K-drama Recapalogue Review: The Sad Distortion of Faith for the Sake of Plot
I mentioned in my intro that it took me three or four tries to really get into Unmasked. The reason? The very first case. If I’m not mistaken, it’s based on the real-life cult and mass suicide tragedies of Agadongsan (아가동산) and O Dae Yang Corporation (오대양).
Faith Turned Into a Weapon
In the drama, Soryong investigates a religious cult and its charismatic yet abusive leaders. These leaders wield absolute authority over their followers, demanding everything: their savings, their lives, their time, their trust, and their loyalty. They enforce strict control over every aspect of their followers’ lives, relying on psychological manipulation, coercion, and even physical abuse to maintain their grip and punish dissent.
It was hard to watch—especially as a Christian myself. Sadly, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen dramas equate deeply held faith with fanaticism. There seems to be a growing tendency in some K-dramas to paint religious belief, particularly Christianity, with the same brush as cult extremism, which feels both unfair and lazy in its storytelling.
Crosses in the Wrong Places
It was even harder when they used the symbol of the cross and invoked the name of Jesus in the context of this cult. I understand that Unmasked draws from real events involving not just false teachings but chilling crimes: murder, mass suicide, assault, battery, and fraud. Still, the way such cults are portrayed in dramas—without clearly distinguishing them from genuine Christianity—is deeply troubling.
This isn’t the first time I’ve felt this way. Scenes like the so-called crucifixion in the Family Matters drama, murderers and villains attending or praying in church (not that they can’t), or characters saying absurdly selfish prayers often leave me feeling sick. These portrayals are disturbingly common in dramas, and they blur the lines between true faith and twisted distortions.
And I wonder—do other religions get the same treatment? Or is Christianity just the easiest stereotype to lean on?
The Danger of Blurred Lines
Now, this isn’t a religious site, and I don’t intend to turn it into one. But I do feel it’s important to call out the dangers of these blurred lines. When entertainment casually misuses deeply held beliefs for shock value, it risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes—not just about Christians, but about faith communities in general.
Furthermore, for viewers of no particular faith, the constant exposure to such distorted images can normalise the idea that religious devotion inherently leads to extremism, obscuring the positive roles faith often plays in individuals’ and communities’ lives. It feeds into a formulaic shorthand for “evil” or “fanatic”, and that’s worth pausing to reflect on.
Our Role as Viewers
I get it: dramas need villains, tension, and shock value. But I wish there were more care in distinguishing between the corrupt exploitation of faith and the genuine practice of it. Because when that line is carelessly erased, it not only misrepresents millions of sincere believers, it also desensitises viewers to the real horror of these crimes.
As viewers, we hold some responsibility for how we interpret these portrayals. It’s easy to accept what the screen shows us without questioning it, but we should pause and ask: Is this an accurate reflection of faith, or is it a convenient way to heighten drama? By engaging critically with these stories, we can better distinguish between genuine belief and the exploitation of faith for entertainment.
For those curious about the real events, the stories of Agadongsan and O Dae Yang Corporation are sobering reminders of how easily people can be manipulated in the name of belief. And if you’re curious about Christianity itself—apart from the caricatures—I’d recommend Christianity Explored. It’s a clearer window than any K-drama will ever give.
Final Thoughts
These are just my reflections, but I’d love to hear yours. Have you ever watched a show that misrepresented something important to you—faith or otherwise? How did it make you feel? Let’s start a conversation about how we can hold media accountable for portraying belief systems with care and respect.