Premiering on the 17th, tvN's weekend drama 'Undercover Miss Hong' (directed by Park Sun-ho, written by Moon Hyun-kyung) captivated viewers with its fast-paced storyline. The first episode, set against the backdrop of 1990s Yeouido, introduced elite securities supervisor Hong Geum-bo (played by Park Shin-hye) as she embarks on a daring mission to uncover the truth behind suspicious slush funds by disguising herself as a 20-year-old entry-level employee. The ratings for the premiere episode averaged 3.5% nationwide, peaking at 4.3%, with metropolitan areas averaging 3.2% and peaking at 4%, according to Nielsen Korea.
Hong Geum-bo, known as the 'Witch of Yeouido' for her exceptional skills and fearless approach, made a powerful entrance in the drama. Her refusal to compromise with injustice and her bold actions, including delivering a high kick to her superior, left a strong impression from the start. Amidst this, Hong Geum-bo receives an email from a person named 'Yeppi' containing a tip-off about corruption at Hanmin Securities. She decides to team up with CEO Kang Myung-hwi (played by Choi Won-young) to gather evidence against Hanmin Securities.
However, the situation takes a drastic turn when CEO Kang dies in an unexpected accident, raising suspicions of a possible extreme choice due to pressure from an investigation. This incident sparks public criticism towards the securities supervisory body, allowing Hanmin Securities to escape crisis. Hong Geum-bo finds herself in a tight spot, facing disciplinary action for communicating separately with CEO Kang. Her superior, Director Yoon Jae-beom (played by Kim Won-hae), proposes an unconventional plan for her to infiltrate Hanmin Securities as an entry-level employee to find the slush fund ledger. Initially hesitant, Hong Geum-bo changes her mind after witnessing a deceitful public press conference by Chairman Kang Pil-beom (played by Lee Deok-hwa), recalling memories from her past at an accounting firm.
Hong Geum-bo's comedic transformation to appear as a 20-year-old brought laughter. With special tutoring from her younger sister Hong Jang-mi (played by Shin Yuna), she undergoes a makeover from head to toe, even borrowing her sister's identity to take the entrance exam, successfully infiltrating Hanmin Securities as a new employee. Her refreshing actions against the discriminatory remarks and outdated views of company executives prevalent in the end-of-century society provided catharsis.
Hong Geum-bo is dedicated to uncovering Hanmin Securities' slush funds and revealing the identity of 'Yeppi,' CEO Kang's ally and whistleblower. She focuses on getting closer to Go Bok-hee (played by Ha Yoon-kyung), CEO Kang's dedicated secretary who managed his schedule, by moving into a dormitory for unmarried female workers in Seoul. The mysterious cohabitation begins as Kang Noh-ra (played by Choi Ji-soo), Chairman Kang's hidden daughter who joined Hanmin Securities, and Kim Mi-sook (played by Kang Chae-young), a teller at Hanmin Securities' Magang branch, also gather in room 301. The sharp gaze of Go Bok-hee, who seems to see through Hong Geum-bo's identity, creates tension from their first meeting.
The first episode of 'Undercover Miss Hong' delivered exhilarating entertainment by unraveling the heavy theme of 1990s securities corruption investigation through a retro office comedy. The diverse characters and the actors' outstanding performances, boasting high synchronization, provided an immersive experience from the start. Notably, Park Shin-hye firmly anchored the drama with her multifaceted portrayal of a cold elite securities supervisor and a fresh 20-year-old new employee.
In the upcoming second episode airing on the 18th, a new CEO succeeding Kang will appear, shaking up the internal power dynamics at Hanmin Securities. Meanwhile, Hong Geum-bo's challenging office life will unfold, as she struggles to maintain her cover among her colleagues, heightening anticipation. Viewers are eager to see how 'Undercover Miss Hong,' with its strong characters and exhilarating narrative, will continue to evoke laughter and empathy.
tvN's weekend drama 'Undercover Miss Hong' will air its second episode on the 18th at 9:10 PM.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr