Stories where main characters pretend to be someone they are not and live a double life (like Superman, Mulan, or Hannah Montana) seem to be everywhere. But that doesn't make them any less compelling. The thrill of the mystery and the suspense of the danger that someone might discover the lead's best-kept secret never fails to grab us.Do you like the 'double life' trope in shows?Oh yeah50%Not really50%If you do enjoy this trope, here are seven fan-favorite K-dramas that revolve around it and put their characters in the most intense situations.Perfume (2019) IMDb rating: 7.1/10 Where to watch: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa Min Jae-hee is an unhappy middle-aged housewife who is ready to commit suicide just as someone delivers her a magic perfume. The potion temporarily makes her young and pretty again, and Jae-hee starts working as a model for a popular fashion agency.Mask Girl (2023) IMDb rating: 7.3/10 Where to stream: Netflix This is the perfect drama for thriller fans, as it shows the dark side of fame. Kim Mo-Mi has always strived for popularity, but never felt beautiful enough to be in the spotlight. She finally finds a solution: she wears a mask and becomes a streaming star. But stardom sends her life into a downward spiral.Heart to Heart (2015) IMDb rating: 7.3/10 Where to stream: Prime Video Due to her severe social phobia caused by uncontrollable blushing, Cha Hong-do has been isolated from the world for years. She finally works up the courage to come out and get a job, but disguises herself as an old woman. One day she meets a clinically egoistic psychiatrist who turns out to be her gateway to healing.The Beauty Inside (2018) IMDb rating: 7.3/10 Where to stream: Netflix, Viki Han Se-gye is a top actress and model surrounded by rumors and scandals. Her secret is that every month she has to hide for a week while she magically becomes another person with a new body and identity. The secret is in jeopardy when one of Se-gye's clients recognizes her in a different body.One Fine Week (2019) IMDb rating: 7.5/10 Where to stream: Viki, Kocowa, KOK TV The protagonists of this simple but well-crafted story are two girls who look very much alike but have taken different paths in life. One is an idol who is tired of her fame, and the other is a part-time cafeteria worker. They decide to pretend to be each other for seven days, which leads to surprising new beginnings.Her Private Life (2019) IMDb rating: 7.7/10 Where to stream: Netflix, Viki The protagonist of this romcom, Sung Deok-mi, is a respected art curator by day and an over-the-top fangirl by night. Deok-mi's obsession with the lead singer of a wildly popular boy band soon becomes a problem in her professional life, as rumors swirl that she is dating the celebrity she adores.True Beauty (2020) IMDb rating: 8.0/10 Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki After years of being bullied, Lim Ju-kyung transfers to a new school and decides to lead a double life. She transforms her face with the help of makeup tutorials and becomes a pretty and popular girl. The downside of this plan is that Ju-kyung now has to hide her natural appearance from her new classmates.
