As of the 25th, the fourth episode of the tvN weekend drama 'Undercover Miss Hong' aired, capturing viewers' hearts with its unprecedented retro office comedy. The show achieved its highest viewership rating yet, reaching 7.4% in household ratings, according to Nielsen Korea, which includes cable, IPTV, and satellite platforms.
Moreover, on January 28th, 'Undercover Miss Hong' entered Netflix's Top 10 for non-English shows, ranking 6th and making it into the Top 10 in 14 countries, showcasing its solid global performance.
The show also stood out in terms of buzz. According to FUNdex, the official platform of Good Data Corporation, it ranked first in TV drama buzz for the fourth week of January, while lead actress Park Shin-hye ranked third in the performer category, proving the high level of interest. Additionally, within just two weeks of airing, it achieved a digital cumulative view count of 150 million (as of January 25), which is 130% of the average view count for tvN weekend dramas aired in 2025, clearly demonstrating 'Undercover Miss Hong's' ability to captivate viewers.
The plot follows elite securities inspector Hong Geum-bo, who becomes embroiled in a scandal and goes undercover at Hanmin Securities to find a hidden slush fund ledger and the whistleblower 'Yebbi.' The fast-paced storyline leaves a strong impression from the start. Despite facing various challenges after joining Hanmin Securities, Hong Geum-bo's clever handling of obstacles showcases his resourceful nature. His dynamic with Cha Joong-il (played by Lim Chul-soo), who constantly challenges him, adds a thrilling catharsis. The unfolding of 'Yebbi' candidates, the overarching undercover mission, and the happenings at Hanmin Securities' crisis management department and dormitory room 301 keep the story engaging and viewers hooked. The unique narrative of 'Undercover Miss Hong' quickly gained word-of-mouth praise within just two weeks of its premiere.
The gap between the 35-year-old veteran and the 20-year-old rookie is bridged by Park Shin-hye's stellar performance. Her character, Hong Geum-bo, undergoes a bold makeover for the undercover mission, and Park Shin-hye showcases the character's charm through a range of styles, from a neat long hairstyle to a fresh bob. She also perfectly portrays Hong Geum-bo's gradual transformation. Initially giving unsolicited advice to strangers, Hong Geum-bo eventually walks alongside others, forming friendships and displaying warmth, adding depth to the character's growth, which is convincingly brought to life by Park Shin-hye's nuanced acting.
Not only does the protagonist Hong Geum-bo shine with unique charm, but the surrounding characters also make a strong impression with their distinct personalities and appeal within just four episodes. In dormitory room 301, Hong Geum-bo forms a 'womance' with Go Bok-hee (played by Ha Yoon-kyung), Kang No-ra (played by Choi Ji-soo), and Kim Mi-sook (played by Kang Chae-young), who are a secretive quartet with stories to tell, navigating between caution and camaraderie. Additionally, the enigmatic new CEO Go Kyung-pyo (played by Shin Jung-woo) and the naive parachute manager Albert Oh (played by Jo Han-gyeol), along with the 'Yebbi' candidates, Hanmin Securities' 'So.Bang.Cha' trio, each bring tension and entertainment with their distinct stories, captivating the audience. The natural chemistry among the diverse cast of characters resonates with viewers.
'Undercover Miss Hong' episode 5 will air on the 31st at 9:10 PM.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr