Vows made, virtues rejected in Ruler–Master of the Mask's character posters

56 April 25, 2017April 30, 2023

Vows made, virtues rejected in Ruler–Master of the Mask’s character posters

by javabeans

It feels like we’re swimming in Ruler–Master of the Mask promos these days, doesn’t it? Which, by the way, is not a complaint, since this is one drama I’m expecting to be exciting and intense and driven by strong (I hope) performances.

This set of character posters features six of the drama’s main characters, starting with Yoo Seung-ho (Remember–Son’s War) as the lonely crown prince, Lee Sun, who takes on a political battle against a corrupt organization, Pyeonsoohwae, and the elites who aim to keep power consolidated amongst themselves. Lee Sun’s poster copy reads, “I will tear down Pyeonsoohwae and create a Joseon for the people.”

Caught in a fraught loveline with Lee Sun is Ga-eun, played by Kim So-hyun (Bring It On, Ghost), whose poster asks, “Why in the world did you kill my father?!?” Good question, princey. You’ve got a lot of ground to cover to come back from that.

Complicating matters is L (or Kim Myung-soo, as he’s credited here) playing a low-born Lee Sun, a young man with an intelligent mind held down by his ignoble roots, who becomes the prince’s stand-in. He also falls for Ga-eun—she treats him kindly when he’s nothing but the illiterate butcher’s son and teaches him to read—which is bound to cause conflict; he vows in his poster, “For your sake, agasshi, I will become the real king.”

Yoon So-hee’s (Memory) poster features her as Hwa-goon, staring out with a steely gaze and saying, “I will win the crown prince’s heart.” Get in line, honey. Aside from dramatic irony informing us that she’s wrong, she’ll have an uphill battle on that front as the granddaughter to Pyeonsoohwae’s leader, given that the prince is determined to destroy that organization. Still, plot descriptions hint that her loyalties may sway and cause her to choose love over filial ties.

Heo Joon-ho (Beautiful Mind), meanwhile, takes on yet another shrewd mastermind character (one of his fortes) with Pyeonsoohwae leader Dae-mok, whose poster reads, “He’s one of two things: a person I must gain, or one I must kill.”

Park Chul-min (Moonlight Drawn By Clouds) rounds out this bunch as Woo-bo, a former scholar who was evicted from the palace and now lives a solitary life and rejects the classist social order. His poster reads, appropriately, “In this Joseon, the virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom are all crap.”

Yoo Seung-ho’s bloody battle to reclaim his nation from the corrupt shadowy elites begins on Wednesday, May 10, in the MBC timeslot following Radiant Office.

Via iMBC

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1 seora

April 25, 2017 at 1:23 AM

I can't freaking wait!! Four of my favorite young stars today. I love it!!

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2 sooyi

April 25, 2017 at 1:26 AM

Question is why L/Seon is wearing red while Yoo Seung-ho/Seon is wearing blue? Does that mean L's Seon is still a stand-in even when Yoo Seung-ho/Seon is crowned King?

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Rachel

April 25, 2017 at 2:44 AM

Isnt red king and blue crown prince? I remember Park Bo Gum wearing blue for most of the drama

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kiara

April 25, 2017 at 6:14 AM

They can both wear different colors depending on the occasion.

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PeepsLeAwesomePotato

April 25, 2017 at 7:11 AM

Yeah. But if I'm not wrong, Blue was the royal colour of Goryeo (King TaeJo, fresh from that era, was the only one who wore Blue on his Royal portrait) while Red was the colour for Joseon (worn by all other monarchs in their portraits).

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kiara

April 25, 2017 at 8:29 AM

True. Taejo was the only Joseon king who wore a blue dragon robe.

I like all the symbolisms that comes with their traditional attire. From color to every single embroidering and how they wear it.

I like the king's black ceremonial robe. One of the tradition that remained from Goryeo.

byeol

April 25, 2017 at 3:37 AM

In the latest teaser, it showed that L is the stand-in even when YSH is still the crown prince. I guess it continued until when he's crowned the king. But I don't know what's their intention as to why they chose to have L wore the king's robe in the character posters. It may mean something more about the plot or I'm just overthinking and they just want L's character to be distinct from YSH in these posters.

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kerokero

April 25, 2017 at 8:10 AM

Another theory can be, in the future, L's Lee Sun might soon side against him and claim the throne instead since no one really knows Real Lee Sun's face except the king. YSH's fight to reclaim his position from the manipulated stand in might be the greatest dilemma of the whole drama.

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kiara

April 25, 2017 at 8:32 AM

Maybe his aspiration was to become king. Impossible but he can dream lol.

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cutie

April 25, 2017 at 4:14 AM

I think the real king ysh's father will die early in the drama..

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kiara

April 25, 2017 at 5:49 AM

A crown prince can wear blue or red dragon robe.
The way you can tell the difference between a king's red robe from a crown prince's red robe is the number of toes of the dragon. It's 4 toes for the crown prince's robe and 5 for the king. If we add the eldest son of the crown prince then the dragon would show 3 toes.

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3 ravennightstar

April 25, 2017 at 1:29 AM

Yoo Seung-Ho's intense gaze made me think this: oh boy, I do not want to be on his list of enemies.

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4 azzo

April 25, 2017 at 1:56 AM

I love these posters, so intense yet beautiful!

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5 Grapes

April 25, 2017 at 2:06 AM

They all have thick eyebrows, except YSH, it's much better than Hwarang actors eyebrows which looks like they all went to joseon makeup artist, it was annoying and distracting to look at thier faces (maybe because that drama was promoting for eye candies not a serious plot), this is more serious and realistic for that era, no need for fansy makeup.

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sungjong

April 25, 2017 at 4:52 AM

And I actually rolled up to observe their eyebrows. Man! They are thick! But look fabulous

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ObsessedMuch

April 25, 2017 at 5:31 AM

You are absolutely right! The eyebrows are exactly what caught my attention too in the first 4 posters! I specially loved Kim So- hyun's :)

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Grapes

April 25, 2017 at 5:46 AM

Love thier eyebrows too, they all look natural.

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transient

April 25, 2017 at 11:36 PM

They usually weren't?

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agudewafflemix

April 26, 2017 at 12:37 AM

The first thing that jumped at me while looking at the posters was their very prominent brows hahahaha.

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6 Kim Sun👸💖💖💖

April 25, 2017 at 2:21 AM

This posters are way too pretty and judging by the sword kim so hyun is holding in her poster we are going to get a ass kicking heroine.... Thank God for that coz I'm sick and tired of candies female leads.

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7 NormaEunMie

April 25, 2017 at 2:29 AM

I love this poster. Very nice and amazing actor here! Look at YSH's eyes.. make me crazzy!!!!
He's really handsome with seja's hanbook.. very cool.
and Myungsoo too

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8 yunwoo

April 25, 2017 at 2:35 AM

Loveeee this posterrr

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9 kerokero

April 25, 2017 at 2:41 AM

So far, these posters are my "Drama Posters of the Year". Hopefully the drama will be my "Best drama of the year" or better, one my all time favorites.

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10 michykdrama

April 25, 2017 at 3:05 AM

Oh! Heo Joon-ho is in this?? He was electric in Beautiful Mind as the dad and "creator" of his "psychopath" son.

The acting prowess for this drama is truly phenomenal, and very very tempting to check out.

Except that I can smell the angst even now and with YSH and KSH in the middle of it, with their heart rendering stares, i think I'll end up having my heart wrenched out every episode and stomped on. And my eyeballs and tear ducts are not quite ready for the challenge.

But gosh it looks like those of you who are up for it are going to be in for quite the awesome ride!

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byeol

April 25, 2017 at 4:06 AM

Re Heo Joon Ho: I've watched Beautiful Mind and I can't help but notice the antagonist vibe he gives off on the screen every time he gaze intently. For me, he looks like he always have this evil plan in mind. He's not a bad character there but I'm always anxious that he'll suddenly turn bad. I even suspected him as the killer in the earlier episodes (but I'm wroooong. He's just a heartbroken father after he lost his son. sorrryy) That's why I'm excited to see him in this. He'll finally play the dark side and I know it'll be daebak!

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michykdrama

April 25, 2017 at 5:18 AM

Yes, omo he is gonna be so so good at being bad! Lol. In fact it's almost worth it to watch just to see how diabolical he is going to be.

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ObsessedMuch

April 25, 2017 at 5:34 AM

Apart from the antagonistic vibes, I also got the 'hot- ajhussi' vibes. Like I could see that he must have been quite handsome in his youth. Whenever there was a scene with him and Jang Hyuk, I could feel my screen burning with all the hot intensity!

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shalini

April 25, 2017 at 11:25 AM

YES!! I thought I was crazy for feeling that way too lol

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kiara

April 25, 2017 at 5:53 AM

I'll always remember him as Hae Mo-su (Jumong's father) no matter how many times I've seen him play other roles in sageuks.

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11 byeol

April 25, 2017 at 3:29 AM

These are beautiful character posters! I'm gazing each of it for a long time. It gives off an intense vibe but there's something more, something deeper. Credits to the editing team for that. Also, their facial expressions alone gives us what their character will be like in the drama. These show have a lot of capable actors so I'm more concern with the storyline. I'm a big YSH & KSH stan but I can't turn a blind eye if it will become a mess which I'm strongly hoping not to happen *prays hard*

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12 aa

April 25, 2017 at 3:35 AM

MAY please come faster !!! Why in the world you make me wait for fortnight!

*sigh

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13 cutie

April 25, 2017 at 3:49 AM

Are you all see what i'm seeing?
that they are all having serious and strong faces except for park chul min the comedy master..

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byeol

April 25, 2017 at 3:58 AM

I noticed it also. I guess it is what his character is like. But if we all know, this is just on the surface. His character have alot to tell about this storyline

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14 가존

April 25, 2017 at 4:05 AM

Amazing Poster ?
Sohyun really look a like Son Ye Jin Here ! So pretty ㅋㅋ

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15 urnaa

April 25, 2017 at 4:47 AM

Era of my favorite young actors is coming.

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16 sungjong

April 25, 2017 at 4:55 AM

Till now, I havent been able to accept YSH as a grown up man. He looks like an adorable baby for god's sake Actor he is one of the best. But here he takes the cake. He looks every bit the mysterious and serious king. Waiting eagerly!

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kdramaskimchi

April 25, 2017 at 5:40 AM

i will watch this drama but i aint shipping the romance until they explain to me why he killed her father..in fact i might only ship it if it turns out that he wasn't him..coz even though killing her father is justified..there's no way am gonna go out with someone who killed daddy even tho you are a very handsome oppa...sorry boo boo but daddy comes first..hahaha

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kiara

April 25, 2017 at 6:02 AM

A typical revenge sageuk plot would start out with her father's execution for a crime he did not commit.
I'd say that's why he's seen apologizing to her.

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17 vanptc

April 25, 2017 at 6:48 AM

YSH has growned up! I am so happy that he has a very manly vibe yet very soft and elegant. Thick eyebrows with super emotional eyes, plus his husky deep voice are all sexy to me.

I remember myself falling in love with him right away when I watched him gazing at Yoon Eun Hye while they are walking at some fancy hotel lobby, and finally he bumps his head to her adorably in Missing You.

Speaking of Kim So Hyun. I CRIED MY EYES OUT for her in the same series where she played the young version of Yoon Eun Hye. Both of them are super good actors, their acting chops are no jokes, especially when it comes to melodrama.

May 10! I have prepared my fragile heart and tissues already. Lots of angst, lots of plot twists, be epic, show!

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18 Starry Knight✨

April 25, 2017 at 7:24 AM

May 10 couldn't come sooner!!! >_<

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taekkielove

May 2, 2017 at 5:52 AM

The fierce and pretty Kim So Hyun sageuk <3

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19 immawish

April 25, 2017 at 7:42 AM

I don't know about L and Yoon Sohee BUT DAAAANGGGGG KIM SOHYUN'S AND YOO SEUNGHO'S POSTERS SCREAMS GREAT ACTING

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20 Hye Mi

April 25, 2017 at 8:05 AM

Honestly I don't like the ladies' posters that much. Of all the angles they had to choose one of the worst for KSH and ruin her beautiful face. The heavy photoshop work doesn't help either. I also don't like YSHee's outfit. Looks like I've got to prepare myself for another eyesore. Why don't they just opt for other colour combinations that would not make the costume so garish? She would definitely look much better and her stare would bear more impact if the costume's colours were more muted or toned down.

Still I'm looking forward to the series, but I've got to say the last batch of posters were so much better aesthetically.

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byeol

April 25, 2017 at 9:46 PM

Joseon hanbok color combinations are most of the time, an eyesore. I tell you. I've seen worst than that of Yoon Seo Hee's. Maybe it's a joseon trend LOL
And I admit that out of all the posters, KSH is the last on my list. The sword, the curtain (?) and the angle could've done better. Her beauty save it tho.

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21 myungmyung

April 25, 2017 at 8:17 AM

I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS DRAMA!! THEY KEEP TEASING ME WITH ALL THE TEASERS AND POSTERS AND KIM MYUNGSOO IS MELTING ME DOWN WITH HIS STARE!! UGH!! I HOPE THIS DRAMA WILL BE AMAZING!

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22 UmbrellaMan

April 25, 2017 at 8:58 AM

All I have to say is L's eyebrows are fierce here.

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23 sirena

April 25, 2017 at 10:17 AM

The mask's design is beautiful.

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24 bubbles

April 25, 2017 at 12:27 PM

Eyebrow game strong.

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25 Truhurts

April 25, 2017 at 6:23 PM

I don't know Yoon So-hee but she looks so beautiful in the posters. From the synopsis I thought her character was going to be weak flower type but she gives off a much stronger regal vibe than I expected. I really like her "steely gaze" in the poster. Can anyone recommend some of her dramas?

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26 Mandy

April 25, 2017 at 7:10 PM

I've always seen YSH as a crown prince kinda guy. As in, still young and growing. Even in Joseon Magician and Remember, he came off as a young adult transitioning to become a real grown up.

Here though? Here he looks every bit the part as a King of a whole nation. The burning, quiet intensity of his gaze - lol, that's no child. I'm so excited to see him finally fully transition to adult roles and looking like he belongs and owns it.

I looooove the posters of the two main leads. YSH's is really quite impactful and KSH's is amazing too. Love the background, the sad gaze, the sword... now I want their posters together because that would be so epic. How can one fall for the guy who killed her father? I'm super excited for this!!!

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27 loveblossom🌸

April 25, 2017 at 7:36 PM

The posters look pretty nice. The smoky, shadowy effect is common, but I like it. Kim So-hyun's is my favorite.
Kim Myung-soo's eyes look really blank in his poster though.
The colors of Yoon So-hee's outfit are also a little too bright.

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28 Kee Lee

April 25, 2017 at 10:08 PM

I'm so ready to see Yoo Seung Ho in a drama again!!! What I'm not ready for is the heartache this drama will bring. I already feel melo just thinking about the plot.

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29 Globe

April 26, 2017 at 1:51 AM

The only thing that comes to mind every time I see promotional materials for this show is - WHY IS IT NOT 10TH MAY YET!?

I just need this drama in my life! The anticipation is killing!

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30 aami

April 26, 2017 at 10:11 AM

His Gaze!!!!

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31 harmonyfb

April 26, 2017 at 3:56 PM

Not directly related to this drama, but I am very excited that I was able to read the word "Joseon" on the poster. (And I could pronounce most of the other words even if I don't know what they mean yet!)

:is inordinately proud of myself: