Netflix‘s new crime rom-com series is the perfect way to fill your weekends with chaos and laughter.
It’s rare for crime, romance, comedy, and drama to blend into a premise that truly works, but this one is standing on business. Watching just the trailer for ‘Undercover Miss Hong’ had me intrigued, curious and excited about the series and of course, about the character of Miss Hong. When the premiere finally arrived, it delivered far beyond what I had expected.
Cast: Park Shin Hye, Ko Kyung Pyo, Ha Yoon Kyung, Cho Han Gyeol
Episodes: 16
New Episodes: Premieres every Saturday and Sunday
Original Network: tvN
Available on: TVING, Netflix
Set in the tumultuous year of 1997, this 16 episode drama follows Hong Geum Bo (played by Park Shin Hye), a cool-headed professional in her 30s, who works as an elite investigator at the Financial Supervisory Service. After failing to prosecute a Hanmin Securities despite detecting suspicious financial flows, she goes undercover as a 20‑year‑old high school graduate to gather evidence and track down the whistleblower known as ‘Yehppee.’ Taking on the identity of her younger sister, Hong Jang Mi, she successfully infiltrates the company, only to come face‑to‑face with its newly appointed CEO, Shin Jeong U (played by Ko Kyung Pyo), her former lover.
Let’s get into the details of what this drama and its characters have in store.
The Characters
Hong Geum Bo (played by Park Shin Hye)
In my humble experience of watching K-dramas, one thing I’ve noticed is Park Shin Hye never misses when it comes to playing cool industry powerhouses!
Her character, Hong Geum Bo, is known as the Witch of Yeouido (Seoul’s financial district). When undercover, she’s quick to adapt the cutthroat and no-nonsense personality of her infamous sister who was known for her rebellious nature during her high school years. Across these first 2 episodes, it’s evident that she’s a career woman through and through, willing to go to any lengths to finish what she started.
Her personality is pretty straightforward, which she retains even while undercover (from the brief glimpse of her sister’s character, it’s evident that they share this trait). In her personal life, she maintains a warm connection with her parents, albeit unwilling to put up with their blind date set-ups. Labeled a ‘spinster,’ she shows some concern for vanity, though not excessively (after all who doesn’t want to look younger?).
Given the time setting of the drama, it’s fascinating to see Geum Bo dominate the workplace in Yeouido as a woman, while also taking on the risky mission of going undercover.
Shin Jeong U (played by Ko Kyung Pyo)
Shin Jeong U is a level headed natural talent when it comes to management. He’s a firm believer in numbers and portrayed as formal and dedicated in his role as the newly appointed CEO of Hanmin Securities. However, is it truly an office rom-com, if the CEO is nothing more than a rule stickler?
In a flashback scene where Geum Bo reflects on her past with him, it’s revealed that Shin Jeong U was once a kindhearted, supportive, and loving boyfriend. The brief glimpse of the couple’s previous interactions at the workplace shows that he is the type to keep his professional and private lives separate, but never entirely divided.
So what can be expected from him? There’s a lot going on when it comes to his position at the company, as of now he seems to be an underdog with illusionary power, but there are also hints of something else going on behind the scene. Going forward, the plot might position him as a surprising dark horse.
Where Did Yehppee Go?
You might be wondering ‘who is Yehppee?’. ‘Yehppee’ is an important part of the plot. He’s the whistleblower responsible for collecting and passing data from Hanmin securities to our Miss Hong. But after the ‘accident’ of the former CEO Kang Myung Hwi (played by Choi Won Young), he goes silent.
The undercover mission itself is a desperate attempt for her to retrieve the slush fund ledger promised by CEO Kang and Yehppee, or to track down Yehppee himself in order to reopen the case and push it through prosecution.
At present, Miss Hong has three candidates in mind, but my K‑drama instincts point toward the overlooked yet flashy Albert, also known as Oh A Ram (played by Cho Han Gyeol), President Kang’s grandson (though don’t take my word for it!).
The Secretary Wars
One more important aspect of the plot seems to revolve around the secretaries of Hanmin. Each, driven by their own ambitions, is always ready to sabotage anyone standing in their path. This brings us to Ko Bok Hui (played by Ha Yoon Kyung). From her very first appearance, Bok‑hui is in the thick of the action. As the secretary of the CEO, she’s often enjoyed the perks and privileges that come with the position. However, after the death of CEO Kang, she’s faced with the impending threat of losing her job.
All seems fine, but as you’d have it, she’s the key for Miss Hong to catch hold of Yehppee. As Hong Geum Bo integrates herself into her new ‘workplace,’ Bok hui is seen to be the primary beneficiary, managing to secure her position thanks to Geum Bo’s help. But by the end of episode two, a shocking reveal makes it clear that this ‘secretary’ is far more complex than she initially appears.
Final Thoughts
It’s clearly a slow-buildup drama, with plenty of surprises in store for the viewers. The first two episodes of the series strike a good balance between the multiple genres of the drama. The casting of legendary, and well-loved veteran actors in supporting roles further ensures that the series hits its mark, delivering impeccable chemistry on screen. The character and team dynamics give a similar feel as the well‑known drama centered on an Italian consigliere.
So, dare I say that it has the potential of becoming one of the most talked-about dramas of the season? Probably yes, in its own right. I’m intrigued and looking forward to see how Miss Hong will pursue her mission unscathed, given the new developments that have placed unforeseen hurdles in her path.
What are your thoughts?
Written by: NVS Akanksha
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