Park Shin-hye's 'Undercover Miss Hong' Hits Record Ratings Amidst Intriguing Plot Twists

The drama 'Undercover Miss Hong,' starring actress Park Shin-hye, continues to captivate audiences, achieving its highest viewership rating of 10.2%. Park Shin-hye, who tied the knot with actor Choi Tae-joon in 2022, leads the series with her compelling performance.

The eighth episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Undercover Miss Hong,' aired on October 8, depicted the internal chaos at Hanmin Securities during the 1997 financial crisis, commonly known as the 'IMF crisis.' The episode garnered an average nationwide rating of 9.4% and peaked at 10.2%, securing the top spot across all channels, including terrestrial networks, during its time slot. It also marked the third consecutive week of breaking its own viewership records, with the 2049 demographic rating also leading across all channels. (Data provided by Nielsen Korea)

In the episode, Hong Geum-bo (played by Park Shin-hye) cleverly discovers that Manager Bang Jin-mok (played by Kim Do-hyun) is the whistleblower by manipulating the keyboard of the 'So.Bang.Cha' and comparing missing letters from an email. Manager Bang, who had planned to expose internal corruption with President Kang Myung-hwi (played by Choi Won-young), confesses the entire story to Hong but refuses further assistance, stating that no copies of the embezzlement ledger exist, dashing Hong's hopes.

Meanwhile, Go Bok-hee (played by Ha Yoon-kyung), suspicious of the missing ledger, discovers Hong's true identity after visiting her family home. Despite intending to reveal the truth to Secretary Song Ju-ran (played by Park Mi-hyun), Bok-hee hesitates upon learning that Hong was threatened and injured by her own brother, showcasing the growing camaraderie between the two women.

Shin Jung-woo (played by Go Kyung-pyo) also fears for Hong's safety amidst the unfolding events at Hanmin Securities and pleads with Director Yoon Jae-bum (played by Kim Won-hae) to reinstate her at the Financial Supervisory Service. However, Director Yoon acknowledges Hong's determination and integrity, stating, "While people like President Shin and I aim to survive, Hong Geum-bo aims to win."

As the stormy days pass, the harsh reality of the financial crisis unfolds, with Hanmin Securities and other companies seeking government bailouts. Chairman Kang Pil-beom (played by Lee Deok-hwa) instructs Shin Jung-woo to engage in accounting fraud to secure public funds. A secret task force is formed, and executives, including 'So.Bang.Cha,' begin manipulating financial documents in a basement.

Hong Geum-bo, suspicious of the activities, gains access to the task force room and swaps the falsified reports with her own. Despite a close call with the deadline, Shin Jung-woo submits Hong's report, revealing his foresight in anticipating the IMF crisis and securing his position as president of Hanmin Securities.

Ultimately, Hanmin Securities fails to receive public funds, leading to a financial crisis for all involved, including Hong's parents and her roommate Kim Mi-sook (played by Kang Chae-young), who face significant losses. Manager Bang, questioning the company's rejection, confronts Shin Jung-woo, who implicates Hong in the decision, straining their relationship further. Bang declares, "Even if the sky falls, we will never be on the same side," foreshadowing intense conflict ahead.

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