A new workplace comedy is about to bring the chaotic energy of a 1990s securities firm to screens. Park Shin Hye makes her long-awaited television return in Undercover Miss Hong, a drama that promises a mix of undercover investigations and comedic mishaps. Ahead of its premiere, the show has released details about a disastrous first encounter between Park Shin Hye’s character and the one played by rising star Cho Han Gyul, setting the stage for a hilarious and complicated office relationship.
The upcoming series is set in late-1990s Seoul and follows the story of Hong Geum-bo, a 35-year-old elite inspector with the Financial Supervisory Service. When her agency detects suspicious money movements at Hanmin Securities, Geum-bo uses her naturally youthful appearance to go undercover. She pretends to be a 20-year-old junior employee named Hong Jang-mi to investigate from the inside. What should be a straightforward mission quickly turns into a series of comedic errors, especially after a very strange first impression with a key company figure.
The “19+” Video Store Mix-Up That Sparks a Major Misunderstanding
The drama offers a glimpse into the lead characters’ first, highly awkward meeting. Before starting her undercover job, Hong Geum-bo decides to test if she can convincingly pass for someone in their twenties. Her method? Trying to rent a video meant for viewers over the age of 19. It is during this attempt that she runs into Albert Oh, played by Cho Han Gyul.
Newly released images from the drama show the two characters in a standoff, both focused on the same video tape. This chance encounter creates an immediate and strong misunderstanding. From Geum-bo’s perspective, Albert Oh leaves the impression of being a “pervert”. Albert, an avid film lover, is left completely bewildered and unable to hide his shock at being perceived in such a way. This messy first meeting leaves a lasting mark on both of them, creating a foundation of comedic tension that is sure to follow them into the workplace.
From Video Store to Office: Their Professional Worlds Collide
The story does not let this awkward moment fade. Soon after their video store clash, Hong Geum-bo and Albert Oh find themselves face-to-face again, but this time in a professional setting. Geum-bo begins her undercover role as a new hire at Hanmin Securities. To her surprise, Albert Oh is the director of the crisis management department at the very same firm.
Albert is not at the company by pure choice. He is the grandson of the chairman, making him a “nepo baby” who was essentially forced into the job. He finds the daily routine of corporate life dull and uninteresting. The arrival of Hong Geum-bo, who is secretly sharp and investigative despite her rookie facade, promises to disrupt his predictable world in ways he never expected. Their dynamic shifts from a simple personal misunderstanding to a complex professional relationship where hidden identities and corporate roles add new layers of comedy and intrigue.
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A Star-Studded Cast Brings the Late-1990s Office to Life
Undercover Miss Hong boasts a strong ensemble cast that brings depth to the office comedy. Park Shin Hye leads the show, marking her first drama role in eight years. She is joined by Go Kyung-pyo, who plays Shin Jeong-woo, the ambitious new CEO of Hanmin Securities. Intriguingly, Jeong-woo and Geum-bo share a past romantic relationship that ended because of an unexpected incident. Their undercover reunion at the company is filled with surprise and complicated emotions, adding another thread to the narrative.
Ha Yoon-kyung plays Ko Bok-hui, a sharp and capable secretary at Hanmin Securities. The actor describes her character as having a “capitalist smile” at work but being a “prim, slightly annoying eldest-unni” in the employee dormitory. Bok-hui is outwardly snappy but warm-hearted, a friend you “just can’t bring yourself to hate”. The cast is rounded out by K-pop star Yuna from the group ITZY, making her acting debut as Hong Jang-mi, Geum-bo’s younger sister.
Key Details for Viewers: When and Where to Watch
The series is scheduled to premiere on Saturday, January 17, 2026. It will air on the Korean network tvN every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM Korean Standard Time (KST). For international audiences, the drama will be available to stream globally on Netflix. This release strategy makes the show easily accessible to viewers around the world who are eager to see Park Shin Hye’s return to television and the comedic chaos of Undercover Miss Hong.
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