Gong Myung Shines in New tvN Drama 'Secret Audit' with Stellar Performance

Actor Gong Myung is making a significant impact in the new tvN drama 'Secret Audit'. His chemistry with co-star Shin Hye-sun has exceeded expectations, showcasing his impressive acting skills and earning positive reviews for his performance.

Premiering on the 25th of last month, 'Secret Audit' tells the story of Joo In-ah, a secretive audit manager, and No Gi-jun, an ace auditor demoted to handle internal misconduct. Gong Myung plays No Gi-jun, a character who falls from grace, and his portrayal is a key element of the drama. His ability to convey the emotional shifts of his character has been praised for enhancing viewer engagement from the start.

The show's ratings are also on an upward trend. Following the conclusion of 'How to Become a Building Owner in Korea' with a 3.7% rating, 'Secret Audit' debuted with a 4.4% rating and climbed to 6.3% by the second episode. The actors' compelling performances and the fast-paced direction have been well-received, increasing the show's buzz.

Before the show's release, public attention was primarily on Shin Hye-sun. After being recognized for her lead role in 'Lady Dua', she returned with 'Secret Audit' just two months later, taking on a new romantic comedy role. Given her recent string of serious roles in 'She Died', 'To My Harry', and 'Lady Dua', there was curiosity about her shift to a lighter genre.

In contrast, expectations for Gong Myung were relatively lower. Some anticipated that he would merely support Shin Hye-sun's storyline, but the atmosphere changed dramatically after the first episode.

Gong Myung has brought his character to life with a charming comedic performance. His lively acting style and stable chemistry with the cast have been praised for enhancing the drama's rhythm. His seamless transition between seriousness and humor has added depth to the scenes.

The chemistry between Gong Myung and Shin Hye-sun is a crucial element of the show. Rather than one overshadowing the other, their performances complement each other, creating a synergy that balances romance and comedy, earning positive feedback.

Gong Myung debuted in 2013 with the web drama 'After School: Lucky or Not' and gained the 'million actor' title with the 2019 film 'Extreme Job', which attracted 16.26 million viewers. He also impressed audiences with his warm and gentle character in the drama 'Be Melodramatic' the same year. However, his subsequent roles did not leave a lasting impact.

Last year, Gong Myung continued to work steadily, starring in 'One Week Before My Death', 'Please Abstain', 'Square', and 'History of Confession', but struggled to make a strong impression. With 'Secret Audit', he is seen as having a chance to turn things around and redefine his career.

Though only two episodes have aired, Gong Myung is already exceeding expectations. His stable acting and natural character portrayal are enhancing the drama's quality, expanding his presence. It remains to be seen if Gong Myung will create a new iconic character in his career.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr