'Undercover Miss Hong' Doubles Ratings in Just Four Episodes: Park Shin-hye Shares the Drama's Charm

'Undercover Miss Hong' has seen its ratings double in just four episodes, with lead actress Park Shin-hye sharing the drama's appeal.

The fourth episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Undercover Miss Hong,' which aired on the 25th, recorded an average nationwide rating of 7.4%, peaking at 9%, and a metropolitan rating of 7.2%, peaking at 8.7%. This is more than double the 3.5% rating of the first episode.

At the heart of this success is the chemistry among the characters, centered around the protagonist Hong Geum-bo, played by Park Shin-hye. In the drama, Hong Geum-bo transforms from a 35-year-old elite securities supervisor to a 20-year-old junior employee, undertaking an undercover mission. Her undeniable presence leads to various incidents with those around her. The drama explores her warm friendships, strong camaraderie, and complex relationships with her superiors.

In Room 301 of a dormitory for unmarried female workers in Seoul, Hong Geum-bo, 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) form a secretive quartet, each with their own untold stories. Initially wary of each other, they grow closer as they face various incidents at Hanmin Securities together. When Hong Geum-bo faces a dismissal crisis due to a mistaken order, they anonymously manipulate public opinion online to save her, celebrating together once the issue is resolved.

The Crisis Management Department, including parachute director Albert Oh (played by Jo Han-gyeol), ambitionless manager Bang Jin-mok (played by Kim Do-hyun), and computer whiz Lee Yong-gi (played by Jang Do-ha), was once overlooked at Hanmin Securities. However, with Hong Geum-bo's emphasis on innovation and efficiency, the department inadvertently improves its performance, shedding its reputation as a backwater division. Team members, who seemed stuck in a rut, show subtle teamwork by supporting each other during overnight shifts and secretly listening in on disciplinary hearings concerning Hong Geum-bo.

Despite joining as a 20-year-old junior employee, Hong Geum-bo struggles to hide her bold work ethic and confident demeanor, known as the 'Yeouido Witch.' Surrounded by problematic superiors like CEO Shin Jung-woo (played by Go Kyung-pyo), who is close to discovering her identity, and Research Department Manager Cha Joong-il (played by Lim Chul-soo), who constantly undermines her, Hong Geum-bo maintains her composure, countering falsehoods with her characteristic sharpness.

Park Shin-hye, who plays Hong Geum-bo, stated, "'Undercover Miss Hong' is a showcase of chemistry. The interactions between the Financial Supervisory Service, Hanmin Securities' Crisis Management Department, and the four roommates in Room 301 are not to be missed. As the series progresses, these dynamic relationships will continue to captivate viewers, so please watch with affection."

'Undercover Miss Hong' airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM.

Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr