Park Shin-hye's Thrilling Undercover Mission in 'Undercover Miss Hong' Captivates Viewers

Park Shin-hye embarks on a thrilling undercover mission amidst a whirlwind of unexpected challenges.

The second episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Undercover Miss Hong,' aired on the 18th, ended with a nail-biting cliffhanger as Hong Geum-bo (played by Park Shin-hye) and Shin Jung-woo (played by Go Kyung-pyo) were on the verge of a tense reunion. The episode showcased Hong Geum-bo's new life as she disguises herself as a 20-year-old entry-level employee, transitioning from her previous role as a 35-year-old elite securities supervisor, bringing both tension and humor to the screen.

The episode garnered a nationwide viewership rating of 5.7%, a 2.2% increase from the first episode. Meanwhile, KBS's 'Beloved Bandit' recorded a 6.9% rating, marking a successful rebound for KBS after a series of underperforming dramas last year.

In the second episode, Hong Geum-bo navigates the workplace norms of the past with her unique style. On her first day at Hanmin Securities, she faces subtle disrespect from her superiors, often being called 'Miss Hong,' but she doesn't easily succumb. Notably, her roommate Go Bok-hee (played by Ha Yoon-kyung), a secretary with a solid career, is looked down upon by college-educated secretaries due to her educational background, prompting Hong Geum-bo to clench her fists in frustration. Their conflict escalates into a physical altercation, providing comedic relief as Hong Geum-bo undergoes a harsh initiation.

Assigned to the Crisis Management Department at Hanmin Securities, Hong Geum-bo encounters Albert Oh (played by Jo Han-gyeol), whom she met at a video store days earlier. Albert's keen interest in Hong Geum-bo adds another layer of complexity to her undercover mission. Meanwhile, the tension peaks as the identity of the new president, succeeding Kang Myung-hwi (played by Choi Won-young), is revealed to be none other than Hong Geum-bo's former lover, Shin Jung-woo. This revelation places Hong Geum-bo in a precarious situation where her cover could be blown, casting doubt on the success of her mission.

Go Bok-hee, who previously assisted President Kang Myung-hwi, faces the threat of dismissal, while Hong Geum-bo is unexpectedly appointed as the new president's secretary. Desperate to avoid a confrontation with Shin Jung-woo, Hong Geum-bo teams up with Go Bok-hee to devise a plan. During a meeting, they ensure that only Shin Jung-woo can seamlessly answer Chairman Kang Pil-beom's (played by Lee Deok-hwa) barrage of questions. Additionally, Hong Geum-bo discreetly shares Shin Jung-woo's preferences, helping Go Bok-hee earn favor. Ultimately, Go Bok-hee retains her position as the president's secretary, hinting at a budding camaraderie between the two.

However, the relief is short-lived. It is revealed that Go Bok-hee has a suspicious work history, having left each previous job after just one year, and was reported for embezzlement at her former workplace. Furthermore, Go Bok-hee secretly possesses the slush fund ledger that Yespi was supposed to deliver, adding a dramatic twist. Torn between trust and suspicion, Hong Geum-bo sneaks into the president's office to obtain President Kang Myung-hwi's schedule records, only to find herself face-to-face with Shin Jung-woo, leading to a suspenseful ending.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr