CONFLICT AND PERSONALITY OF THE MAIN CHARACTER IN KIM YONG-HOON’S MASK GIRL: A PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

This study explores the conflict and personality of the main character, Kim Momi,
in the Korean drama Mask Girl directed by Kim Yong-Hoon. This research
contributes to the understanding of the complex relationships between literature
and psychology, emphasizing the psychological values embedded in literary
works. The research employs a qualitative methodology to investigate the main
character's internal and external conflicts through 30 pieces of dialogue presented
in the script. The analysis of this study are categorized using theories by Kenney
(1966) to analyze the conflict faced by the character and Mc Crae & Costa (2005)
to analyze character‟s personality. The first finding reveals that the main
character, Kim Mo-mi faces several conflicts. Internal Conflict arises from her
struggle with her unattractive face and the societal pressures that hinder her
dreams and external conflict involves her struggles against her mother, her boss,
and the prison authorities, reflecting her battles against other individuals and her
environment. The second finding shows that Kim Mo-mi's personality is
characterized by high Extraversion, showing adaptability and friendliness.
Additionally, she exhibits Agreeableness, demonstrating politeness and kindness
in her interactions. The third finding reveals that the conflict in "Mask Girl"
affects Kim Mo-mi's personality by provoking an emotional response and forcing
her to adapt. The study concludes by emphasizing the significance of
psychological analysis in literary works, particularly in the context of
contemporary Korean dramas like Mask Girl.