This week’s episodes of ‘Undercover Miss Hong’ are out, and the story is starting to reach a boiling point.
For starters, let’s just say it was a grave and high-stakes weekend for sure. The story of Miss Hong is reaching its peak within the plot. With the fake facades cracking off every character, the stakes are rising and the outcomes are getting grim. These two episodes were action-packed and heavy, especially with respect to Miss Hong. There’s a whole host of groundwork being laid here, which will set off a domino effect that could either cause the downfall or ensure the success of Miss Hong’s mission, along with impacting the lives of many other characters.
Let’s dive into it.
Episode 9
This episode begins with a heavy atmosphere, continuing the tragic fate of Mi-Sook from the previous episode. The consequences of past actions are catching up with all the characters, but those most affected are the ones with the least amount of power. The IMF crisis, which caused the country’s economic collapse, should have impacted corporates like Hanmin the most, yet it is the common people who suffer the most.
To be honest, this episode serves as a harsh reality check in fictional form. The instances depicted in the story mirror the struggles of lower-level corporate employees and middle-class individuals across time and cultures. Mi-Sook and Bom, the two characters every viewer was happy to see happy, are the first to suffer, despite having taken the fewest actions and holding the least power from the very beginning. It was also a wake-up call for Miss Hong. Mi-Sook’s drastic attempt has left her comatose, but the ripple effect of her actions has undoubtedly impacted the plans of other characters.
What actually bothered me was the lack of empathy shown by some characters in this episode. Yes, they are acting, and acting exceptionally well if they can make me dislike their characters, but some of the insensitive and downright inhumane words and actions truly chilled me to the bone.
I wrote in last week’s review that “there’s no way to NOT understand each and every point of view and character in this series as viewers who are overlooking the story,” but it becomes difficult when your morals are tested left, right, and center. There were many moments in this episode that made me pause and think, can someone really think or act this way? and is there really no humanity left in them to reflect on the words they speak?
Without giving away spoilers, this episode is built on realizations, atonement, betrayals, and bitter truths.
Episode 10
This episode can be called a turning point, or the point of no return, for Miss Hong. Her identity has now been exposed to all her roommates, and both her approach and goals have shifted. This episode also reveals the intricate web of lies and deception surrounding Hanmin Securities.
Facing the consequences of the economic crisis, Miss Hong is left with no backing, even after finding the ‘lost’ slush fund ledger. She takes matters into her own hands in a joint operation with Go Bok Hee. However, she also risks exposing herself to Song Ju Ra.
This episode was lighter than Episode 9 in the sense that most of the major tragedies had already occurred. I also found myself repeatedly thinking that Shin Jeong U should mind his own business, find a hobby (and conscience), and not dabble in romantic affairs with ANYONE. Go Bok Hee is now on my ‘not-so-evil’ list, given that she’s only after ‘dirty’ money and remains loyal to her friends. Chairman Kang, on the other hand, needs to either tone down his greed or give up entirely, because there’s a new player in town capable of bleeding him dry (I have a nagging feeling they’ll be doing so alongside Hong Geum Bo).
Final Thoughts
Overall, this week’s episodes leaned more into the drama and crime aspects of the series rather than comedy. I was reminded of movie ‘Ocean’s 8′ while watching the girls hatch and execute their plans, perhaps because they’re planning a heist? I liked that segment for sure.
Yuna’s special appearance (and the circumstances surrounding it) as the real Hong Jang Mi did make me giggle a bit, because why is there a cram school in the middle of nowhere!?
I absolutely loved Hong Geum Bo’s determination. Despite all the hurdles in her path, she never backs down and remains a true source of inspiration. She’s bold, unapologetic, and most importantly, authentically herself, even if that means stepping on a few toes.
There’s also a layer of mystery surrounding the Yeouido Pirates’ Captain and their connection to Hanmin (I have my guesses, but I’ll keep them to myself for now), as well as the dangerous task ahead of Miss Hong to ‘clean’ and save Hanmin Securities.
By the end of it all, I have high expectations for the battle arc that’s about to unfold. However, I would personally prefer to see more of Geum Bo’s personal development and her relationships with her 301 roommates, her parents, and her colleagues, rather than focusing heavily on romance.
What are your thoughts on these two episodes?
Written By: N.V.S. Akanksha
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