Actor Kim Hyung-mook delivers a captivating performance, seamlessly transitioning between a greedy, ambitious character and a helpless 'son fool.'
In the tvN weekend drama 'Undercover Miss Hong,' which aired on the 21st and 22nd, Kim Hyung-mook showcased his irreplaceable scene-stealing prowess. He portrayed the ambitious executive Oh Deok-kyu, who attempts to launder 10 billion won in slush funds, only to end up surrendering his stocks.
In episode 11, Oh Deok-kyu (played by Kim Hyung-mook) joins the PC communication community 'Yeouido Pirates' under the nickname 'YoungFifty,' displaying a sly demeanor that elicited laughter. Despite insisting on maintaining dignity even in anonymous spaces, he showed a hypocritical side by actively agreeing with posts criticizing 'Nora Mom' Choi In-ja (played by Byun Jung-soo).
Notably, when President Shin Jung-woo (played by Go Kyung-pyo) requested the closure of 'Yeouido Pirates,' Oh Deok-kyu boasted, "I have a hotline to the Ministry of Information and Communication," adding a touch of bravado that enriched his character.
However, Oh's true crisis stemmed from his greed. In episode 12, he volunteered for the dangerous task of delivering interest on a politician's slush fund to regain Chairman Kang Pil-beom's (played by Lee Deok-hwa) trust. While trying to keep Song Joo-ran (played by Park Mi-hyun) and Shin Jung-woo in check, he confidently declared, "I'll make them line up behind me." Yet, he was ultimately lured by the bait of 'slush fund laundering' thrown by Hong Geum-bo (played by Park Shin-hye). Despite his skepticism, saying, "There's no such thing as a free lunch," he succumbed to the temptation of an additional 30% fee, anxiously awaiting anonymous calls. Kim Hyung-mook skillfully portrayed Oh's psychological transformation through subtle facial expressions.
Ultimately, Oh Deok-kyu fell into Hong Geum-bo's trap, losing all 10 billion won in cash. In a state of panic, he sold off all his shares in Hanmin Securities, following his son Albert's (played by Jo Han-gyeol) suggestion, "I should become the successor." Unbeknownst to him, his beloved son was actually the leader of the 'Yeouido Pirates,' targeting him all along. This reliance on his son, unaware of the betrayal, heightened the character's tragic irony.
'Undercover Miss Hong' airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr