TV
Jo Han-gyeol Shines as Albert Oh in 'Undercover Miss Hong', Captivating Viewers with Unique Charm
Set in the late 1990s, 'Undercover Miss Hong' is a retro office comedy drama where elite securities supervisor Hong Geum-bo, played by Park Shin-hye, goes undercover at a securities firm to track suspicious financial flows. Jo Han-gyeol plays Albert Oh, the free-spirited cinephile grandson of the chairman of Hanmin Securities and the only son of Executive Director Oh Deok-kyu.
Jo Han-gyeol's portrayal of Albert Oh combines the carefree nature of a cinephile and a third-generation chaebol with a sense of responsibility and excitement for his work, establishing him as a compelling secondary male lead. Despite being overwhelmed with tasks like the computerization of the crisis management department and the order mistake incident involving Geum-bo, Albert shows a willingness to contribute as a valuable team member.
Albert often appears to be detached, but his demeanor subtly changes around Geum-bo. His reactions to her words and expressions, along with witty dialogues, create a clear emotional line that naturally enhances their chemistry.
In episodes 5 and 6, aired on the 31st and 1st, Jo Han-gyeol portrayed a cautious and human approach during Albert and Geum-bo's first date, opting for understated romance over exaggerated gestures. This nuanced performance added a realistic touch to their budding romance, creating a convincing dynamic of a younger man in love.
Albert's cinephile perspective, which usually involves watching movies at work, translates into keen observational skills during crises. His carefree attitude, like riding a motorcycle to work, becomes intriguingly serious in Geum-bo's presence, adding a delightful layer of fun. Jo Han-gyeol skillfully balances the subtle transformation of this chaebol character with his acting prowess, drawing attention.
Meanwhile, tvN's 'Undercover Miss Hong' airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM.
By Yeji Ryu, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr
