehow involved in the privatization.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

LOL!!!!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Is this going up against SBS's My Sassy Girl which also premieres in May? Though both are saeguks, this one looks downright serious and the other a comedy. Somehow I am reminded of Moonlight vs Moon Lovers.

0
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

Rumor is it will be up against While You Were Sleeping as both are (rumored to be) W/Th shows. I think My Sassy Girl is M/T.

0
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

Suzy and Lee Jong Suk?

Okaaaaay :D

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yep. Not a fan of Suzy's acting but I love Park Hye-ryun's writing. I wonder how these two dramas will fare in the ratings.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

You are right! I loved IHYV!

0

hmm i guess not ,while you were sleeping first broadcast is July.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

The latest news here on DB and current Twitter talk says spring 2017 for WYWS. But nothing's been confirmed yet so it might air later.

0

I think the plot is pretty interesting, especially on the love plot, KSH will totally slay the strong independent woman character, and her taking revenge on YSH, and ofcourse the drama make us cry bucket of tears by YSH alone. OMG, I just love this ensemble, heck i'll watching anything with this two.

0
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

It makes me think of Princess' Man, and that was ON hell of a drama !!

Hoping for the best!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Kim so hyun learned horse riding for this as well. Will they show us a fierce, bad-ass heroine?
And because she is bold enough to have that dagger, why not have some (sword) fight scene?

I love that our heroine here is something to root for (atleast base on the premise) and not just a plain noble who is there only as a plot device.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

A dagger or an ornamental knife was part of the accessories for a Joseon noble woman. It was symbolic as to safeguard her honor and chastity.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh I never know this. Thank you!
So it means she can wave it to anyone whenever she feels threatened? It is something to add up to my joseon knowledge ?

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes they were fierce about protecting their chastity even using it to commit suicide.

0

I thought the same too! I was imagining her in a sword fight with Yoo Seungho. Lol.

I do wish she gets to do action in Ruler because home girl could really nail it. What I like about her is that since Missing You, the characters she plays are all strong women in their own ways. I do not want her to be the archetypal damsel in distress heroine in most sageuk dramas.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

SO tired of this era but these two are worth watching!

0
24
reply

Required fields are marked *

Why? It's not the era but the story telling, no?

I can't seem find who is the writer for this drama. The plot sounds interesting enough and in the hands of a good writer, this could be a hit.

I was totally enthralled by Kim So Hyun although I only watched her for brief seconds in Goblin. She looked so ethereal and carried the part well. It's more unfortunate when it comes to Yoo Seung Ho though. I have only watched him in Remember besides his famous movie and let's just say his role in the former is one I'd rather forget. He looks good in this trailer so it's all promising.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

they're using rookie scriptwriters for this drama. even the directors are pretty inexperienced. I hope it turns out all right in the end because I want this drama to do well for the leads.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Are they? That's... worrying.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Because it has been done to death. I suspect that Yoo Seung-ho's character (Crown Prince Yi Sun) is based on Crown Prince Sado. The only other Yi Sun that I could think of is King Sukjong and there has been many many sageuks based on this timeline.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Me too, i like goreyo customs and hair style, i like the male and females lose long hair in that era, and i hate the hairstyle in Joson era and the males weird hats.

KSH looked stunning in Goblin because that eras hairstyle and customs are much better.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

If we are talking about styling, I agree. I am not a fan of topknots and shapeless hanboks for the men. However, kdramas don't get the hairstyles for Goreyo right either. How many disastrous manes did we have in 2016?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree KSH looks amazing in Goblin specially as a queen and these dresses in Joseon and the hairstyle don't let her shine the same way as in Goblin.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm the odd one then, because I love Joseon hanboks, topknots and gats! Men look beautiful in gats!
I also don't find Goryeo-era styling interesting. Half of it because I dislike mane of glory (or shame) because the wigs ruined the face. I can only think a few who has done mane of glory right.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm with kanz. Goryeo's style is pretty hard to be done right.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I know right. Too much of Joseon / Goryeo lately.

I alwayz love YSH and my love started to grow for KSH after Goblin, and this sageuk sounds just like my cup of tea - so definitely will watch this. May is too far away.

Saimdang and Ruler - two sageuk that I am looking forward to watch in 2017, so far.

0
14
reply

Required fields are marked *

Upcoming sageuks:

Saimdang - Joseon
Ruler - Joseon
Hong Gil-dong - Joseon
Sassy Girl - Joseon
My Only Love Song - Joseon
Bride of the Water God (tvN) - ?
The King Loves - Goryeo

Hwarang may not be my kind of sageuk but just reading the recaps about Shilla is more interesting to me.

0
12
reply

Required fields are marked *

Bride of the Water God is (sadly) a modern-day drama. TvN changed the setting, but the original manhwa was set in the three kingdoms period judging from the costumes.

0
7
reply

Required fields are marked *

Aw sad. We would've had a 3 kingdom era sageuk with all it's interesting legends and myths to go with it.

Thanks Elle.

0

i almost forgot about this drama! But sad, that it changed its setting to modern drama.

0

I got curious about My Only Love Song because this is the first time I heard about it. It seems to be set in Goguryeo and not Joseon, judging from the costumes and the presence of Princess Pyeonggang as second lead. I'm confused why Asianwiki says Joseon and not Goguryeo.

0

@Elle

That's what I thought too until I read the plot at Asianwiki.

Song Soo-Jung (Kong Seung-Yeon) is a top star and she is very arrogant. She classifies people by how much money they have. Suddenly, she goes back in time to the Joseon era and meets On Dal (Lee Jong-Hyun).

Everything else points to Goguryeo so I'm hoping it's a mistake on their part.

I love me some Goguryeo era sageuk!

0

@Kiara

Adding this to my list of dramas to watch this year. I love youth sageuk and folk tale retellings!

0

Why, the illustrations from Bride of the Water God is one of the prettiest out there that I've seen, this is one thing that would be gorgeous all around without a modern setting.

0

@Gem
Agreed. The fantasy gorgeous setting and costumes.

0

Among the list, the first three are quite attracted me. I'll try to watch Sassy Girls because I like the main leads, and although im not huge fan of Joo Won, i really hope his first sageuk and last drama before enlistment is good.

I am also reading recaps and probably start to watch when the things got heated later. ?

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Do you mean My Sassy Girl? On the other hand, if Joo Won is also a Sassy Girl, that's a saeguk I'll watch!

0

Yes sorry for mistake. I meant My Sassy Girl.

0

wow...
we are getting a lot of sageuks too this year. I felt like I watched a lot last year tbh and I did not like many of them.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

"My Only Love Song" is definitely a Goguryeo sageuk yay!!!
I don't care what you say Asianwiki. King Pyeongwon was a Goguryeo king.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Kim Soo Hyun looks more graceful and stunning with Goryeo costume and hairdo in Goblin. It made me forget that Joseon has different style before I came to see her pictures here.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I meant Kim So Hyun

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

She was rather regal as the young Goryeo queen.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I Love this pair...
With Kim So Hyun and Yoo Seung Ho, I will definitely watch this.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Looks really rushed and made up in a hurry. Kim So Hyun looks gorgeous but Yoo Seung Ho was never my style and I don't find him good looking at all. So I can't really get into their romance story yet. But I thought the same thing about Kim Yoo Jung and Park Bogum so let's see how it goes.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Seriously for this drama alone i felt it will be a much more memorable year for MBC.
This drama is the most well casted to me and i havent had that feeling of conviction for a supremely long time. Bummer that its over 5months of wait.
Cheering on Yoo Seung Ho and Kim So Hyun who are busy with filming.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

KSH might be eat him alive for acting lesson
unless YSH learn to improve his acting

0
16
reply

Required fields are marked *

Really? I thought I was the odd one out.

I have been reading nothing but raves on YSH and I loved him in The Way Home. So I am quite taken aback when I watched him in Remember. Still, I felt it's just me.

People do improve. I had given up hope on LMH but he's improving in LOTBS so we'll never know.

0
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

I didn't like his acting in Remember, his crying scenes were annoying.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree, but in my case his crying scenes were annoying because he cried at least 3 times in every episode.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

All that's stuck in my mind are his two expressions - grinning face when it's recollection of the past and crying face when it's in the present. Yeah, the writing sucked but there could have been a little more variation.

As long as this new drama isn't an OTT makjang mess, I think we are safe.

0

From my experience it's rather the character we didn't like or how he portraited it because clearly he knows how to act.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I guess it is the character itself. The main lead character is so pitiful from start to finish. He is developed poorly.
I never doubt yoo seung ho's acting because he did deliver in Remember perhaps it is just too much to watch him cry countless times.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love him but his last two sageuk movies was nothing to write home about.
He has been in the industry since he was a child and I think that we expect more from him especially in this genre.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

he is so bad in Arang magistrate. he is one of those child actor that haven't improved. he is just. stagnant. .

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I dont think YSH is a bad actor, and I dont think KSH is way better than him. I see them as on par in acting, and talented ones.

If we talk about improvement both need to, but i do think YSH really need to improve his acting. He cannot just be satisfied with his skill so far since he has been in this industry for a long time. I will say similar thing for the child actors like KSH for another 5 or 6 years as well, if she just stay the same and especially when she already grabbed leading roles at such young age.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree they are on same level as far as acting skills is concerned but I get why people complain about his crying scenes too. Overabundance of anything is a bad thing, Remember: Son's War definitely overdid the running tap water through your eyes trope. It didn't help that Namgoong Min owned his role and overshadowed all else. Also his last Saguek role was not impressive, the film, it was fun but that is all.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

i have no problem at all with his crying scenes in Remember. I did think NGM was overacting as a villain in that drama, vut i didnt hate him. I mean as long as those are good acting, i wont mind.

YSH last two sageuk movies have nothing to be proud for. The plot / writing also not something worth to watch, imo.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

watch her in I Miss You and in a more meatier roles in her movie. for now kim so hyun is. much better actor by a large margin.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yoo seung ho is one of those few korean actors who doesn't overacts.. believe me when i say almost all Korean actors overacts and that includes lee min ho and lee jun ki..
It's funny how people mistake overacting for good acting..
I have no problem with actors who overacts anyway...

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

he isn't overact i agree. quite the opposite he is underact alot. i think people are just prefer underact actor rather than overact one. so they are not complain when their fav actor isn't even trying to add depth.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Come to think of it, I definitely agree with your observation, especially regarding Lee Minho and Lee Junki. Perhaps I'm taken by the intensity of the situations to accept Lee Junki's portrayal of the character, but for Lee Minho, I often cringe at his acting.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Lee Min Ho, maybe. But I've yet to see Lee Jun Ki 'overact'.

He played a lot of sageuk dramas = dramatization.

I always think period dramas require more intensity than usual dramas so more shouting, glancing, and crying a river of tears are pretty much warranted.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

After seeing Park Bogum rocking the blue robe... now I can't see other actors wearing it without comparing.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Same! Park bogum rock that blue robe???

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Right? He just fit it perfectly. The shade of blue isn't tacky and the cloth looks exquisite.

*reminisces about Yeong's and Yoon-sungs's hanboks*

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Talking about Yeong and Yoon Sung's hanbok,
I love some of Yeong's hanbok which exudes regality and I love all of YoonSung's hanbok because it exudes mysteriousness and classiness.

I hope to see yoo seung ho in beautiful hanbok (and kim so hyun of course! because why not? she is a noble here, so we might get to see her in gorgeous hanboks compared to Ra-on). I hope the production allocates suffice funds for this.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love the cast... and i'm really looking forward to this drama.. but i was a little worried about the plot.. since many dramas at first highly anticipated but ultimately disappointing and have low ratings.. I hope MBC will not waste the acting and the charm of the two main leads.. cause both KSH and YSH are amazing actors! they have a great chemistry too! I really hope this drama will be a hit in 2017.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

YSH and KSH in ONE drama as leads? My heart can't take it. Excited *-*

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I've been impressed with Yoo Seung Ho's movies/dramas ever since Queen Seon Duk! I am glad whenever he's in a sageuk, because I love his sageuk intonation.

I have equal respect for Kim So Hyun, who had first caught my attention in Moon Embracing the Sun. They're both great in sageuks, so may this be a successful drama!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

So was this project announced before MDBC or did they see that Youth sageuks are the new doctor dramas and wanted to capitalize on it.

Love Kim So Hyun and since Goblin we know she can pull off sageuks. Only saw Yoo Seung Hoo in Queen Seondeok and didn't find him memorable. Can he act well as Park Bogum?

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

It was announced after Moonlight hit big. And yes, the Korean media are having a field day comparing the two the moment the leads were announced (KSH and KYJ have been pitted against each other since they were kids and both YSH and PBG are 93-liners).

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Park bogum is not that great of an actor dear,plus he overacts a lot.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

bummer...video has been romoved

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

oops...removed

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think this one still works...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSxdejiyhA0

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I hope it's more traditional and less fusion-y, there's been too many fusion saeguks recently. Bring me some hard stuff. No modern-ish hanboks or modern-ish speech or elements of fantasy.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

As much as I love the cast, the plot itself doesn't sound exciting AT ALL

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I thought so too. I'm not entirely sold on the premise. But who knows? I thought the same way about MDBC initially but it worked, so hopefully, this one does too.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

May is too long away...

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Excited about this show and definitely gonna tune in in May!!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

So, is the heroine's father also a traitor? This has been an overused trope in sageuk. Will check it out before judging.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Actors have more catchy acting than each other, that's it in the case of yoo seung ho, he's by no means a bad actor, he's acting is not just catchy..
So hyun's acting is more catchy same thing to applies to lmh,jcw,ljk but they actually doesn't hold a candle to him, it was this same ysh that drowned jcw in baek dong soo..
Sometimes it has to do with the scripts, most of these super popular actors do dodges some projects they go for ones that are really easy and simple..
ysh doesn't pick simple projects or the ones that could make him popular, instead he goes for heavy roles.. that's because he's not acting for money..
Kim soo hyun, sang bum, yoo ha in, shk are another actors that doesn't overacts..

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

like both of them. will definitely watch this one.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hi, Rulers, Masters (whatever we will call ourselves as fans of this drama): we are parking at Soompi forum. we have 38 pages. pls come as swoon with us, whenever you can, while anticipating our Crown Prince Sado (YSH) arrival.

https://forums.soompi.com/en/topic/392169-upcoming-drama-2017-ruler-master-of-the-mask-%EA%B5%B0%EC%A3%BC%EA%B0%80%EB%A9%B4%EC%9D%98-%EC%A3%BC%EC%9D%B8-yoo-seung-ho-kim-so-hyun-1st-teaser-released/

sorry, Javabeans dearest. allow me to invite fans to swoon together.. to promote loves for the Ruler casts.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *