'Undercover Miss Hong' Breaks Ratings Records with Engaging 1990s Drama

The drama 'Undercover Miss Hong', starring actress Park Shin-hye who debuted in 2003, continues its successful run by surpassing double-digit ratings.

tvN's weekend drama 'Undercover Miss Hong' is making waves with its captivating storyline. The 11th episode, aired on the 21st, achieved an average nationwide rating of 10.6% and a peak of 12.6% across cable, IPTV, and satellite platforms. In the metropolitan area, it recorded an average of 10.7% and a peak of 13.1%, setting a new personal best. The drama also topped the 2049 target demographic ratings nationwide and in the metropolitan area, maintaining its lead across all channels in its time slot.

'Undercover Miss Hong' seamlessly incorporates elements from the late 1990s, particularly the 1997 financial crisis known as the IMF crisis. The drama goes beyond retro-themed props and character styling, integrating significant historical events into its narrative, creating a more immersive experience.

The IMF crisis, which left lasting scars on society, is realistically portrayed. Hanmin Securities undergoes restructuring, reducing its workforce by 40%, and Hong Geum-bo's (played by Park Shin-hye) roommate Kim Mi-sook (played by Kang Chae-young) attempts a drastic decision, highlighting the crisis's impact on both corporate finances and personal lives. Additionally, the national gold collection campaign, where citizens donated gold to repay foreign debt, is depicted through Hong Geum-bo's father, Hong Chun-seop (played by Kim Young-woong), who offers his daughters' gold rings, showcasing the collective effort and dedication of the people during the national crisis.

The Yeouido Pirates, a group gaining prominence in the latter part of the series, is another product of the era's authenticity. In the 1990s, PC communication allowed real-time text interactions through bulletin boards and chat rooms, which declined with the advent of the internet. The Yeouido Pirates, a variable in Hong Geum-bo's undercover mission, capture the essence of PC communication from that era, drawing viewers' attention.

The drama also introduces a scam involving old currency, devised by Hong Geum-bo, Go Bok-hee (played by Ha Yoon-kyung), Albert Oh (played by Jo Han-gyeol), and Lee Yong-gi (played by Jang Do-ha). The scam, which involved impersonating high-ranking politicians and NIS officials to launder cash in exchange for a fee, was a real-life scheme that resulted in numerous victims. Hong Geum-bo and her colleagues successfully use this method to acquire slush funds from Hanmin Securities by approaching Albert Oh's father, Oh Deok-gyu (played by Kim Hyung-mook).

'Undercover Miss Hong' delivers meaningful messages by blending fictional stories with historical elements from the late 1990s. The drama reflects real-world crises and conflicts, showcasing the characters' wisdom and warm family and camaraderie, which shine brightly.

The 13th episode of 'Undercover Miss Hong' will air on the 28th at 9:10 PM.

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